Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: AVONEX FOR PROBABLE PATIENTS

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Multiple Sclerosis

After more than 6 years, my doctors have not been able to make a definite diagnosis of MS due to very mild symptoms I have. My neurological tests have been negative but I have abnormal MRI but normal LP. Upon my request, my doctor prescribed AVONEX although he wants me to wait for definite diagnosis. I also saw a doctor in San Francisco MS center, and he said that I have "probable MS" and he did not recommend any drugs. At what point should a patient start taking the drug? Am I doing harm to myself by waiting before being diagnosed with definite MS? My symptoms have been dizziness for 3 days 6 years ago, and sensory problems (altered sensations here and there in my body, nothing major) and most recently altered sensation in right side of my face after having bronchitis.

Dear Rus,

Thank you for your question. Avonex is indicated for patients with
relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. It has been proven to reduce
the number of exacerbation by about a third.
If your symptoms are mild (not disabling) and very infrequent
(once every 6 years for example), then I have to agree with the pysician
you saw in SF that it is probably not indicated.
Interferon beta is not a benign drug and has side effects. You need
to weigh the risks and benefits of taking the drug.
Your dizziness that lasted 3 days six years ago was probably due to
a viral infection of the inner ear rather than an MS attack (from demyelina-
tion).

Good luck to you.

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