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Neurology (Expert Forum)
AVONEX FOR PROBABLE PATIENTS
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.
AVONEX FOR PROBABLE PATIENTS
by Rus__0, Sep 15, 1998 12:00AM
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.
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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.
==========================================================
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.
