Re: significance of ana

Posted By peds neuro md bm on April 13, 1998 at 16:38:21:

In Reply to: significance of ana posted by nancy on April 12, 1998 at 18:45:55:






Dear Dr:
I am wondering if a recent positive ANA 1:40 with speckled pattern is
significant. I am 41 yr. old female. The physician's note indicates that he
doubts that it relates to my symptoms  which include dizziness, cold/burning
sensation in face, right arm and head, muscle fatigue.  Have had neg. MRI with
gad of brain, numerous blood tests to eval dizziness, and abnormal balance
testing and ENG and EMG which note indicates was affected by my pain level but
apparently normal.  I understand the titer is low but without any clear
diagnosis (most recent is migraines which I doubt is cause of symptoms), s
should I pursue further bloodwork to rule out autoimmune disease.   My symptoms
have persisted for over a year and life is seriously impacted and I'm
not getting any better.  Thanks for your response.
dear nacy,
the ana titers are not considered significant, a titier that is
significant is at least 1:320, some would even say 1:160, this elevation
should persist and not go down. I refer you to a response I gave few
months back on this forum. I believe it was titled ana titers.
your doctor is in the best position to determine if further workup is indicated. You might
want to to see a rheumatologist for a second opinion.
Nancy