Diagnotstic tests: How many are enough?

    
      Re: Diagnotstic tests: How many are enough?
    


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Posted by ccf neuro M.D. on June 03, 1997 at 14:10:39:

In Reply to: Diagnotstic tests: How many are enough? posted by Wayne Crouse on June 02, 1997 at 23:00:11:

: After a mild stroke in January followed by a persistent case of Bell's palsy (3 month duration), I am concerned about my symptoms and the extent of my treatment. I live in rural Canada, where good health care is hard to find. From the day of my stroke, it took three months to see a neurologist for diagnosis. I had a (normal) CT scan and normal ECG. A cartoid ultrasound has been scheduled. I asked my family doctor if an MRI might be helpful. He informed me our government health care plan would not approve an MRI. Besides, he said, if there were problems in my brain stem (anything that could cause the stroke and Bell's symptoms) "There is nothing we could do about it."
  It seems to me I am taking a lot for granted. Officially, I've had a stroke and Bell's palsy, but no tests confirms this. Comments?
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Wayne, no comments above and beyond those already made in response to your nearly identical question posted earlier in the forum. Information that we post in the forum in response to questions is intended for general medical informational purposes only. The actual diagnosis and treatment of your particular illness should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s). It is not appropriate for us to comment on insurer-based (or governement-based) refusals to approve specific testing, as these are payment decisions rather than medical decisions. I would suggest seeking a second opinion if possible, however, if you are concerned about the quality (and quantity) of care you've received thus far.