The Neurological Exam - After the Diagnosis

[risnerrose]

Long time no see!  I know my posts have been few and far between.  Much to my own surprise, I began DMDs and found myself "not constantly thinking about MS".  

I have a neuro appointment this summer, and I am wondering . . . What should I expect now that I am on DMD's?  How often should I have MRI's?  Should I expect neurological exams at each appointment?

Thanks,

Sherry

[sllowe]

Hi Sherry,

Long time no see!

You absolutely should be getting a thorough and full exam (sorry Lu).  Dr. should be evaluating you in various areas to see how you are doing physically. Dx testing, obviously you'll not need, and unless you are having specific problems Dr. may not re-run MRIs.  If you are on an interferon labs should be ordered for liver enzymes, thyroid, and CBC.

It won't be as lengthy though as in the past i.e., include your entire history, etc.

Nice to have you back.  See all our new faces?

-shell

[Lulu54]

I think you will get the abbreviated neuro exam UNLESS you have new symptoms.  There is really no reason to go through the neuro exam, which is a diagnostic tool, again since you have the dx.  I hope I'm making sense here.  :-)

I'm glad you have a good neuro....
Lu

[risnerrose]

This is my third neuro, and he diagnosed me on my first appointment - at which time he was the most attentative neuro I had seen.  I've been back twice to discuss DMD's etc.  I asked about MRI's (it's been a year since I've had any), but he seemed rather uncertain about them???  My upcoming appointment will be my true "follow-up", and I wondered if it should involve a neurological exam.

[Lulu54]

Is this your first appt since you started the DMd's?  

Here's the schedule my neuro has had me on -
I had MRI's in late July last year.
Two neuro appts to do exams and LP
Then  I was dx'd in September.  

I had six month followup MRI's in December and saw the neuro in January for results.

I am now coming up on a six-month follow up appt with the neuro in a couple months.

Each time he has done a cursory neuro exam, but not the full blown one. I should note that I have not had any major relapses during that time and my status is pretty stable right now.

He had said he would want to see me every 6 months if I continue to be stable.

I'll be able to tell you more after my appt.  

How do you think you are doing on the DMD?  Are you feeling a difference?

be well,
Lulu