For Melissa Woyechowsky, the fear she had a terrible disease started with tingling and numbness in her legs. She searched the Web, ended up in a neurological chat room, and came to a devastating conclusion-she must have multiple sclerosis. I was sure I was dying. The Internet is enabling anyone with a computer easy access to an unprecedented array of medical information.
Most doctors say the Web helps patients find the latest in treatment possibilities.
It can inadvertently reinforce their fears. That's what happened to Woyechowsky. After several months, she didn't want to go out in public. For them, a headache is not caused by stress, but a brain tumor. In a desperate quest to reassure themselves, they may visit doctor after doctor.