Has anyone had a Neurologist suggest blood tests?

[spitball]

Hi Everyone- Just wondering if anyone treating with a Neurologist has had the Doctor reccomend blood tests. It seems simple enough, but until my newest Neurologist, no others have ordered them. Thanks for your feedback!

[RuthM]

Yes mine did. I was originally sent to a neurologist because they suspected MS. After an MRI came back fine they did lots of blood work. Thats how they found out I was deficient in B12 and had a high homocysteine level.

I thought they were always supposed to order blood work.

..****th

[spitball]

Hi Ruth, Thanks for the post. Interesting.

[tic chick]

some drugs you might take for neurological probs can have adverse effects on your liver or perhaps other organs. because i take clonazepam, my doctor always takes liver enzymes twice a year.

[rose]

Absolutely. And since most doctors do not test methylmalonic acid, homocysteine, or even B12, neuros should (but don't)!

When I finally got to see a neurologist, he just happened to be one of the rare ones who was not decades behind regarding B12. He diagnosed me. My methylmalonic acid was high and came down to normal as my B12 increased.

rose

[Gymnast_Navy_Wife]

Hi---
I know I am a little late for this thread, but wanted to throw in my .02.....

My experience with neurologists ordering blood tests is mixed. My neurologist does not order any specific blood tests (unless they are related to a specific med that needs levels monitored) on a regular basis. Generally, he only orders them when there is specific "reason"--- such as if I have new weird symptom or he is wondering if something might be effecting my neuro issues, or if we have specific concerns on things regarding my health (that we feel a blood test might be able to help with a diagnosis/rule things out, etc )--whether or not it be neurologic related. Some of the things my current neuro has ordered (lab wise) are blood levels for some of my seizure meds; liver function tests-- as some of my meds have the possibility of causing liver damage, a CBC and other typical blood work if I am feeling ill (and not getting better on my own). However, he has also ordered some very "unusual" blood work to include a full Metabolic work up, heavy metal screen, specific toxins screens, etc when I have had some really weird symptoms that no one could quite figure out,lol.

My suggestion is not to be too concerned with getting specific blood tests done; HOWEVER, if you are experiencing something unusual that you feel might be picked up or ruled out by a specific test, then never be afraid to ask for it.

Good Luck !

[annelb]

I have never had a doctor order a test for a vitamin except when I asked. If I had never asked I would not have found out that I was vitamin D deficient. By the time I asked for a B12 test, I had been taking 1000mcg/day for 5 yrs.

Anne

[rose]

Most don't. :(

rose