Saturday, July 18, 2009 KJ asks

Q: What is a good definition of a Clinically Isolated Syndrome?

I'm a fairly frequent poster here, waiting for a diagnosis. My neurologist is trying to rule out MS as a cause of my symptoms.

I recently read on my medical chart that my doctor doesn't think I've had a Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) yet. Three years ago I had the classic symptoms of optic neuritis (lost most vision in one eye, gradually improved, the final "dead spot" went away about seven months ago) but I wasn't seen by a doctor for it. I have also been diagnosed with essential tremor/intention tremor. I have a documented cognitive deficit. I also have visual disturbances (short of optic neuritis), bladder problems, twitches, etc. I have white matter lesions but they are not "typical" of MS, whatever that means.

My question is, What kind of CIS do you think they are looking for? Maybe another bout of optic neuritis? Could the tremors be considered a CIS?

I'm not trying to second guess the docs, but I want to get smarter on all this.

Thanks for your advice,

- A
- A
- A

Answers (3)

Vicki, Health Guide

7/18/09 11:03pm

Hi KJ,

A Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CSI) is a single neurological episode.It is usually the first one, lasting at least 24 hours, and caused by demyelination of the central nervous system. A CIS is often optic neuritis. Look at the NMSS article here.

Perhaps your doctor doesn't think you had a CIS because you have had quite a bit of activity. Only your doctor can tell you for sure.

I know you have been pretty frustrated over the last few months. Let us know.

7/19/09 10:36am

Thanks. This is helpful.

I'm trying to figure out what they are looking for in my case. I hear the doctors speaking about concerns of MS, and trying to "rule out" MS, but I'm just unclear of the process.

Thanks again,

cmulhall825

7/20/09 12:18pm

The term "clinically isolated syndrome" (CIS) has been used to describe a first neurologic episode that lasts at least 24 hours, and is caused by ...inflammation or demyelination of nerve tissue

Paul

7/20/09 1:17pm

KJ, I recall that term being mentioned in an interview Merely Me did of Dr. Sethi, a neurolgist, on January 5, 2009. This is the link to the page it was on. I don't know whether it, or the interview, may help, but thought I'd post it for you. I thought the whole interview was very informative.

Related Questions

See all questions

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Q: What is a good definition of a Clinically Isolated Syndrome?

Related Questions

Ask a Question