If you have multiple sclerosis (MS)––or you know someone who does––you probably remember how long it took to make the diagnosis.  You also may remember a lot of blood tests, a lumbar puncture, at least one magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, as well as many visits and examinations by various doctors.  You may wonder why it still takes so long to make the diagnosis in this modern age of MRIs and other sophisticated tests.  We are going to try to explain why it can be so difficult for even the most expert MS neurologist to determine that someone has MS.  You have to live with the diagnosis and face the disease and the treatments.  You should understand and have confidence in the diagnosis.  Also, if your case of MS does not fit the typical pattern, you need to be aware of the other disorders that can mimic MS.  This is important because the treatments may be very different and, just as in most cases of MS, treatment begun early in the course of the disease is the best way to prevent or slow further neurologic damage.

MRI and new laboratory tests have definitely helped speed the diagnosis, but it still takes longer than anyone would wish, even in easy cases.  This is partly because of the variable nature of the disease in its many signs and symptoms. But it is also because a rather long list of other medical disorders can cause neurologic symptoms and signs that resemble MS. Furthermore, the “white spots” on brain MRI can be caused by a number of other conditions that also need to be ruled out.

The diagnosis of clinically definite MS requires that a person experience at least two neurologic symptoms of the type seen in MS, in two different areas of the central nervous system (CNS), at two different times (‘disseminated in space and time’).  Most typically, the symptoms are optic neuritis plus either an abnormal sensation or a problem with movement.  It can also be numbness in one part of the body and weakness or lack of coordination in another.  But in every case, there can be no other explanation for the symptoms, the changes seen on the MRI, and the abnormalities in the spinal fluid.  Many “mimics” need to be ruled out in order to make the diagnosis of MS. 

Toxic Effects of Excess Mercury

Mercury is considered to be the most toxic non-radioactive Heavy Metal.

Cardiovascular System
Excessive ingestion of Mercury can cause Angina.

Ears/Hearing
Mercury toxicity can be an underlying cause of Deafness. 
Mercury toxicity can be an underlying cause of Tinnitus. 

Excretory System
Mercury accumulates in and damages the Kidneys. 

Immune System
Mercury toxicity can be an underlying cause of Autoimmune Diseases.
Mercury weakens the Immune System by interfering with the balance of Helper T-Cells subpopulations:
Mercury inhibits the activity of TH1 Helper T-Cells. 
Mercury stimulates the overactivity activity of TH2 Helper T-Cells. 
Excessive exposure to Mercury causes Hodgkin’s Disease (a form of Lymphatic Cancer).

Metabolism
Exposure to Mercury (or its vapors) can cause Fatigue. 
Mercury stimulates the production of Free Radicals. 
Mercury accumulates in and damages the Liver.

Musculoskeletal System
Mercury increases the risk of Arthritis.
Exposure to Mercury can cause Muscle Tension. 
Exposure to Mercury can cause Muscle Weakness. 

Nervous System
Exposure to Mercury causes impairment in Abstract Reasoning ability. 
Exposure to Mercury can cause Aggressiveness. 
Mercury accumulation in the Brain is one of the primary causes of Alzheimer’s Disease. 
Exposure to Mercury can cause Anxiety. 
Exposure to Mercury can cause Apathy. 
Exposure to Mercury can cause decreased Attention Span. 
Mercury concentrates in and damages the Brain:
Mercury damages the Blood-Brain Barrier.
Mercury concentrates in and damages the Cerebral Cortex.
Exposure to Mercury can cause impairment of Concentration.
Exposure to Mercury can cause impaired Coordination ability. 
Exposure to Mercury can cause Depression. 
Exposure to Mercury can cause Drowsiness.
Mercury can cause Epilepsy.
Exposure to Mercury can cause Hallucinations. 
Exposure to Mercury (or its vapors) can cause Headache.
Exposure to Mercury (or its vapors) can cause Insomnia. 
Exposure to Mercury can lower Intelligence. 
Exposure to Mercury (or its vapors) can cause Irritability. 
Exposure to Mercury can cause impairment of Learning ability. 
Exposure to Mercury (or its vapors) can cause Memory impairment. 
Mental Retardation can occur as a result of excessive exposure to Mercury. 
Exposure to Mercury is associated with poor (“bad”) Mood. 
Mercury can cause Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 
Exposure to Mercury can cause Nervousness. 
Mercury can cause Numbness.
Exposure to Mercury can cause Paralysis. 
Exposure to Mercury can cause Speech Impairment (in the form of slurred Speech). 
Exposure to Mercury can cause Tremor. 

Respiratory System
Mercury concentrates in and damages the Lungs.

Sexual System
Exposure to Mercury during Pregnancy increases the risk of Birth Defects.
Long-term exposure to Mercury can cause Female Infertility. 
Long-term exposure to Mercury can cause Male Infertility. 

Skin
Mercury toxicity can be an underlying cause of Dermatitis.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael