What is a DATSCAN?

[Pec2884]

At a recent follow up my neurologist has diagnosed that my SCA has now progressed to early MSA. I will look at the MSA org site for more information but will welcome any info from the group.

[nettles1]

I have MSA. We seem to be rarities!  Take life slowly.

[Pec2884 in reply to nettles1]

Thank nettles. How long have you had MSA?  I will join MSA Trust.

[nettles1 in reply to Pec2884]

About 3 years.  It looked like bladder or prostate problems at first.

[Pec2884 in reply to nettles1]

Nettles my visible symtoms of deteriorating balance and coordination started 3 years ago. So we seem to be at more or less the same stage.

[cymruralf]

I have had my diagnosis changed to MSA and have a datscan booked for end of April. MSA Trust contains lots of information about the condition well worth joining. 

[silkwood]

My neuro said MSA and the MRI points towards MSA but they have been saying that from the beginning so I am confused.

[Pec2884 in reply to silkwood]

When a neuro says the symptoms now resemble MSA more than SCA it is confusing. Very frustrating that it can take years in some in cases to be an absolutely definite diagnosis. I would like to know positively so I can deal with it. 

[cymruralf]

Pec2884 have you been referred to the Ataxia clinic and seen the consultant. I went and the professional was fantastic and answered a lot of questions.

[Pec2884 in reply to cymruralf]

Hi cymruralf. I live in South Africa and to my knowledge we don't have a clinic or the very good back up systems you have. I will ask my neuro at my next follow up meeting. 

[Edward1958]

Hi , my husband had a dat scan 8 month ago , after a long wait the results were Msa c we were told that the c means Msa with cerebella ,  they test to see if there is Parkinson's present or cerebella, if there is more Parkinson's it is Msa p, they test for other things as well but can't remember what they were. We went to nuclear medicine dept he had an injection  then a scan took about 1 hour approx  long wait for results.  

Hope things go well.    Unfortunately  the consultant didn't say much only to see him in 6months time, asked if it is rapid progression, but didn't get a reply only wait for the next app. Good luck