notme
Extremely helpful member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2011
- Messages
- 2,605
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 08/2011
- Country
- US
- State
- Fl
- City
- Orlando
Out of desperation due to the darn insurance not allowing me to see a neurologist, I paid for an online consult with a neurologist--hoping that perhaps MS was a more likely diagnosis. His response was:
"Your symptoms are not what is seen in MS. The twitching and cramping with muscle atrophy is classical for AlS. Also generalized weakness. In ALS the nerve cells in your spinal cord and brain die and your muscles atrophy and twitch. this is called s\fasculations Most patients lose weight from loss of muscle and the inability to swallow large amount of food.. things can be done to help this and improve the quality of you life. A EMG is the most diagnostic test at this time... However compression of the spinal cord in the neck or compression of the brainstem can cause similar symptoms this why it is important that you have the EMG,nerve conduction, MRI of the Head and MRI of the neck to make a accurate diagnosis and to treat your condition. THIS MUST BE DONE. I don't know what your insurance is, but I am certain that no medical director would not order these tests based on your clinical finding and the neurosurgeon request. you have three options. Go to a emergency room and tell them about your problems. "
Here was my initial question: "A neurosurgeon said I have major atrophy in my left hand that is spreading to the right. I'm having lots of twitching and severe cramping in both legs and arms as well as weakness. My insurance won't allow the EMG/NCV the neurosurgeon said I needed--he said "Neurological disease" but wouldn't name it. Any ideas what it could be? He has said it is NOT due to the issues in my Cervical and Lumbar spine. I'm getting worse--It takes all my energy just to walk down the steps at my apartment."
He went on to suggest I storm the insurance company office, and contact the MDS foundation if all else fails.
Has ANYONE else had problems even getting the tests done that are suggested? I simply can't afford to pay out hundreds for a private consult with a neurologist--let alone the EMG/NCV. I'm on disability and have a very limited income as I'm unable to teach my nursing assistant classes at this time due to the worsening of my symptoms over the last month.
"Your symptoms are not what is seen in MS. The twitching and cramping with muscle atrophy is classical for AlS. Also generalized weakness. In ALS the nerve cells in your spinal cord and brain die and your muscles atrophy and twitch. this is called s\fasculations Most patients lose weight from loss of muscle and the inability to swallow large amount of food.. things can be done to help this and improve the quality of you life. A EMG is the most diagnostic test at this time... However compression of the spinal cord in the neck or compression of the brainstem can cause similar symptoms this why it is important that you have the EMG,nerve conduction, MRI of the Head and MRI of the neck to make a accurate diagnosis and to treat your condition. THIS MUST BE DONE. I don't know what your insurance is, but I am certain that no medical director would not order these tests based on your clinical finding and the neurosurgeon request. you have three options. Go to a emergency room and tell them about your problems. "
Here was my initial question: "A neurosurgeon said I have major atrophy in my left hand that is spreading to the right. I'm having lots of twitching and severe cramping in both legs and arms as well as weakness. My insurance won't allow the EMG/NCV the neurosurgeon said I needed--he said "Neurological disease" but wouldn't name it. Any ideas what it could be? He has said it is NOT due to the issues in my Cervical and Lumbar spine. I'm getting worse--It takes all my energy just to walk down the steps at my apartment."
He went on to suggest I storm the insurance company office, and contact the MDS foundation if all else fails.
Has ANYONE else had problems even getting the tests done that are suggested? I simply can't afford to pay out hundreds for a private consult with a neurologist--let alone the EMG/NCV. I'm on disability and have a very limited income as I'm unable to teach my nursing assistant classes at this time due to the worsening of my symptoms over the last month.