when to see a neuro opthamalogist

[mikeysmom1995]

Hi everyone, and happy Friday!  I went with my sister to her Neuro ophthalmologist appointment today. She has lyme disease and it has affected her eyes.
Her appointment went well, and I was so impressed with this doctor. He spent alot of time with her and answered every question. He was even happy to repeat his answers as I was the note taker.

My sister has seen 16 different docs for her eyes and this is the first guy that has said he believes he can help.
Sorry, kinda getting off subject.
My question is do you see a neuro ophthalmologist only when you are having eye issues, or is it good to get established with him and have a consult visit. He said he sees alot of MS patients and would be happy to see me.

His receptionist said he has people come from other countries to see him, and after observing him with my sis I can see why.
A case of optic neuritis is what led to my MS dx.
Would love to hear what you all think.
Regards barb

[mikeysmom1995]

Thanks for all your replies. Yes, I was dx'd May 2012  because of a case of optic neuritis. I didn't know if I needed to see or have a neuro ophthalmologist .
I have a regular opthamologist I already see, but was wondering because of the MS if I needed someone more familiar with Neuro issues.

I feel better about just seeing my regular opthamologist then, unless another issue comes up with my eyes.
Thanks for your replies.

Have a great weekend everybody, and go Tigers for any of you baseball watchers.
Regards, barb

[essdipity]

As one who's been diagnosed with MS a long time, my suggestion is to not see a neuro-ophthalmologist at this time. If you again have eye issues, try then.

It's just that we see so blankin' many doctors over the years, so why add another? I'm for treating symptoms and being responsible about MS meds, but I'm also for letting sleeping dogs lie :-)

Assuming you have an ophthalmologist for ordinary eye stuff, that should suffice except in special circumstances, and he or she will tell you if these occur.

Other members here may disagree.

ess

[immisceo]

As you are already diagnosed, I'm a bit confused as to why you feel you may need a neuropthamologist in future. Your regular neurologist can treat acute relapses, prescribe disease modifying drugs, and monitor your progress. I suppose they may refer you on if they feel you have ocular issues outside of MS (glaucoma, cataracts, etc.), but for me personally setting up a consult would be jumping the gun a bit.

[karryon55]

Hi Barb, I know the Neuro Opthamologist I saw dealt with Eyes, Vestibular Dysfunction & inner ear. He did testing for Nystagmus, Rotational Chair Test, he checked my eyes & did one of the most thorough Neuro exams I had ever had.

I have presumed that is the normal things they deal in but may not always be the case. I was having vertigo & that is the reason I saw him. They are of course still a neurologist so when he did my Neuro exam he found abnormalities in my lower extremities & other areas that I didn't think he would even look at. I was told I had a problem with my brain (lol...I tried to not take offence at that statement) or that I had a Central problem. He then suggested that I see a Neurologist because his job was done really. He had established my problems with the Vertigo were from my brain.

If you had Optic Neuritis & you see an Opthamologist anyway then it probably wouldn't hurt to switch to this Neuro Opthamologist if you like him. I can't see that there would be any harm in doing that if your insurance allows.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Take Care

Karry.

[PastorDan]

Golly, that's one to which I don't think I know the answer.  I think I was first referred to one by an MS NP.  Went back as often as he needed to keep him Rxing gabapentin, the only thing that worked, until PCP and neuro (#4?) took that over.  Latest was by referral from MS neuro.