Do I need a second opinion?

Here is My Question:
I am a 53 year old otherwise healthy and active woman with a 3 year history of episodic vertigo. My 1st episode was in 11/2011. The episodes occur 3-4 times per year and last from 3-6 days. Some episodes are minor but the worst ones leave me vomiting from motion sickness. I have had 4 MRI's all showing multiple white matter lesions but without significant progression (last 4/2014). I have no other risk factors or reason for the lesions (not hypertensive, etc.) I am without a diagnosis. My neuro exam is normal. I have had 2 LPs, first one showed 1 oligoclonal band, the repeat was negative. Recently I feel that my memory is deteriorating and I have trouble multi-tasking. I also recently had one of the worst episodes of vertigo. I really just want to know what is wrong with me. My physician has discussed the possibility of MS but doesn't feel that there is enough information to make such an awful diagnosis. I am also a very active person, a former competetive runner. And i don't think that he feels that anyone with MS could possibly do what I do. Should I get a second opinion or should I just wait for something else to happen. thank you for any advice or guidance.

Answer:
It seems that you will benefit from a second opinion at a local MS Center. Your symptoms could be secondary to MS but other diagnoses have to be explored. 


Augusto Miravalle MD
Associate Professor of Neurology
Vice Chair, Section of Medical Education
Director, Neurology Residency Program
University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine