Can anyone suggest a good neuroradiologist?

[MsWobbles]

Hi MSers,

Because of my stroke-like symptoms of right eye blurring, right facial numbness, and sudden extreme right-sided weakness, I finally got an order for a brain MRI (3 Tesla no less).  Thankfully, it did not show stroke or brain tumor, but, instead, showed increased T2 signal along the optic nerves bilaterally and scattered areas of increased T2/FLAIR signal in the subcortical and periventricular white matter.  This was my first non-negative MRI!!

I just picked up the films (think it's odd that the only thing they give you after the test to take to your doctor is a CD on which they clearly state the CD is "NOT for diagnostic purposes") so I have not gotten the films to my neurologist yet.  On that neuro's physical exam (which was one of the best neuro exams I have ever had) I flunked the heel-to-toe walk and the Romberg.  I also had weakness of the muscles that raise up my thighs.

My question:  Can any of you suggest a really good neuroradiologist  who is well versed in MS radiology who will not prejudice his diagnosis by patient age?  I'm asking for this now just in case.

Thanks for any help you can give!  

I'm so happy about my MRI, I'm going out for a walk (with my walker - 'cause I'm feeling weak and dizzy).  It was 102 degrees here yesterday so I lately have been doing my walking very early in the morning while it's still cool!!

WAF

WAF

[essdipity]

Don't be too quick to try steroids--only if you really can't function or do what you need to do. Steroids can cause loss of calcium in bones, and osteoporosis can be a problem. Not one round of it, but over time, with relatively frequent use. So they're more for extreme circumstances, particularly if you're no longer a spring chicken. ;o)

Steroids also can have nasty side effects. Awful insomnia is one, terminal grouchiness is another. As with everything, people's reactions vary.

Also, though, steroids aren't specific to MS exacerbations. They work well for a lot of inflammatory conditions, so if they help a flare that doesn't necessarily help the diagnostic process. Not to say they shouldn't be used, only that we need to think twice before going that route.

ess

[MsWobbles]

Lulu,

Yes, that is an excellent point!!  I mentioned that idea to my son and he thought it was a great observation!  Actually, as a teenager my MDs would tell me I had nystagmus, but that didn't mean anything to me, nor did they explain its possible signifiance.

Then, in my 20s, I inexplicably needed to nap more than others even after getting a lot of sleep.  In my 30s I would have unpredictable attacks of brain-fog in which I would lose my ability to function normally intellectually.   I couldn't understand why that happened.

I've considered just asking the MD to put me on some steroids during my next exacerbation and see if they help.  If they worked, that could help confirm the diagnosis.

WAF

[Lulu54]

WAF,
You need to prepare to make the statement that you may be 61 now but once upon a time you were in the age range they prefer and may well have been with MS then.    :-)

Good luck with this.
L

[MsWobbles]

Hi, Ess,

Yes I know you were and you're a real inspiration to me!!  Knowing that you could get a diagnosis at 64 gives me hope!  I remember that it was your worsening MRIs that got you the diagnosis wasn't it?  I'm also aware of a lady by the name of Connie who finally got diagnosed at age 70 after having MS for about 40 years!!  Do you find that your symptoms are snowballing (more frequent and worse) as you get older?  Mine are!

WAF

[essdipity]

Hey, WAF, I was diagnosed at 64, after about 6 years of symptoms off and on, mostly off. That was 18 months ago.

ess

[MsWobbles]

Dear Lulu and Meg,

Thank you so much for answering, for your good wishes, and support!

I had consulted a very highly-rated MS neurologist, but, unfortuntely, one who held my age (61) against me.  Still, I intend to show him the films as well as my current neurologist who, though not an MS specialist, gives a darned good neuro exam (without even using an assistant - imagine!).  My current neuro seems to care and be somewhat open minded about things.  Still, I think I'd faint if she diagnosed me because it's been such a long haul for me that that would seem too easy!!

Lulu, I'm going to visit the website you sent right after I finish here.  Got to prepare for battle!!  I can't forget the 66-year-old with an MRI and symptoms totally classic for MS, whose doctors decided to call it "microvascular disease" because of his age!!

Hugs to both of you!

WAF

[meg321]

I have to agree with Lulu, i first went to a nuerologist 7 yrs ago, he just dismissed me saying i was too old, which i know now was stupidity on his part.

This time i went to an MS specialist and got my dx.,,it was a world of difference.  And i could have had had my dx 6 or 7 yrs earlier.

but it is what it is ........

good luck...

hugs, meg

[Lulu54]

Funny how we can get enthused about a non-negative MRI.  I am so glad something has finally been seen on your films.  

I would want to see an MS specialist - is that who you are seeing now ?  An MS neuro is going to also be well versed in reading the films.  In fact the good ones aren't even going to read the radiologist's report, for fear of being prejudiced by the report.

You're in the Salt Lake area - are you being referred to the MS clinic there?  

There are two that are listed with the consortium of MS centers - I would start with one of those

http://www.mscare.org/cmsc/index.php?option=com_center_directory&Itemid=528


Good luck with this - stay cool too!
Lulu