New Neuro - Question for Quix

[floridamom2]

Hi Quix!
I know I can send you a private message but I thought someone might be going through something similar and be able to learn from this experience so here goes.

My latest neuro visit was last week and when he did his initail neuro exam he noticed hyper-reflexes everywhere (he said), positive Babinski both feet, and could tell that I see double when I look up.  He is not the MS Specialist that Siddy recommended but a local neuro that a friend works for.  I wanted to give him a try as he is local.  Anyway, he stated once again to me "well we know you do not have MS because your Brain MRI's are clear" and you do not have Charcot Marie Tooth disease because you do not have wasting of your muscles in your lower legs even though you do have a very high arch in both feet and hammer toes (I know, lucky girl, LOL!).  He ordered an EEG and while tech said it looked normal to her he said he saw spikes that were indicative of "hyper cortical activity on the right side" and even though I do not get migraines any longer, I do have a very long history of them previously (young age to 31 years old).   I also told him that last summer I started getting these rashes on my forearms that would start like eczema but progress to a psoriasis type form lasting 3-4 weeks and also that I have just found the breast cyst.  He started me on Topamax and also ordered a Protein Immunoplasmophoresis blood test.  

In the back of my head I feel there is a relationship to all these things.  Can I get your medical opinion?

Thanks so much!!
Kristin  

[floridamom2]

You are so wonderful!!  I feel I have gotten myself into a pickle by going to this guy now.  I know I need to see the good MS Specialist in Tampa that Siddy recommended but my hubbie wants me to wait until summer to do this and give this local guy a real try.  

I trust you and understand what you are saying.  My journal has been updated so you can check it out.  Let me know if you have any questions.  No, never had an LP - every neuro I have been to has said the same freakin thing "no lesions, no MS!!"  

Since I have started working again part time I have been feeling a bit better mentally and physically.    

Thanks again so much for everything, you are such a great friend and Den mother!!!
Kristin

[Quixotic1]

Well, I don't know a whole lot about the interrelationship of all these things.  Psoriasis is one of the prime autoimmune diseases.  In an interesting study from 2000 psoriasis was shown to be more common in first degree relatives of people with MS.

I remain concerned that he states that MS is impossible becasue of your normal MRIs.  You all know how I feel about this.  I'm not saying he can diagnose MS, but I do not believe it can be definitively excluded.  How many MRis and on what strength were they done?

MCT diagnosis is made on the basis of nerve testing.

Kristin would you reproduce your timeline and put it in your journal, like I did mine?  I know I collected it last fall, but that project did not work out and I don't have them anymore.  You have two separate areas of clear lesions in the CNS.  The double vision indicates a brainstem/ cranial nerve lesion and the hyperreflexia indicates spinal cord damage.  If I remember you have had at least two distinct episodes of symptoms with resolution, isn't this correct?  That is sufficient to make the diagnosis.

Did you ever have an LP?

My feeling is that you need to see the real MS Specialist.  You and I might need to work on your timeline to show the proper progression.

What do you say?

Quix