Can a MD start treatment without a Diagnosis of MS

Hi All,

I cant sleep and have a hundred million questions going through my head. Just had a MRI of my brain, cervical and thoracic spine and awaiting results. LP being done next Friday. I have had neuro symptoms for at least a good 5 pIus years. Seen many doctors and have had many tests.

I saw my new neuro doc on Monday and she said I have hyperreflexia, debiliitating fatigue, numbness noted by pin ***** test, and saw that my balance was very off. Along with about 30 other symptoms and the worst one is this severe headache I have had for the last three weeks.

She also saw that my last MRI  in 2006 had 16 lesions on it.

I have been so sick over the last 5 weeks...you would think that the doc would start me on prednisone IV...what would it hurt. I am so miserable right now it couldnt cause any more problems or pain that  I am in now.
I dont understand why the doc just doesnt jump on this STAT.

I think I am going to call her tomorrow and request some kind of treatment. I am at my end wits. I havent been able to work this last week and feeling down right miserable.

Dawn

[COBOB]

The answer is YES.  My Optic Neuritis was treated with a 3 day course of 1 Gm of IV Steroids.  I still don;t have a diagnosis of CIS or MS.  Depending on your age and other factors, you and your doctor should be evaluating the risk vs. benefit of a trial on steroids.  The only reason I can see for possibly holding off would be to wait until after the LP.  The IV steroids do "modulate" the immune response and can change the immunoglobulin ratios.

Bob

[Sumanadevii]

I would be calling the doctor and now!!!  There is zero reason for you to be in pain and without help.  It doesn't matter if it is MS or not!!!!!!!!  If the doc doesn't act quickly to get your pain under control, find a real doctor. Yell, scream, or cry like a baby.  It seems those things get their attention....

[sllowe]

Dawn,

Adding on support to call!
Describe what you did here to us... Off balance, fatigue, numbness, and inability to go to work. And then ask if there is anything that can be provided to help.

I wish I would have called during my 1st attack.

-Shell

[COBOB]

The answer is YES.  My Optic Neuritis was treated with a 3 day course of 1 Gm of IV Steroids.  I still don;t have a diagnosis of CIS or MS.  Depending on your age and other factors, you and your doctor should be evaluating the risk vs. benefit of a trial on steroids.  The only reason I can see for possibly holding off would be to wait until after the LP.  The IV steroids do "modulate" the immune response and can change the immunoglobulin ratios.

Bob