MS Comic: The Dreaded Pin Prick Test

By Brooke Pelczynski

1 min read

Last updated: August 2020

The pin prick test is exactly what it sounds like: a doctor uses a safety pin to test for sensitivity and areas of numbness. They may poke the feet, legs, hands, arms, and torso. While some people with MS only feel a dull poke, others feel every painful pinch!

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Janus Galante Moderator
Brooke, I don't know that I've ever felt the sensation of humor AND queasiness (is that a word?!) at the same time before, but this did it! Lol and ouch at the same time! As if we don't have the pins and needles sensation enough already...xxxx's Janus
1. judyvarley Member
 no doubt
Brooke Pelczynski Member
It’s seriously the only thing I dread at my appointments
judyvarley Member
Been there done that, twice once down my arms and hands, once on my legs and feet. Since I had rabies shots as a child, due to an unregistered do bite, 21 shots, one a day for 21 days. Those were the worst, but I wouldn't cry for anyone. So all the pin pokes, shots, blood tests truthfully, never really bothered me. Funny how things change your perspectives over time. All those pokes on my arms, legs, feet and hands, really didn't scare or bother me.
1. judyvarley Member
 It also didn't give my doctors a clue at the time. hmmmmmmmm
2. Brooke Pelczynski Member
 Haha it is definitely funny how things play out!
rosemary-hopper Member
So happy to know I'm not alone. I live alone but I have a roommate that goes by the name MS. For years I suffered with so much pain not knowing why. Finally about 7 months ago I got the diagnosis of MS. Memory, eyesight, loss of appetite, stuttering, were just a few of my symptoms. I kept falling down too. I was told by my daughter ( whom I was living with at the time) that I would get up in the middle of the night and cook. I didn't eat the stuff, but I cooked.
1. Brooke Pelczynski Member
 Sounds like a wild ( very uncomfortable ) roommate!
kitsy Member
It took me a long time to get a diagnosis with the aid of an MRI. Before that I saw an elderly doctor at Duke who surreptitiously jabbed me with a large safety pin, when I jumped with a yelp. He simply said, "If you felt that then you don't have MS. I don't know why your doctor referred you to me." I am strangely relieved to know that there is a pin prick test. I appreciate your articles that explain symptoms, tests and treatments.

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