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Member
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Southern California
Posts: 308
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Southern California
Posts: 308
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Yes, McDonald has a criteria list. I believe there's also another list somewhere. However, when you use the word "MUST" I am confused. MUST says who? My neuro didn't use it. All my neuro used was my exam and the MRI. I thought I had a pinched nerve in my face caused by TMJ (jaw problems) because half my face went numb last Xmas. Went to my dentist right after the new year (he was closed for the holidays) - and by then I had dizzines and vertigo. He told me to go to a neurologist. I made the appt and went two days later. I really thought it was a pinched nerve. Knew nearly nothing about MS! Was blown way out of the water when he immediately sent me for MRI upon finishing my exam...and he diagnosed me a few hours later.
So as far as the "must" - well, sure, the MS Society lists this as criteria...and a lot of neuros use it - but if you have enough "stuff" going on, a neuro can dx without you having met them.
(BTW, my diagnosis was confirmed by doctors at Johns Hopkins - top hospital in the country....and they also did it solely with MRI and physical exam....no other tests...no EVP or spinal tap, etc.) There is no law.
Yes, lots of things can cause lesions on the brain.... but usually with MS it is a certain type/formation (sorry, not the right lingo). A lot of people with MS have negative spinal taps.
What led the neuro to originally dx you with MS? It sounds like months have gone by...and you still have symptoms - and it sounds as though the dizzy spells you are having now are new ones?
I dunno - I'm one to side on the err of caution...such as - I would treat MS and not wait and see or never treat...it is a personal choice. I'm not saying you should push to have MS ...but for a neuro to say that what he sees on the MRI looks like MS - well that says a lot. Have you seen your MRI report? Does it list something about the lesions being in a "dawson's fingers" configuration?
When was the last MRI? July?
Also - if you're symptomatic now (and sounds like you are), I would push for the MRI NOW and not wait until March.... you could be at the beginning of an exacerbation...in which case, it might possibly show with contrast. I know when I had my last exacerbation, Hopkins told my local neuro to send me then for the MRI and not wait until my scheduled one a few weeks later. And sure enough, I showed enhanced lesions. 
Remember - it's your health. You are the one who lives with it. You do have a say in your treatment!!
sorry, my soapbox....  You live with your pain/symptoms, not the doctors. They get to go home at night to their lives....you are living yours.  My mantra has always been: MY life + MY disease = MY choice.
I also know that it is often held that # of lesions dont matter, etc...it's location, etc...blah blah blah as far as I'm concerned. 30 holes in my brain is enough to get me to take action! (then again, my MRI reports came back saying too many to count?!)
And if its not MS - then what heck is it?! Sorry - I'm a very pro-active and annoying person... Definitely NOT a wait-and-see type over here. If someone told me I had 30 holes in my brain and I felt lousy... I'd find out what it was....and not give up. But that's me.
Good luck - keep us posted!!
~Keri
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