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no leisions in spine
Hi, I'm new and may have posted this in the wrong community. Apologies if this is a duplicate.
My neurologist is saying that I do not have MS because my spine MRI was negative for lesions. My spinal fluid has restriction bands, I have periodic vision problems (a dark grey blob in my visual field), my EMG was abnormal (only checked legs), the EEG was abnormal ("slow brain"). I fall a lot, my tolerance to heat is zero. The neuro said I definitely had peripheral neuropathy and foot drop (only right foot), but without lesions in my spine, I could not have MS. Is this true?
My neurologist is saying that I do not have MS because my spine MRI was negative for lesions. My spinal fluid has restriction bands, I have periodic vision problems (a dark grey blob in my visual field), my EMG was abnormal (only checked legs), the EEG was abnormal ("slow brain"). I fall a lot, my tolerance to heat is zero. The neuro said I definitely had peripheral neuropathy and foot drop (only right foot), but without lesions in my spine, I could not have MS. Is this true?
Yes, I did have a brain MRI. One reading showed two lesions, the second reading said no lesions, just "densities.". I live in an extremely rural area with no choice of neurologist, limited funds to travel, and my primary is a physician's assistant.
Is your neurologist a MS Specialist? They do specialize and some no very little about MS. Many people with MS have no lesions in the spine. No test rules MS in or out it is the neurologists knowledge and the McDonald criteria which you can look up.
Alex
Alex
The absence of spinal lesions does not rule out MS. If you understood this neurologist correctly, I'd find a new one. An abnormal EMG does point away from MS as this deals with the EMG provides information on the peripheral system. MS is a disease of the central nervous system.
I'm not sure what a restriction band is, but a lumbar puncture to help fill out the MS diagnostic picture is measuring the number of unique oligoclonal bands (those not in the blood sample taken at the same appointment. 2+ (or 4+, depending on how strict they are) unique bands is considered "positive", but as yet no single test rules MS in or out.
You don't mention if you've had a neurological exam. These can also give doctors a lot of useful information about what you might be dealing with. Has your doctor discussed treatment for your peripheral neuropathy?
I'm not sure what a restriction band is, but a lumbar puncture to help fill out the MS diagnostic picture is measuring the number of unique oligoclonal bands (those not in the blood sample taken at the same appointment. 2+ (or 4+, depending on how strict they are) unique bands is considered "positive", but as yet no single test rules MS in or out.
You don't mention if you've had a neurological exam. These can also give doctors a lot of useful information about what you might be dealing with. Has your doctor discussed treatment for your peripheral neuropathy?
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