NEuOROLIST VS NEURO MUSCULAR DR - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

cindys601 · 01-04-2008, 11:11 AM

Hi~

When my dad was at the dr's the other day, his dr asked how I was making out about my health concerns (I'm in contact with his dr in caring for my parents so he's been aware of my situation) My dads doctor gave him a referal for a doctor he highly recommends. He told my dad that if any doctor can help, he'd suggest this one, that he's the best out there.

My dads been pushing me to call so I did today. I told them that the initial thought were MS but all tests results have been normal. I also told her of my findings on my MRI that I was questioning chiari and the similarities to ms and my other symptoms. She said this dr is a neuro muscular doctor and could look at my MRI and was qualified and knowledgable with chiari.

I made an appointment for feb 21st. My question is, whats the difference in a neurologist and a neuro muscular doctor? Does anyone know? Also, does this sound like a good direction? I still question if I should have begun with my pcp or not.

Tjhanks so much for any info!!

Cindy

MSJayhawk · 01-04-2008, 02:19 PM

To me, my opinion of course

, a neurologist deals with nervous system maladies, a neuro-muscular doctor would deal with muscular maladies that are neurological in origin. To further demonstrate, when I was initially diagnosed with MS in 1982, I was seen by a neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons were looking for maladies to the nervous system that could be repaired through surgery. MS, a neurological disorder and not a neuro-muscular disorder (although it affects muscles, is treated by neurologists. Neurologists may specialize in specific neurological maladies such as MS, ALS, etc.

MSNik · 01-04-2008, 04:09 PM

Hi Cindy, what Jay said, makes sense, My stepfather has Parkinsons Disease, he sees a NeuroMuscular Specialist....but, he also sees a Neurologist who specializes in Parkinsons....
Parkinsons is a disease which affects the muscles much more than MS does..
MS affects the Central Nervous System, and is especially prone to disturbing the Nerves (not the muscles) of the body, since it is a demylinating disease of the nerves, themselves....
Does that help at all?
I would see him anyway. If someone has that much respect for him, and you can afford to take the time/money to see him, what the heck? He can always tell you he cant help you, but since you really dont have a Dx at this point, it really couldnt hurt...if it were me, and I had that good a referral, I would go.
hugs,
Nikki

cindys601 · 01-05-2008, 07:22 AM

Thanks Msjayhawk and Nikki, for trying to explain this. But it definately is confusing to me. I hate to doctor jump but I hate feeling so not myself either.

Funny, but, if I was to describe what I feel in a nutshell, my head has been placed on a body that no longer belongs to me. It feels lifeless and when I finally lie down and listen to what it needs, it doesn't want to move. Almost like my body has been pumped with tranquilizers but my head is on top of it, my brain wanting to still do what it used to. Its a weird analagy but, so true.

With that being said, I need to find someone to bring back my quality of life. I can still laugh and love but to move is just an all over effort and I hate it.

I'll grasp any straws at this point. Everyone I've shown my comparisons of my MRI to a normal MRI see the abnormalty right away. But will a doctor see it that way, I don't know. Going to doctors and taking more tests just take so much out of my weary body. Energy I could use to give to my family and home and my work. If, at the end, I get no results as before, I have blown that energy on nothing and thats why I hesitate.

But, maybe if I keep searching, someone will finally hit on what is going on!!

Thanks for your help once again and have a great weekend. My hubby went to work for me today and I am taking the day off to relax!! I hope you find some time to do the same, especially you, Nikki!!

Cindy

duttin · 01-05-2008, 07:50 PM

Cindy,

I Have Been To Both, A Neuro Muscular Dr, Deals With The Muscles But Also The Nerves Going To The Muscles.

They Have The Ability To Test And Diagnose Many Neurological And Neuro Muscular Disorders.

Their Neurological Testing Is The Standard Test That You'd Receive By A Neurologist,i Beleive The Neuromuscular Dr. Done A More In Depth Neurological Testing In Her Office Then What I Have Received From My Current Neurologist.

It Does Get Physically And Mentally Tiring When Going Back And Forth To Drs. But You Deserve And Need To Find Out Whats Going On And It Is Okay To Go Around Your Pcp.

This Doctor Had Ask Your Father How You Were Doing He Had Given Your Father This Number For You To Call So Obviously He Wants To Give You Quality Care.

Sometimes It Takes Us Several Drs Of Different Specialties To Get The Proper Testing And A Proper Diagnosis.

Keep Us Posted,

T