Do I really have RRMS?

[cp354]

I disagree with my new neurologist about my MS diagnosis - he says RRMS and I believe SPMS makes more sense in light of my symptoms over time.  I was diagnosed with MS in 2007 after being admitted from the ER because the urgent care doctor I had gone to see for what I thought was the flu, felt I was exhibiting possible signs of a stroke and he could not rule out stroke in that office. The neurologist never took a history from me and since it was an "emergency" the focus was on ruling out immediate dangers first. After 4 days in the hospital - CT scans, blood tests, MRI of brain,c-spine and spinal tap, I was diagnosed.  I had an active c-spine lesion with Optic Neuritis and several (but no accurate count) active brain lesions and multiple black holes (T1 brain lesions) at time of diagnosis, 7 years ago. My spinal tap showed 3 O-bands. The Neuro on call at the ER diagnosed RRMS.  Five years after diagnosis, a new neurologist ordered a Tspine mri for the first time. He also ordered Cspine and brain MRIs. Tspine MRI showed a non- active lesion at T3 and atrophy of the spinal cord from T3 to T5.  The radiologist counted the brain lesions that time. She noted over 20 brain lesions but the lesions were never counted in my prior MRIs.I do not experience remitting and I never have from time of diagnosis.  I had symptoms for over 20 years leading up to my diagnosis. I have had trace amount of new brain lesions since diagnosis (7 years) but no incidents of remitting-just a steady decline.  My walking has deteriorated since diagnosis and I have severe fatigue that will lay me out flat for months at a time. I have severe cognitive issues and have lost 30 pts from my IQ-this was measured in neuro-psych testing  every 2 years from 2007 to 2013. Does this really sound like RRMS?

[cp354]

Thank you for you reply - I agree and I am in the process of being re-evaluated by an Ms Specialist.  
Regards,
Christine

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Well, the way you describe things, a diagnosis of SPMS makes more sense than RRMS. However, often there is a fine line of demarcation between the two with some features in favor of RRMS and some in favor of SPMS. In the transition from RRMS to SPMS, many features overlap so the diagnosis may vary from time to time. Nothing can be said for sure on net, so you need to discuss this with your neurologist and ask for a re-evaluation of your case. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.