MRI Negative.... Now what?

[Whitetiger]

Got MRI results back brain & spinal. All clear. No MS signs. Dr said no use doing spinal tap as there was no signs if MS. My symptoms continue to worsen. More weakness in right hand & arm. Right foot cramping up with hands. Muscle twitching now in right shoulder in addition to all my other symptoms. Should I wait longer before seeing Neuro Als specialist and see if MS lesions appear down the road? My Dr said there is no magic medicine to fix all this...any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

 

[Whitetiger]

Also all bloodwork clear... No lupus, Lyme, etc...

 

[trfogey]

What did this neuro recommend that you do?

 

[Whitetiger]

Take MRI cd to another Neuro and get opinion.

 

[trfogey]

Take MRI cd to another Neuro and get opinion.

That's it? No possible causes, recommendations for followup, referrals to other specialists, etc.?

 

[Whitetiger]

Suggested may be a muscular disease. Obtain second opinion. That's it. Any suggestions?

 

[laurel]

Go for a referral to a specialist in neuromuscular diseases. Getting an MRI is one step in diagnosing what is happening. My husband has CIDP-MADSAM and he had MRI, lumbar puncture (which is diagnostic for other things than MS including CIDP), blood work looking for autoimmune diseases, EMG, and nerve conduction testing. My husband saw a regular neurologist for nearly 3 years without a correct diagnosis, and the neurologist in the neuromuscular disorder clinic diagnosed him within a month or so. Good luck.
Laurel

 

[Whitetiger]

Thanks Laurel. I appreciate your input. This can be extremely frustating to say the least. Does anyone know a average timeframe to lose use of a hand. My right hand I feel is going down fast. It almost feels like a competition between my rt foot & rt hand. I know everyone is different. Any thoughts? Thank you

 

[laurel]

You need to find the cause of what is happening. You need more testing. Hubby lost the use of his rt. hand with atrophy of hand and forearm over a 2-3 year period of incorrect diagnosis of a treatable condition. You need to get diagnosed as you may have something treatable. Think positively that it is something other than ALS. There are many conditions to rule out.
Laurel

 

[trfogey]

Suggested may be a muscular disease. Obtain second opinion. That's it. Any suggestions?

Get the second opinion.

Does anyone know a average timeframe to lose use of a hand.

Depends on what you have and whether it's treatable or not. Be a shame to lose the use of your hand or foot because you waited too long to seek treatment.

 

[Whitetiger]

Obviously I don't want to lose the use of my hand. Or my foot. But if my Doc's can't figure it out what else am I left with? That's why I'm on here to. One Neuro told me it was migraines. Mri's proved that idiot wrong...and he was 99% sure thats what it was. Go figure.

 

[Alyoop]

Cant see you posting anywhere, about whether or not your doctor found any abnormality on examination when you saw him. As for my usual reaction to calling someone an idiot, I will bite my tongue that words makes me like a red rag to a bull! No I am biting my tongue still

Aly

 

[trfogey]

Obviously I don't want to lose the use of my hand. Or my foot. But if my Doc's can't figure it out what else am I left with? That's why I'm on here to. One Neuro told me it was migraines. Mri's proved that idiot wrong...and he was 99% sure thats what it was. Go figure.

Nobody here can diagnose you. None of us are doctors and we couldn't examine you and test through the Internet even if we were. All we can do is give you advice based on what you tell us and what we know about the diagnostic processes we've been through and the neurological conditions that we've experienced.

If you aren't satisfied with your current doctor, find another doctor. Simple as that. If you need help finding a doctor, say so. That's the advice I'm giving you, based on the information about your condition that you've posted here. If you want more specific advice, you need to be bit more specific about what is bothering you.

Just curious -- what did your MRI say that proved you don't have migraines?

 

[TedH5]

Definitely go see a Neuro preferable one who specializes in MND and see what they say. The weakness was that observed by your Dr as well? No matter what there is no need to wait. It is your health, the Dr's work for you, go get the answers you need and deserve. Just make sure you are rationale about it. Good luck!