Hi,

Can anyone tell me where is the best place(s) to go in the U.S. to get help with a difficult diagnosis for a neurological problem?? (spine pain, numbness and problems with motor control in various places)

Thank you.

I have never been to these places and I don't know who the "BEST" might be but I've heard that these places are good places to go:

Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.org/neurosurgery

and

Johns Hopkins http://hopkinsneuro.org/

and

Cleveland Clinic http://www.clevelandclinic.org/


I'm sure others may have other and/or better places...

I wish you the best...

Abbie

I know that The Barrow institute in Arizona is great.

www.thebarrow.org

However if you have an autoimmune condition that is causing this you might want to seek out a neuroendocrinologist.

Dahlek is right university teachng hospitals tend to be more cutting edge

that might help you? Depends on where you live....

http://health.usnews.com/sections/health/best-hospitals

I will note that when I used their lists 4 years ago the ratings and the hospitals were different...so there are a LOT of top notch hospitals not on these lists that are quite capable of assessing your issues.

If you are in a metropolitan area with more than one university or college medical teaching hospital...then go check out the doctors on their websites...Find one, or several who might be useful and appear to know some aspect in-depth of an issue or two or more of your problems.
Asking not only your GP for references, but every other doc you go to can be very useful as well. Ironically, my podiatrist was one who put out some names that other docs had mentioned [I've been going to him for 20+ years and HE was the one that urged me to seek a 2nd opinion when Neuro #1 was lacking- saved my life in the end?] It never, ever hurts to ask! Asking is free, not asking could have big consequences.

I will warn you that navigating hospital websites are either easy or hard... Once you find a name ornames you mite like...then just web up the docs' names and see what papers, associations or charitable works they do in the area... In my region, a area monthly magazine publishes every other year a feature on 'Top Docs' in the area...compiled by a survey of other docs as to who they would use if they needed a specialist in X or Y area.....but, I'm in a metro area...

Sure hope this helps! I do wish I could be more specific? But that's going to have to be up to you, I guess. Best of hunting - j

Thanks everyone. I went to a couple docs at the local teaching hospital and they basically said, we don't know what is wrong, and we don't care. So I am looking for someone / someplace else to help me get a diagnosis. I have had so many tests done and no answers I am really wondering if it is hopeless.

Aw, don't give up! There are plenty of good neuro's out there that care & can help you. You just have to find the right one. I went thru 3 neuro's before I found the right one who cared & had the right answers. What area are you from? Maybe someone on here is close to your area who has a good reference for you. Good luck & take care!