Neurologist - Neurology Message Board

CAP007 · 02-24-2007, 02:57 AM

Hi
I was referred by my GP after some very vague symptoms, after reading your letters and questions I was rather concerned about seeing a neurologist as most complained about their lack of concern or committment with regards to MS.
I saw the neurologist yesterday, I am booked into hosp on Tues for MRI and nerve conduction tests etc and he said he will have a diagnosis for me on Wed morning.
He said that now a days it is quite simple to diagnose MS....
I also have a question, my medical insurance excludes payment for Avonex is this drug largely used in MS and is it an essential part of the treatment.
My Neuro reckons the Betaferon is the most important.

Please advice and pray too that the tests come back neg!!!
He reckons could be a chance that i have a mild form of Guiilanne Barr Syndrome or some viral encephalitis... this has been going on since Dec.

Carole

MK12 · 02-24-2007, 10:45 PM

From what I understand there are a few different medications to choose from for MS treatment all with various side effects and I am sure you will be able to find one your insurance covers that will work for you

I hope you find answers after your testing and I will keep you in my thougths and prayers

MK

dgibson70 · 02-25-2007, 05:40 AM

I have to disagree with your doctor GREATLY on MS is easy to diagnose. I would wonder about this particular doctor's knowledge of MS. Because MS mimics so many other diseases, it can be quite difficult to diagnose. I will agree that some people's diagnosis come quicker and easier than others because they fit more of the textbook case of what doctors look for in MS, but most people do not fit the textbook standard and remain undiagnosed for years for this reason. If your doctor says you do not have MS you very well might not, but a 2nd opinion would be warranted from a MS specialist.

I also hope your doctor is being very thorough with the tests; MRI of brain and spine with contrast to check for active lesions, spinal tap and evoked potential testing. I feel very strongly all of these tests should be conducted if MS is suspected. I think many neuros do dismiss patients because they don't want to label what can be 'vague' symptoms as MS when it really could be something else. They take the wait and see position which only hurts the patient because MS treatment needs to begin as early as possible.

As for the drug, I think this depends on the type of MS you have and your particular doctor's opinion. My neuro has me on Avonex and didn't even discuss any of the other options. Avonex only requires one shot a week whereas the others require 3 a week for some of them.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.