I went to the ER for chest pain. They ran a bunch of tests but found nothing wrong. Could this have anything to do with MS?
I went to the ER for chest pain. They ran a bunch of tests but found nothing wrong. Could this have anything to do with MS?
Hi Jessica,
It sounds like you had a tough time at the ER.
There is a symptom called the "MS Hug" which is sometimes described as chest pain. It is caused by a lesion on the spine and is classified as a neuropathic pain called a "parathesia." The pain is the result of the muscles which hold the ribs together going into spasm.
Some patients report that it feels like a boa constrictor around their torso and others feel as though it is a heart attack. I've not experienced this particular MS treat and hope not to in the near future.
Definitely call your neurologist's office to report the event. He/she may want to see you and determine if you are experiencing an exacerbation which might require a round of Solumedrol.
There are plenty other things which could cause chest pain including gallbladder problems, lung disease, inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs, etc.
The best advice I have to offer is to consult your neurologist next. If the chest pain was enough to send you to the ER, it certainly is enough to get your neuro's opinion.
Let us know how it goes,
Lisa
MANY YEARS AGO, I SUFFERED WITH INTENSE CHEST PAIN. HAD COMPLETE EXAM BY A CARDIOLOGIST WHO FOUND NO HEART PROBLEMS. MY FAMILY PHYSCICIAN SEND ME FOR AN ENDOSCOPY AND FOUND NOTHING. THE GASTROENTEROLOGIST SAID IT WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY MUSCLE SPASMS IN MY ESPOPHAGUS RELATED TO MS.
AFTER THE ENDOSCOPY I NEVER HAD PAIN AGAIN. FYI THE PAIN WAS SO INTENSE AND UNBEARABLE THAT I THOUGHT I WAS HAVING A HEART ATTACK. IT STARTED SLOWLY AND BECAME MORE AND MORE INTENSE UNTIL I CURLED UP LIKE A BALL.
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