What is the chance of multiple sclerosis in pars planitis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had burning sensations on my skin since 14 years. I am also very much sensitive to touch, which feels like my entire body is bruised all over. It is so hard to explain, but that is the best way I can put it into words. I feel inflamed all over at times. I had a brain MRI before 20 years after being diagnosed with tinnitus and it was cleared. Following that I had a C-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) thrice in the next three years and everything was normal. I had another brain MRI last year and radiologist noted several small spots in the periventricular and subcortical areas consistent with small vessel ischemic changes. The neurologist said he did not see anything on the MRI films whatsoever. So, I was left in limbo once again. I still have that radiologist report that shows spots on my brain that haunts me. Giving all the MRIs through the years and the fact that my symptoms have basically remained the same (sensory). What are the chances of this being multiple sclerosis (MS) without showing actual lesions that resemble MS? I also was diagnosed with pars planitis before 20 years, which is linked to MS in small percentage. That, of course, is what has scared me about my skin sensations. They usually come and go. This time I have been dealing with them since four months. This is really hard to deal with. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your question with care and understand your concerns. Let me explain some basics. Multiple sclerosis is found only in around 10% to 15% of people with pars planitis (eye inflammatory disease). It means that if 10 people have pars planitis then one of them will have multiple sclerosis. This also means that if 10 people have pars planitis, 9 will not have multiple sclerosis. So, be happy and cheerful. Multiple sclerosis, commonly presents with, 1. Bladder problems which are seen in 70% to 80% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). 2. Cognitive impairments occur in about 40 to 60 percent of patients with multiple sclerosis. 3. Emotional symptoms. 4. Fatigue is very common and disabling in MS. 5. Gaze Problems. 6. Vision Problems. Pain alone is rarely reported in multiple sclerosis. Your predominant complaint is pain and burning sensation on your skin. This is more likely due to peripheral sensory neuropathy rather than due to multiple sclerosis. This can be controlled by vitamin B complex, vitamin C and drugs like Pregabalin, Gabapentin, etc. If you undergo a test called nerve conduction study, then the diagnosis can be clinched with certainty and we can start correct treatment immediately. Investigations to be done is nerve conduction studies.