Query about MS..

sporina

A friend of mine was diagnosed with MS about 4 yrs ago.. diagnosed by MRI - white spots shown (this is the info he has given me)..

His symptoms come and go.. numbness and tingling dropping things, gets words mixed up... nothing major..

Apparently his specialist told him it could "burn out" or something..

He is not taking any medication..

But my friend is wondering whether or not he should be on medication.. in order to prevent it from getting worse - does anyone have any thoughts on this? Perhaps from those in the know..

TIA

Nigel Fairservice

I have heard of people with MS not being on medication. I don't know how common it is. It's probably a conversation he should have with his MS nurse and neurologist.

byhookorbycrook

Could it be clinically isolated syndrome?

• " High risk of developing MS: When CIS is accompanied by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected brain lesions that are similar to those seen in MS, the person has a 60 to 80 percent chance of a second neurologic event and diagnosis of MS within several years."

"An accurate diagnosis at this time is important because people with a high risk of developing MS are encouraged to begin treatment with a disease-modifying therapy in order to delay or prevent a second neurologic episode and, therefore, the onset of MS. In addition, early treatment may minimize future disability caused by further inflammation and damage to nerve cells, which are sometimes silent (occurring without any noticeable symptoms"

https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS/Clinically-Isolated-Syndrome-(CIS)

sporina

he has spoke to his Dr but Dr says he'll only put him on meds if it persists..

he has had a good few MRI's now and they all show some white spots (indicating MS, from what I gather)

cj maxx

Is this Dr his neurologist or Gp. Only a neurologist can prescribe DMD's AFAIK.

sporina

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118139698#Comment_118139698

oh a Neurologist... he doesn't wanna prescribe him meds at this point apparently.. but my mate is wondering if he should be on some - to prevent it from getting worse??

babyboom

I'm not any kind of expert but I think there are different types of MS. My friend has progressive MS. Her mobility is completely gone and she will never improve, only worsen. She is on meds to try to slow the progression of her condition. I have a relative with MS also but you really wouldn't know if you met them. They have bouts where it flairs up but they are never incompacitated to any great degree and are not on meds. Thats not to say their condition is without problems but they can carry on a relatively normal life. Maybe your friend falls into the latter category.

cj maxx

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118141608#Comment_118141608

I'd tend to agree with your friend, and my neurologist agreed. Start DMDs now while your still relatively symptom free. It only slows the disease not reverse symptoms. My neurologist was also keen to start me on one straight away.

cj maxx

Then again if the neurologist is against meds there may be doubts about MS as opposed to a plethora of neurological diseases. Good luck either way.

whelan2

Are the white spots getting worse or staying the same?