Visit to neurologist

[Cat lady]

Hello, I finally had my neuro appointment after suffering with fasiculations and cramps in calves since November 21. He was very thorough in his exam including tests of reflexes, muscle strength etc. He looked for muscle wastage and atrophy and could find none. He couldn't see any fasiculations at the exam however they are there 24/7. He didn't suggest anymore tests, no EMG or nerve conduction tests. He quite categorically stated that I do not have MND. I was so relieved.


I went home and doubts crept in, no explanation for the constant muscle cramps etc so I decided to look up the neurologist, there I found a host of bad reviews including how he'd missed MS and refused scans etc. I wondered if four months isn't really long enough to display atrophy? I will speak to my GP when she has received his report and maybe ask for a second opinion. I'd welcome any replies. I feel I'm no further forward.

Kind Regards, Cat Lady xx

[matthew55]

Just try to relax and take it in tiny steps. 😉😊😁😍xx

[Cat lady]

I will try, thanks for replying Matthew x

[shelly21]

Cat lady ask your gp to a referral to a centre of excellence for a 2nd opinion. Oxford and Sheffield for example.

[Cat lady]

Thank you Shelly x

[AngieCanuck]

Get the fasciculations on video. That’s what I did, and that was more clear for the neurologist. I just made a folder on my iPhone and deposited all the video of fasciculations from various parts of my body, and then showed them at my appointment.

hang in there!

[Ellie]

I wondered if four months isn't really long enough to display atrophy?

Perhaps it isn't, *but* your "thorough" neurological exam showed no concerns for muscle strength or reflex anomalies, which is great news. xx

[John D]

Definitely go for 2nd opinion at centre of excellence.

[Cat lady]

Thank you John x

[Cat lady]

Thank you Ellie x

[Cat lady]

Thank you Angie x

[PeterPan]

Cat lady Think I might look on the bright side and, as suggested, try to relax and take small steps. I also would be very wary of online ‘bad reviews’ of a neurologist- a professional person with masses of experience and qualifications. It’s not the same as rating service in a restaurant, and often the diagnosis of neurological conditions like MND has an element of art as well as science. If a neurologist categorically states that it’s not MND, that’s a strong professional opinion which should be heeded I would have thought.

[Cat lady]

Thank you Peter Pan, I'm going to try to see things a different way or at least try it x

[EvelynMW]

I'd definitely go to a 2nd opinion. You won't feel right until you know. We will all be wishing the next result is, not MND

[JamesW]

Benign fasciculations are very common, please try not to overdo the stress as this will make them worse x