Neuro Appointment details of my visit to Ataxia Clinic, August 09

THE BIG DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hallamshire Hospital is “Massive”
Found the right department, (with the help of Dave and Neil).
Went virtually straight in for my appointment, with Dr Marios H
Went through the basic questions of age, (brief,history)
I showed a list of my medication (Zolpidem (sleeping tablets) Cipralex (Anti-Depressants) vitamin B, folic acid, and “AZILECT” or “RASAGILINE”
MH = Why are you taking “Rasagiline”
AT = consultant suggested for me to try this “new(ish) drug, see if i has any effect.
I said that it seems to have made an improvement on my balance and mobility.
MH = OK, keep taking it
Before MH, could carry on, he wanted to examine, me and then would be in a more position o answer any more questions.
We went through to an examination room (I managed, to walk, to the next room).

The usual tests
Walk ,while MH observed, check reflexes, in arms , legs feet , run heel , of one foot along the shin of the other (then swap legs, and repeat procedure), hold arms out, while closing eyes. He also checked sensitivity, by the use of a small scratch “pin”. Extensive “look” into my eyes (with the doctors light).
MH = explained any findings (which he found nothing ALARMING)
A small “stiffness” in my legs, which might be, due to Ataxia or Hereditary spastic paraparesis http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec16/ch224/ch224e.html
Blood test, to investigate further
As well as other checks
FBC, ITR, White Cell Enzyme, HLA, SCA i,2,3,6,7, FA B12, HSP, ULF, vit E, LBS, GAD, and many others I cant make out the Drs writing.
Plus an up to date MRI scan, which is due this Monday (31st August)
And is prescribing “Baclofen” to see if this helps
MH = asked me about, GLUTEN sensitivity, which I have been tested for , but found tests to be NEGATIVE ?? (Blood test to be repeated)
MH = to arrange for MRI, scans, to be done ASAP, so he can see a more up to date, outcome. (last MRI, was a number of years ago, maybe 8-10)
AT = asked about the vivid nightmares. Not directly related, to Ataxia.
MH= this is more of a R.E.M. sleep related issue
AT = Emotion Extremes, as normally found in many Ataxians
MH = yes, that is, so
AT = Enquired about, the information over some form of clinic in Cardiff, under the name of a “MOVEMENT” clinic ?????????????
MH = thinks this is a clinic that is more of a research / study of Ataxias (which had studies the prevalence of Ataxia in South Wales
(thus not “a ,direct, ATAXIA”, based clinic.