Update after neuro appt....
Unexpected answers at my first neuro appt. A 2 hour exam plus several specialized eye tests. At this point she does not believe I have MS. She is sending me for a neuro-psych exam to check for Alzheimer's (very early stage). 😲🤯 I have brain shrinkage and the area affected (biparietal lobes) could explain many of my symptoms. I have some kind of palsy in my left eye...so signals aren't getting across between my brain and my eye. She asked about past head trauma and the only thing I ever had was being struck by lightning through an operator's headset in 1979. She believes that this could be the impetus for many of the problems I have had over the years, including a hole in my left eye (not a retinal hole), the palsy, early cataracts and who knows what else it may have jump-started. Back then, if you could get up and walk away from your desk and sign the accident paperwork, you were considered A-OK. So, for now, she is having me evaluated for Alzheimer's. Scary but she said it is very, very early and treatable if I do have it. I expect that, if I clear that hurdle and don't have it, other things will be explored. I do have small lesions scattered in my brain but she believes those are damaged vessels. She did not order a spine MRI. So....that is where I am right now. I want to thank everyone who has been so helpful and supportive to me during this time. I truly appreciate it!
that's a bit scary! Thanks for sharing your results with us. How are you feeling about what you've learned today?
I hope you're able to relax the best you can and have a good day.Thanks for your post!! Hmmmm...how do I feel about today? My instinct tells me that this is NOT an Alzheimer's issue. I wish she had ordered a spine MRI. She didn't address my heavy leg and the calf-to-ankle weakness and pain I had for well over a month, nor the nearly constant "in the background" headache I have. She indicated that my BP and cholesterol should be lower but my family doctor never mentions it as being an issue at my annual physicals or other appts. 😒 BUT....I am happy to take the neuro-psych exam and go from there. If that turns out normal then I will discuss a spine MRI with her and ask more questions. I was a little overwhelmed today by the intensity of the exam. I like the neuro a lot. These diagnoses take time, I know. ⏳
Hi,
! Well, that kind of possible diagnosis would throw me for a loop, too! And, wow! I had no idea you survived a lightning strike, even if it was through a headset! Ouch! And, ah, the good (??) old days before workman's comp and OSHA and the like! I can't believe they just had you keep working. Well, I can, but I think you know what I mean.
Anyway. I know the word 'Alzheimer's' can be pretty scary. If it is Alzheimer's, it sounds like you are in capable hands with your neurologist.
I'll be interested to see what further testing reveals and if you feel like you're still not getting answers, you can always push for a spinal MRI, just to cover all the bases.
I do hope that whatever you are dealing with, you get a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Thanks for the update and please keep us posted, if you want to!
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
Hi
. You must be horribly overwhelmed with all this new and unexpected information right now. We are still here for you even if your neurologist believes it's not MS, so please keep us posted. If it is Alzheimer's, know that there are tons of new treatments in the research phase right now and lots of clinical trials that would likely be thrilled to have a patient your age on board. It is an exciting time for Alzheimer's research. But if the lightening strike triggered all this, you might never get an true diagnosis. Your situation would be entirely unique to you and would likely require very individualized treatment. I am glad you found a neurologist you like because it sounds like you really need someone who is a true partner in your care. Sending lots of love and hugs your way. - Lori (Team Member)
