HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Is The Difference Between Peripheral Neuropathy And Multiple Sclerosis?

default
Posted on Mon, 21 Dec 2015
Question: this is a highly advance questions. I have been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and multiple sclerosis. How does one tell the difference in both these diseases symptoms and how does one find the right doctor?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saad Sultan (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
these can be differentiated by investigations .

Detailed Answer:
Welcome XXXX at HCM
I have gone through your query and being your physician I completely understand your health conerns.
For how long you have been suffering from it? Have you diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy after diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis? Do you have Diabetes or Hypertension?
As far as differences between peripheral neuropathy and multiple sclerosis are concerned, these two conditions have got overlapping characterisitics and one can not list these for sure. Though a detailed medical history and clinical examination are used to diagnose both condition, investigations are most often necessary to differentiate these two.

As far as proper consultation is concerned, you should need to meet a NEUROLOGIST so that appropriate examination and investigations can be done in time.

Hope your query is adequately addressed if you still have any feel, free to ask.
Regards
Dr Saad Sultan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Saad Sultan (31 hours later)
I have been diagnosed by a neurologist with both peripheral neuropathy probably related to neurotoxic antibiotics. I have also been diagnosed by a neurologist with multiple sclerosis but I have declined medications for now. I just don't know how to decipher whether my symptoms which are predominantly fatigue and extremity pain is coming from the ms or the peripheral neuropathy. I have had 2 brain mri's and the second done about a year ago showed no new lesions.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saad Sultan (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
dont stop the treatment, tell me about antibiotics. send me both MRI report

Detailed Answer:
Welcome at HCM
I really appreciate your followup.
Which antibiotics you have used which caused neurotoxicity? Can you remind it?
Fatigue and pain are commonly encountered symptoms in MS. I really need to know about the antibiotics which you have used.
You should not stop the treatment and continue with it. Since fatigue perse is not a cardinal feature of peripheral neuropathy.send me both MRI reports.
In my opinion these are due to MS instead of peripheral neuropathy and don't stop the treatment.
Hope it helps
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX Sultan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Saad Sultan (2 hours later)
I uploaded both my mri's as you asked. I was diagnosed with the peripheral neuropathy first after having a spontaneous tendon rupture repaired. Unfortunately I was given a popliteal block for pain control and this resulted in nerve damage to the lower leg. I did poorly post surgery and finally went to a peripheral neuropathy center of excellence where they gave me the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy with probable nerve damage from the block. I went downhill after this and my internist ordered a brain mri which showed characteristics of MS and was sent to a ms specialist who diagnosed me. The peripheral neuropathy probably was related to Cipro, Macrodantin and statin use. Hope that helps.
I forgot to answer two of your questions. I have no diabetes or hypertension. My life has been destroyed by medications and I don't want to put anything toxic into my body.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saad Sultan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
do take medicines for MS.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome at HCM
I appreciate your health concerns and have sympathies with you.
As cause of peripheral neuropathy is evident from the history and is largely due to nerve damage. So one should not expect complete recovery. It would stay there if one uses medications or not. But certainly , it will exacerbate in setting of MS. So its wise to use medicines rather denying. MS is not about peripheral neuropathy but it has got other issues too. So a stitch in time saves nine.
Hope you understands and my humble advise to you to follow your doctor advice.
Hope it helps
Regards
Dr XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saad Sultan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1049 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Is The Difference Between Peripheral Neuropathy And Multiple Sclerosis?

Brief Answer: these can be differentiated by investigations . Detailed Answer: Welcome XXXX at HCM I have gone through your query and being your physician I completely understand your health conerns. For how long you have been suffering from it? Have you diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy after diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis? Do you have Diabetes or Hypertension? As far as differences between peripheral neuropathy and multiple sclerosis are concerned, these two conditions have got overlapping characterisitics and one can not list these for sure. Though a detailed medical history and clinical examination are used to diagnose both condition, investigations are most often necessary to differentiate these two. As far as proper consultation is concerned, you should need to meet a NEUROLOGIST so that appropriate examination and investigations can be done in time. Hope your query is adequately addressed if you still have any feel, free to ask. Regards Dr Saad Sultan