Fear of the unknown
In 1996 I had a bout of dizziness and electrical zap type feelings - had a brain MRI done which I now know showed about 3 lesions consistent with demyelinating diseases (although at the time, the doctor just told me I had some normal white spots). Because of my age, it was considered nothing, and as the symptoms eventually went away, I forgot about it.
Fast forward many years, after experiencing numerous issues with pain, fatigue, recurring strange sensations, etc etc etc , I remembered that long ago MRI and the mention of white spots. Decided to see a neurologist with my symptom log, a copy of old MRI report in hand. She ordered MRIs of brain, cervical and thoracic spine. New MRI showed now 8 brain lesions, no lesions in spine. Lumbar puncture was ordered and although oligochlonal bands were found, because they were also present in my serum it was deemed inconclusive. According to her I didn't meet criteria for an MS diagnosis.
My question is: If I had an event in 1996 with my dizziness and initial MRI showing lesions, wouldn't any of my subsequent doctors visits over the years for a myriad of unexplained pain and issues (in addition to my daily chronic issues) be sufficient to meet the dissemination in both time and space of the McDonald Criteria? Time - 1996 3 lesions, 2022 8 lesions. Space - dizziness/electrical zap, arm pain and tingling, jerky movements, difficulty walking/balance, and other issues.
I feel like some people are diagnosed with less established evidence than I have.
What are your thoughts? Where do I go from here? I know something is wrong with me and I hate the not knowing.
Hi
. Unfortunately, not all neurologists are equally familiar with MS and, worse, some are misinformed. You might benefit from a second opinion from an MS specialist. The National MS Society has a tool for finding one in your area. Here is a link: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/Find-Doctors-Resources. Lesion on the brain can have a lot of different causes, but they do indicate damage and you deserve to know what it causing that damage, especially since they are growing in numbers. Please know we are here for you whenever you need support as you try to figure this out. I hope you do see a specialist and that you finally get some answers. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member) 
Ugh, so sorry to hear what you've been through
. The sad fact is that many doctors are just not good at diagnosing MS. Your symptoms could be MS (but they could be other things as well) but unfortunately there just isn't a conclusive test to figure it out. My suggestion is to find another doctor, preferably one that specializes in MS (bc if it's not MS, they can tell you that too). Experience with MS and diagnosing it is so important when it comes to figuring everything out. It's a sucky process to find a new doctor but it is so worth the effort. So please keep looking for a doctor, you aren't crazy, someone out there can help you. Do let us know how it goes. What
said!!! Unfortunately for some it takes many years and seeing many different doctors to get a definitive diagnosis. I was lucky, my doctor “accidentally” found mine when I went for a routine mri to check on my epilepsy before I started having any significant symptoms. When I was able to get in with my ms specialist she said I was basically a ticking time bomb and that it was no longer an if I would have any significant issues, but a when. I have all those issues you mentioned above on pretty much a daily basis and those electric zaps are the worst. Makes you feel like you’re being electrocuted for a minute. No fun at all. Two thumbs down for sure! Keep in mind though, ms is what is considered a “snowflake” disease, no two people are alike, so you can’t compare your symptoms to another person whether it is ms or not.
