1. < Neuropathy

Testing for Neuropathy

Posted by klro0001 @klro0001, Jan 17, 2020

Greetings, everyone. I hope this new year is going as well as can be for all of you. I was wondering if a few of you wouldn’t mind sharing your experience with getting tested for neuropathy. I went to a neurology appointment on yesterday and requested blood tests and a skin punch biopsy. I was told that I had to undergo 3 MRIs first and they refuse to act on my request before this is taken care of. Did any of you have to do MRIs before blood tests? I would appreciate any insight or feedback that you guys have. Thanks so much for your support and your time.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuropathy Support Group.

klro0001 | @klro0001 | Jan 18, 2020
In reply to @jair19 "Interesting that they say they rule out MS first. Because MS is usually diagnosed by ruling..." + (show)
@jair19

Interesting that they say they rule out MS first. Because MS is usually diagnosed by ruling everything else out first. I had an MRI first, and it even showed lesions, but further testing hasn’t shown a for sure diagnosis of MS or anything else for that matter. I have ruled out a whole bunch of things, through bloodwork, 3 EMGs, spinal tap, skin biopsy, etc so those tests are valid for finding a source of neuropathy and at least some of them are cheaper than MRIs (I don’t remember all of the costs). I hope you can get a good second opinion. There are so many things that can cause neuropathy - some are pretty easy to find and don’t need a MRI. Good luck!

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@jair19

Thank you for sharing your experience. I really appreciate it.

Kia

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 18, 2020

Hi @kiro0001, you requested some feedback about the neuropathy test procedures that we have experienced personally. So, here you go:
1. EMG and nerve conduction.
2. Blood tests
3. MRI
4. Auto-immune tests
5. Skin punch biopsy
6. Neuropsychological tests

I do think that my neurologist was most interested in getting the MRI done before the medication could be prescribed. Because the dosages are graduated, he didn't want to start on something until all the results were in. He did give in on gabapentin.....my pain level was too high not to get some relief going. What has your sequence been, how was it different? Have a day free of suffering. Chris

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1 reply
beth11 | @beth11 | Jan 18, 2020

Can you share what type of MRI? Brain? Spinal? It seems reasonable to undertake brain and spinal MRIs.

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klro0001 | @klro0001 | Jan 18, 2020

Brain, spinal and one more that I can’t remember right now.

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1 reply
klro0001 | @klro0001 | Jan 18, 2020
In reply to @artscaping "Hi @kiro0001, you requested some feedback about the neuropathy test procedures that we have experienced personally...." + (show)
@artscaping

Hi @kiro0001, you requested some feedback about the neuropathy test procedures that we have experienced personally. So, here you go:
1. EMG and nerve conduction.
2. Blood tests
3. MRI
4. Auto-immune tests
5. Skin punch biopsy
6. Neuropsychological tests

I do think that my neurologist was most interested in getting the MRI done before the medication could be prescribed. Because the dosages are graduated, he didn't want to start on something until all the results were in. He did give in on gabapentin.....my pain level was too high not to get some relief going. What has your sequence been, how was it different? Have a day free of suffering. Chris

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@artscaping

Thank you for sharing your experience. So far, I’ve only had EMG and NCS. The NCS showed damage in my left leg. I haven’t gotten past this point yet. I’m not in pain, so I don’t think the PA took me very seriously. In fact, she said, “You definitely don’t have neuropathy because your symptoms aren’t in your feet and you’re not burning.” I know from my own research and speaking with all of you that neuropathy doesn’t follow any rule book. What type of MRI did your doctor order, Chris?

Kia

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beth11 | @beth11 | Jan 18, 2020
In reply to @klro0001 "Brain, spinal and one more that I can’t remember right now." + (show)
@klro0001

Brain, spinal and one more that I can’t remember right now.

Jump to this post

I'm late to the conversation but do you have a diagnosis of neuropathy?

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 18, 2020

@kiro0001....My neurologist wanted an MRI of my brain. He showed me that there was nothing indicating more than the brain of a 70-year-old who had taken a few tumbles and undergone some surgeries. Do you know why certain tests are mandatory? Chris

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1 reply
klro0001 | @klro0001 | Jan 18, 2020
In reply to @artscaping "@kiro0001....My neurologist wanted an MRI of my brain. He showed me that there was nothing indicating..." + (show)
@artscaping

@kiro0001....My neurologist wanted an MRI of my brain. He showed me that there was nothing indicating more than the brain of a 70-year-old who had taken a few tumbles and undergone some surgeries. Do you know why certain tests are mandatory? Chris

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@artscaping

I am so glad you asked that question. And the answer is a resounding no. I was told it’s “medically necessary” to rule out MS first. 🤷🏾‍♀️ All of the answers to my questions were either extremely vague or over generalizations. Thanks again for asking.

Kia

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klro0001 | @klro0001 | Jan 18, 2020
In reply to @beth11 "I'm late to the conversation but do you have a diagnosis of neuropathy?" + (show)
@beth11

I'm late to the conversation but do you have a diagnosis of neuropathy?

Jump to this post

@beth777

No, I don’t. I was just told that I have nerve damage in my left leg based on a NCS. However, I want to be tested for neuropathy. It’s frustrating to be tested for MS without giving an explanation as to why that’s a concern and even more frustrating to be told that he won’t test for neuropathy because I don’t have symptoms in my feet. Thanks for inquiring.

Kia

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Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Jan 18, 2020

Hi Kia

I had brain and cervical MRI's, EMG and NCS all prior to skin punch biopsy but not be design. Basically it was trouble shooting with my PCP and spine Drs before I saw a neurologist and the thought of neuropathy came in to play. Hard to say whether this would have been the path by my neurologist, leading to skin biopsy but, after that test I moved on to all the blood work, genetic testing and spinal tap.

At the end of the day, you're the patient, you pay for the services and you have to follow your gut.

Good luck with you decision and please keep us posted.
Rachel

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