A note on differential diagnosis from last year. In light of the recent news about CADASIL (see below)--it is imperative that pwMS have rigorous testing to rule out other diseases....including venous malformations--


Venous Malformation- A Differential Diagnosis for MS?
This is for patients who have to go thru their neurologists to be tested for CCSVI, and for those whose medical system insists that they follow a specific protocol to be covered by insurance.   In order for a neurologist to diagnose a patient with MS, it is essential that they test for and eliminate other disorders that can present as MS- these other diseases are called a "Differential Diagnosis"     HERE IS THE LINK TO THE COMPLETE LIST http://www.neurology.wisc.edu/publications/07_pubs/Neuro_2.pdf   these include: Cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack [TIA]) Epilepsy Degenerative disc disease Osteoarthritis Tumor Vitamin B-12 deficiency ADEM APS (Hughes Syndrome) Weakening of the nerves (neuropathy) Congenital biochemical disorders Vasculitis Lyme disease Lupus Progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy (HIV-related disorder)   Since cerebrovascular disease is included on this list, I am wondering if a case can be made that it is a patient's LEGAL RIGHT to be tested for a venous disorder that might be contributing to the disease process. Maybe the patient has been misdiagnosed with MS? Maybe it is their vascular system that is creating the disease? Doesn't the patient have a legal right to know? Since more and more patients are coming forward with venous malformations and CCSVI, neurologists are now starting to claim that those who present with CCSVI do not have MS....   I am not well-versed in the legal rights of patients, but if anyone is, can you please comment? I think we have a case here. Shouldn't ALL other differential diseases be ruled out before a patient is put on a immune-modulating medication or treated and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?