Second Opinion

We met with Dr. Levine today and it was a really good appointment. He talked with us for a while and then did the same strength tests my previous dr. has done and did a few more reflex tests than what I've had in the past. He said it wasn't necessary to do another EMG. He said I definitely have MND; however, it's not ALS (at least not yet). There are two criteria for determining ALS: 1. Loss of muscle 2. Loss of reflexes. At this point, I only have the loss of muscle/strength. He said in typical MND or ALS that the motor neurons die but there is not evidence as to why; they aren't infected, etc.- they just die. He said that in very, very rare cases they have found that the immune system is actually the cause of the dying motor neurons and in those cases it can be treated (bcz they know the cause). The only way to tell if the immune system is involved is through a spinal tap and a special blood test. So, I'm scheduled for the blood test and spinal tap on Mon. Although it's very unlikely that this is the cause, we are hopeful! If the tests come back without indication that it's the immune system, he will treat me the same as my current doctor, which means attending ALS clinics to manage the symptoms so that I am able to live life the best I can with the abilities I have.