OpenHealth Q&A

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:

1. Family History of MS: Your concerns about a potential connection to MS are valid, especially given your family history.
2. Symptom Overview: You are experiencing a variety of symptoms such as slurred speech, cognitive difficulties, fatigue, and others.
3. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.