Neurologist Report

Here's what my neurologist told me today:

I do have a disease of that part of the brain that controls the muscles. My MRIs (from my brain to my lower back) have all come back clean. This (& the lack of some symptoms) cause him to doubt that I have MS. He is more inclined to believe that my condition is genetic, probably of one of these 2 families of disorders ....

1) Leukodystrophy refers to a group of rare genetic disorders affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. They are neurodegenerative diseases characterized by abnormalities in myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds, insulates, and facilitates the function of nerve cells.

But more likely is this group of disorders ....

2) Hereditary spastic paraparesis (HSP) is also called familial spastic paraparesis and Strumpell-Lorrain syndrome. The common feature of these syndromes is progressive, often severe, spasticity in the lower extremities.

The next step to eliminate MS would be a spinal tap. However, my neurologist doesn't want to put me through that if checking my relatives' reflexes would confirm the genetic theory. So members of my family are to make appointments with him.