FYI lesions are NOT always indicative of MS. Spots that show up on MRIs on the brain can be the result even migraines. Spotting also occures with age. When they are on the spine they tend to be there for a more nefarious reason - like spinal compression, a tumor or MS.

I don't have bands and I have severe ddd. I have had 3 opinions and in the 4th the doc said has anyone considered that the disc degeneration maybe causing all of this?? It's worth finding someone to listen.

The definitive test is to have a spinal tap and have them check for the oligobands. That is a marker for MS. I agree with you I think I am misdiagnosed!! But I have the bands in my spinal fluid. But get a second or third opinion when you have doubts.
Best of luck 😊

Hello I too am somewhere between an MS and a cervical stenosis diagnosis. The symptoms of both conditions are very similar. There is new research that indicates that stenosis and head and neck trauma can lead to MS. Stenosis can either be caused as a result of degeneration (age related or genetic) and in severe cases causes myelopathy - as seen in MS. Stenosis can cause lesions also. Check out this research document. Also, google MS versus stenosis, there are some interesting results.

http://www.fonar.com/pdf/PCP41_damadian.pdf

Keep in touch please. It would be interesting to be in communication with someone who is experiencing similar issues to myself, as I haven't encountered anyone who is in my situation. I haven't been diagnosed yet. The McDonald criteria doe not apply to me (yet). I have no lesions on the brain and a couple of bright spots on my cervixal spine. My symptoms include: fatigue (lassitude), numbness and tingling in my arms and legs, hands and feet. Loss of coordination and balance on my right side. Shaking and tremors (clonus), mild PBA (mostly leads to non-emotionally related crying), yawning (sometimes 20-30 times a day, urinary issues (frequency and retention), bowel issues (frequency). MS hug, blurred vision and I get mini exacerbations as a result of tiredness, stress etc. I deal with all these symptoms with varying degrees of intensity and frequency. I feel lost because I haven't had a diagnosis - frustrated and confused.

I hope the information helps you and leads to some clarification for you. Hope to hear from you. Sincerely, Mo.

I catch myself wondering the same thing often. I too have C-5 & C-6 herniated disks. I do have O bands in spinal fluid...I guess it's just a wait and see thing :(