Hi Marle,
Arsenic has a broad range of effects on the body, including myriad neurological disturbances and characteristic forms of neuropathy. I suppose there is always a remote chance it could be mistaken for MS. Arsenic, though generally detectable in the blood, tends to concentrate in the hair and nails. The typical hallmark symptom of a victim of prolonged arsenic poisoning which will tend to separate it from most, if not all other possible diagnoses is the appearance of Mees lines, crescent-shaped whitish bands across the nailbed created by the deposits of arsenic. These would be readily identifiable as lines, not specks, as other things can cause marks on the nails, such as certain nutritional factors. In the absence of Mees lines, arsenic poisoning wouldn't likely be one of the first things doctors would likely test for. Though if you have concerns, I agree, certainly express them. A toxicologist may likely then be involved, as well as possibly a neurologist and other professionals. Arsenic can typically be detected via tests of the blood, hair or nails, depending on the amount of exposure and the rough time frame in which the exposure occurred.
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