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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

We are actually having a hard time getting a definitive diagnosis. She has so many of the symptoms and yet we don't have anyone who will act

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Rehoboth Beach, DE
February 16
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A MyMSTeam Member

Sorry to hear that. Have you had a brain , cervical , and thoracic MRI with and without contrast, and/or a spinal tap? Go to a Neurologist and request these tests. Best of luck!

February 16
A MyMSTeam Member

I will look into a Specialist but we live in Delaware so there are limited specialists...

February 16
A MyMSTeam Member

Well, I was "diagnosed" in May 2016, in MN. Am in OR now, I am finally seeing a neurologist and so far, my Lumbar puncture is negative--she wants 3 more MRI's--so yeah, meanwhile, I am really just suffering at this point. I just want to cry, the fatigue is horrible.

February 16
A MyMSTeam Member

If you haven’t visited an MS specialist I suggest that you do. My general Neuro was “hesitant to call it MS” even though “it looked like MS.” I got a second opinion from an MS specialist and she said “There is no question this is MS and it’s actually quite aggressive.” So, for me, there was a stark difference between a general practitioner and a specialist.

February 16
MyMSTeam

How can you help someone get a definitive MS diagnosis when doctors aren't taking action despite multiple symptoms?

Getting an MS diagnosis can be frustrating and lengthy. Some people experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. Here are some steps that might help:

Keep a detailed symptoms diary
- Document Show Full Answer

How can you help someone get a definitive MS diagnosis when doctors aren't taking action despite multiple symptoms?

Getting an MS diagnosis can be frustrating and lengthy. Some people experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis. Here are some steps that might help:

Keep a detailed symptoms diary
- Document every symptom, when it happens, and how long it lasts
- Note any patterns or triggers
- Bring this diary to every appointment

A MyMSTeam member found that keeping a symptoms diary was crucial in finally getting diagnosed. She tracked everything from vision problems to nerve pain to falling asleep in unusual places, and this documentation helped specialists connect the dots.

Seek a second opinion
If current doctors aren't taking the symptoms seriously, consider consulting a different neurologist or MS specialist. One member's primary care physician was persistent in believing her symptoms indicated MS and sent her for a second opinion when specialists initially dismissed her concerns.

Have your doctor advocate for you
Ask the current doctor to write detailed reports explaining why MS should be investigated. Sometimes having a physician formally document their concerns can help move things forward with specialists or insurance.

Consider bringing support
Having someone accompany her to appointments can help ensure all symptoms are communicated clearly and nothing is missed during discussions with doctors.

The key is persistence and thorough documentation. MS can be hard to pin down, but detailed records combined with the right specialist can make the difference.

February 16

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