Concerns About Family History of MS and Emerging Symptoms
(20 years old, 230 lbs, 5'8, Canada; diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and Tourette syndrome) Hello, I am reaching out for some guidance regarding troubling experiences I've been having lately that are becoming a source of distress for me. Both of my biological parents, who have since passed away, suffered from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I understand that this familial history raises my own risk of developing the condition. Over the past six months, I have encountered various new symptoms, and I'm uncertain whether they could be linked to long COVID or if they signal a potential onset of MS, which is a significant fear of mine due to the challenges my parents faced. Here’s an overview of my symptoms. With the rising temperatures in my area, the symptoms marked with an asterisk (*) have worsened during the warmer weather: -* Slurred or hesitant speech, difficulty articulating words, and challenges in finding the right terms (these issues were never as pronounced before and have become noticeable to those around me). -* Cognitive cloudiness/memory lapses (I find it hard to concentrate, and despite starting ADHD medication, there hasn't been any improvement). - Occasional blurred or hazy vision (I notice this 1-2 times per month, making my vision seem poor). - Involuntary eye movements (I experience this a few times a month, where my eyes shake; it's not severe enough to impede my sight and usually lasts under 20 minutes). - Hand tremors/more noticeable shakiness than usual. - Increased clumsiness, frequently dropping things. - Occasional buckling of my knees while walking. -* Severe tiredness (despite sleeping around 8 hours a night, taking ADHD medication, and consuming caffeine, I still feel drained). - Constant awareness of my heartbeat and palpitation episodes. - Fluctuating heart rate (between 46 and 152 beats per minute; while sleeping my heart rate ranges from 45-80 bpm, and while standing, it rises to 85-125 bpm, all with no additional exertion other than standing in class—I'm studying culinary arts). - Episodes of incomplete bladder emptying (occurring around 1-2 times monthly, mimicking the sensation of a UTI, albeit fleeting). - Heat sensitivity (I have experienced this for years. Although it has improved somewhat since I've lost weight, I still often feel excessively warm, which can cause nausea). These are the symptoms that come to mind, although I’m sure there are others. Right now, the fatigue, speech difficulties, and memory problems are the most challenging for me. Words that were once easy to say now feel challenging—my tongue feels heavy, and I've noticed an increase in my lisp. I often forget what was said to me only moments before and have started taking extensive notes in class due to this issue, leading my chef to jokingly comment if I was writing a novel. I find myself losing my train of thought mid-sentence several times a day, and when I feel tired, these problems amplify, leading me to silence myself to avoid embarrassment from stuttering or struggling to express my thoughts clearly. I have pondered the idea of long COVID, but the only instance I recall experiencing it was back in March 2024, while my current symptoms have intensified over the last six months. Additionally, my Tourette syndrome flared significantly about five years ago, which led to long absences from school and work. At that time, my mother suggested I be tested for MS due to these symptoms and other health challenges, such as difficulty breathing during exercise and a heightened sensitivity to heat. However, doctors declined the testing since they deemed me too young at that stage.
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 9:40:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your health, especially with a family history of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and the range of symptoms you are experiencing. Let's break down the situation and focus on steps you can take to address your concerns effectively.
Summary of Key Points:
- Family History of MS: Your concerns about a potential connection to MS are valid, especially given your family history.
- Symptom Overview: You are experiencing a variety of symptoms such as slurred speech, cognitive difficulties, fatigue, and others.
- Next Steps: Prioritizing symptom management and seeking proper medical evaluation is essential.
Explanation:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can indeed be influenced by family history, but not everyone with a family background will develop it. Symptoms of MS can overlap with other conditions, and your current experiences could be stemming from various causes, including neurological factors or long COVID. The combination of cognitive issues, fatigue, and physical symptoms requires careful evaluation.
Immediate Next Steps:
-
Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any patterns you notice (like worsening with heat). This will be valuable information for any healthcare provider.
-
Physical Activity: Engage in moderate physical activity, as tolerated, to help manage fatigue and improve overall health. Pay attention to how your body responds, especially in warmer weather.
-
Hydration and Cooling Techniques: Stay hydrated and consider strategies to keep cool, especially since you mention heat sensitivity. Dress in light clothing and use fans or cool cloths.
-
Mindfulness and Stress Management: To help with anxiety related to your symptoms, practicing mindfulness techniques or gentle yoga can aid in focusing your thoughts and managing stress.
-
Medical Evaluation: It’s important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider who can properly evaluate you, potentially considering neurological assessments to rule out MS or other conditions. Given your age and symptom complexity, ensure they understand your family history and current quality of life concerns.
-
Address Cognitive Symptoms: Continue working with your ADHD medication provider to discuss the cognitive aspects of your condition, as sometimes adjustments or additional support strategies can be beneficial.
-
Support System: Talk openly with trusted friends or family about how you’re feeling. Connecting with groups or forums specific to your symptoms or family health history can also offer support.
By actively monitoring your health and maintaining open lines of communication with healthcare providers, you can address your symptoms and concerns effectively. Remember, you are seeking answers and support, and that is a proactive step in managing your health.
Related Questions
Unexplained Bruises and Welts on My Daughter's Skin
Four nights ago, my daughter developed two noticeable welts on her thighs, which showed no signs of pain or itching. She insisted vigorously that nothing occurred to cause them, and nobody had harmed her. The following day, I noticed that the welts had vanished, leaving behind bruises. This left me quite anxious, fearing she might have sustained an injury. However, since that initial incident, it seems she has developed one or two more welts every evening right before bedtime, which then disappear overnight, only to be replaced by bruises in the morning. Most of these welts have appeared on her legs, ankles, and feet, with the exception of one on her palm that did not result in a bruise. Oddly, none of the welts are itchy, but she mentions that they can be painful when pressure is applied. There's a bit of swelling as well, consistently occurring in the evenings just before she goes to bed. We plan to consult a doctor on Monday, but it's currently the weekend, and I'm curious if anyone has encountered something similar or could have insights on what might be happening.
Navigating Acoustic Neuroma Treatment Options
**Profile: 45-year-old Male, 6'0", 220 lbs, No Regular Medications** My husband maintains a relatively healthy lifestyle despite experiencing some service-related disabilities. About a year and a half ago, he underwent knee replacement surgery, and he utilizes a CPAP machine due to sleep apnea—an issue linked to a jaw surgery performed many years ago. Additionally, he has a history of appendectomy. For the past three years, he has been prescribed hearing aids due to bilateral hearing loss, although he rarely uses them. About eight months ago, he experienced what he described as the "worst headache of his life." Given that he seldom suffers from headaches, we decided to visit the emergency room. A CT scan showed no abnormalities, and he was diagnosed with a migraine. Since then, he has grappled with weekly migraines. He has a triptan medication, but it offers limited relief. Additionally, he has been reporting non-migraine headaches every few days. Before this incident, he reported headaches perhaps twice a year, typically after consuming alcohol, which he does occasionally and in moderation. He also frequently mentions a sensation of pressure or fullness in his head, though he is uncertain if he would categorize it as a headache. Given the stressors our family has faced over the past couple of years, I hoped this might subside as we return to a more typical routine. Two weeks ago, my husband’s boss alerted us that an ambulance was called after he fainted while walking down the hall at work. After regaining consciousness, he attempted to sit up but felt intense dizziness, forcing him to lie back down. Although his fall wasn't witnessed, he was found roughly two minutes later. At the ER, tests including a CT scan and EKG returned normal results. He was then referred back to his primary care manager (PCM), who ordered an MRI with and without contrast. The MRI revealed the presence of an acoustic neuroma. Through my investigation, it appears that many of his symptoms—headaches, pressure sensations, dizziness, and cognitive fog—could be linked to this condition. We are currently awaiting a follow-up appointment with his PCM for a specialist referral. I want to ensure that he is equipped to advocate for himself during this process. Considering his MRI results and associated symptoms, should we seek the expertise of a specialist familiar with acoustic neuroma? I am concerned that our small-town ENT may not have extensive experience with this issue, and I want to avoid a mere monitoring approach if more proactive treatment is advisable. With a busy family and an active lifestyle, his symptoms over these past months have certainly impacted him, as well as our family dynamics and his professional duties. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding treatment options or specialist locations you might be able to share. Thank you!
Persistent Right Ear Discomfort: Seeking Insights After A Year
Hello everyone, I’m a 33-year-old man residing in the beautiful region of Western Australia. I generally maintain a healthy lifestyle and have no significant medical concerns. In my younger years, I was an avid surfer, but now I find myself in the rural Pilbara area where opportunities for surfing are nonexistent, along with access to medical professionals. I occasionally indulge in kitesurfing here, always equipped with earplugs for protection. Since January 2025, I’ve been dealing with persistent pain and discomfort in my right ear. It all began after I spent a week enjoying freestyle swimming in the ocean in Perth. I initially consulted a doctor there who prescribed Kenacomb for swimmer's ear, but it didn’t yield any improvement. Upon returning to the Pilbara, I sought another doctor's advice, who prescribed a similar antibiotic ear drop, which also failed to provide relief. Despite my continuous visits, the physician kept increasing the potency of the ear drops until I finally insisted on seeing a specialist. Six months later, I traveled back to Perth for an ENT appointment, only to find the specialist unhelpful. Utilizing AI for diagnosis, he was unable to identify any issues and recommended an MRI, which ultimately showed no abnormalities. At a follow-up appointment three months later, the only solution he proposed was a prescription for antidepressants, which I declined. I then sought out another ear specialist in Perth, who similarly declared my ear visually healthy with no apparent issues. While in Perth for my appointments, I had a dental check-up, during which my dentist pointed out that I grind my teeth and provided me with a mouthguard to wear nightly. Another physician suggested that I might have TMJ disorder, so I received Botox injections in my right jaw muscle. Though these interventions offered some relief, the core issue still persisted. Curious about my condition, I purchased an otoscope camera to inspect my ear. To my surprise, I discovered an inflamed surfers ear growth located near the eardrum. Poking at it revealed that it very well might be the source of my discomfort. Despite this growth occupying only a quarter of the ear canal, it does not impair my hearing. The discomfort peaks in the mornings, manifesting as a sharp, stabbing sensation radiating from my right ear to the crown of my skull. However, once I rise and start my day, the pain noticeably diminishes. Additionally, I am aware of persistent tinnitus in that ear. Has anyone else encountered similar issues, or do you have any advice? I appreciate any thoughts you may have. Unfortunately, I cannot upload a photo as the application restricts that functionality.
Blood in Urine: Seeking Guidance
A 20-year-old female weighing 140 pounds has not been taking any medications or supplements, and has no prior or current medical conditions. Her menstrual cycle last occurred two weeks ago. While at work, she observed blood in her urine, which appeared light red but darker than pink. Accompanying this symptom, she has experienced some abdominal discomfort. Notably, there was no evidence of blood on her underwear, only when she urinated. Additionally, she felt a moment of lightheadedness upon noticing the blood, which has since subsided; she attributes this feeling to her anxiety about the potential seriousness of the situation. Given these symptoms, what could be the likely cause? She is uncertain whether to visit the emergency room or to wait until urgent care is available tomorrow for a consultation. As she recently relocated and does not have a primary care physician yet, her anxiety is heightened.
Exploring Endolymphatic Hydrops: Could This Be My Condition?
34 years old / Female Current weight: 165 lbs Navigating the challenges of motherhood In early December 2025, I caught a cold. By mid-December, my right ear felt blocked, but I attributed it to the cold virus. As New Year approached, I experienced another cold, which coincided with an onset of ringing in my ears. Disturbingly, sounds started to seem altered from the affected ear, accompanied by a persistent fullness in that area. Additionally, I noticed twitching of my eye and swelling in the salivary gland on the same side. My primary care physician prescribed a decongestant and Flonase; however, because I am currently breastfeeding, I hesitated to take the medications as directed. On January 27, I was evaluated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who requested a hearing assessment the following day. The results indicated that I had sensorineural hearing loss affecting my low-frequency hearing range (250 Hz to 500 Hz). The doctor prescribed a steroid with the hope of addressing the issue promptly. Now on day 10 of steroid treatment, I have experienced significant relief. Remarkably, I've noticed a substantial amount of thick, putty-like mucus clearing from my nasal passages. The pressure in my ear has subsided, and sounds are returning to normal, though I still perceive a slight ringing — possibly just a touch of hearing loss remains. What concerns me is whether ongoing sinus congestion could be the root of these symptoms or if I might genuinely be dealing with endolymphatic hydrops. Notably, I have not experienced any episodes of dizziness. In the evenings, I tend to feel considerable pressure building on the right side of my head, almost as if my sinuses are becoming blocked once more. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this matter, as I find myself in a state of uncertainty regarding my condition.