Update (antibodies, another EMG scheduled)

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hedwig180

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Hi everyone, I posted a little while ago asking what to expect as I head down this possible diagnosis path and thought I'd check in.

I had a second opinion at the MS Clinic by a renowned doc who referred me to a young, excellent doctor in the same hospital who specializes in peripheral neuropathies and motor neuron disease.

I have a EMG/NCV this Monday. He again mentioned the possibility of something like PLS, or MMN or similar. I had the test for ganglioside antibodies and this came back positive for three of them...with 0-50 IV being normal, I tested at 96 for GMI (positive), 99 for GD1A (one point from being a 'strong positive') and 107 for GD1B (considered a strong positive). Have any of you had similar blood test results?

From my research, having these antibodies can support something like multifocal motor neuropathy or even forms of GBS, but I haven't had a chance to speak with my doctor about them yet. I was initially excited to see these results as many of the associated diseases can be somewhat treatable (and even reverse some weakness) with IVIG and such :) My only anxiety about Monday is, weirdly enough, having another EMG/NCV normal enough to keep me longer in the diagnosis purgatory, or perhaps even a diagnosis of relatively untreatable PLS. Either way, I am just slowly getting worse and the lack of answers is beginning to really eat at my mental health.

I had a neurological physical therapy eval yesterday at this hospital and now have extensive weakness as noted by the therapist, as well as new recommendation to use a cane. ): Regardless, I just wish I could play my instrument again!! Definitely hoping for some sort of resolution this coming week.
 
Best wishes for your upcoming appointment. It's a strange place to be to wish for one disease over another, eh? I am hoping you receive some clarity with regards to a diagnosis.
 
Thank you so much. Ideally of course I would not even be posting here! A strange place to be, indeed.
 
hedwig180, as you posted...

"I have a EMG/NCV this Monday. He again mentioned the possibility of something like PLS, or MMN or similar."

An EMG/NCV (NCS) will not indicate Primary Lateral Sclerosis.

Best wishes that your diagnosis is that other than PLS.
 
That's changing somewhat, Al, depending on the center and expertise.

Best,
Laurie
 
Hi all,

I am extremely thankful to report that it is not PLS or anything of that nature, but appears to be MMN. I'm hopeful treatment will help me regain what I've lost. It's actually the first legitimate glimmer of hope I've had in a long time, it feels.

Again, thank you everyone for your replies, and for being such a wonderfully inspiring community.
 
Laurie, as you wrote...

"That's changing somewhat, Al, depending on the center and expertise."

I read that entire finding. I see it as still a possibility... again possibility. Once accredited... it may become the standard for diagnosis of UMD.

But... Primary Lateral Sclerosis is unrelated to nerve conduction and to dysfunction of the spinal Lower Motor Neurons.
 
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Hedwig I am happy for you. I hope the MMN treatment goes well.

Although we do have an MMN subforum here and you are welcome here it is not active. You may have already found the MMN forum and there is also a good facebook group.
 
Happy for you, Hedwig. I know you will play music again.

Al, that paper spoke to using EMG as part of the diagnostic workup for UMND, not as the whole thing. It will be integrated over time, along with better MRIs and other imaging, as everything is blossoming with advanced mathematical/computational methods and processing power. And that will also allow future treatments to be evaluated more objectively, instead of relying on blunt instrument scales and strength tests.

Best,
Laurie
 
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