ME vs. MS

[sallyrymer]

I was diagnosed a few months ago with ME/CFS. In the set of tests to exclude other illnesses, I was not tested for MS. The majority of my symptoms overlap with those of MS. Are there certain symptoms or patterns of symptoms that would indicate that someone being diagnosed with ME/CFS should get tested for MS?

I would also be interested in general dietary guidance for people with ME/CFS. Would recommend anything in particular beyond the usual healthy eating advice?

[cookiemonster66]

My Dr did a full body CT scan to check for MS before my final diagnosis. Maybe ask for one?

[Sue Luscombe]

Hello sallyrymer

Eating well is a good place to start to ensure a good nutritional intake for everyone. This is the Eatwell Plate tool from NHS choices which explains “healthy eating”. Achieving a good diet is often more challenging in ME/CFS for many reasons- fatigue which may make shopping and eating more difficult, a poor appetite, poor sleep, little routine, nausea, irritable bowel type symptoms, etc. If you are unsure if you are having a good diet, a one a day comprehensive multi vitamin and mineral supplement (no more than 100% RDA for a good range of nutrients) would help top up any lack. If you are not able to get outdoors much (get adequate Vitamin D from sunlight) a Vitamin D supplement is recommended (10µg/day for adults). If your multivitamin already gives an adequate dose of Vitamin D there is no need to take extra – avoid doubling up except on medical advice. You may also be interested in this overview of diet issues in CFS/ME, and Vitamin D information from the British Dietetic Association website.
http://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/CFS-MEandDiet.pdf
http://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/VitaminD.pdf

[Dr Charles Shepherd]

Sally

You may have seen that in another response I commented that there are a number of symptoms that are common to both ME and MS (eg central fatigue, sensory disturbances, problems with temperature control) and there are occasions when it may be difficult deciding whether someone has MS or ME

My advice is as before - see if you can get an opinion from a neurologist who also has knowledge/experience of dealing with ME/CFS (because some neurologists do not and some are very sceptical about whether ME/CFS actually exists as a genuine medical condition)

[Dr Charles Shepherd]

Interesting discussion elsewhere on the overlap between MES and ME/CFS:

http://www.mssociety.org.uk/forum/new-d ... t-only-one

[cags2015]

An recent interesting research paper found that in newly diagnosed MS patients presenting initially with fatigue, 29% had been previously been given a diagnosis of ME/CFS.

RESULTS:
Of the 16,976 patients with MS in the overall population, 5305 (31.3%) were newly diagnosed with MS and had three years of continuous healthcare coverage prior to MS diagnosis. Of these patients, 1534 (28.9%) were labeled with chronic fatigue syndrome (ICD9-780.71) or malaise or fatigue (ICD9-780.79) prior to the diagnosis of MS. One-third of these patients were labeled with fatigue one to two years before the diagnosis; 30.8% were diagnosed only with fatigue and had no other MS symptoms prior to their MS diagnosis. Among the patients diagnosed with fatigue, 10.4% were also prescribed medication for fatigue.

CONCLUSION:
This study demonstrates that fatigue may herald MS, often by years. A careful history for transient neurological symptoms and a physical examination is warranted in any patient presenting with fatigue.

Fatigue heralding multiple sclerosis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439577

[Dolphinmum]

I understand the overlap between these two conditions. Although I was diagnosed with fibro in 2011 had previous history of symptoms. However insisted I saw neuro when condition became worse and initially he agreed and performed an MRI in Feb 2013 which came back clear. He then became `yoour wasting my time and dismissed me. My GP requested 2nd opinion as lhs muscle weakness and face/eye pain increased etc. New neuro in June2013 didn't do another MRI but after taking history and physical exams confirmed fibro and CFS. What I'm trying to say is that u know or own body so don't give up asking questions and demanding answers. Good luck

[sallyrymer]

Thank you very much Sue for the nutrition advice and Dr Shepard and the other commenters for the information and links about MS. I'll have a more detailed discussion with my GP about the overlap of my symptoms with those of MS. I should also be having a 45 minute consult sometime in the next few months with my CFS/ME clinic and I can discuss it further then as well.