initially, about 45 minutes. This guy deals with MS patients every day, so he will know right away. He may film you if you have issues walking. the exam is similar to a drunk driving assessment. he'll watch you walk frontwards, backwards, test reflexes, make you stand and sit etc...
I originally took myself and my dad to see Dr. Kahtri. He examined us, we had MRI's, muscle biopsy, another type of nuero-muscular test where they shock the muscles in your arm, blood tests, and a spinal tap.
Honestly, the whole thing took over a year.
He is very experienced, and serious. A spinal tap can give you a positive result. I just went through a muscle biopsy, the shock test. My dad went through the MRI, and spinal tap.
My pops was a welder for 35 years, he was part of a lawsuit that was trying to prove welders were experiencing parkinson symptoms.
that's how we ended up at St Lukes. My dad was really pissed when DR Kahtri did not agree his issues were caused by welding fumes.
he never went back.
if you see him, and he thinks you have MS, be prepared for a spinal tap.
Honestly, its up to you if you absolutely must have a tag on your disorder.
watch out. you will have a ton of drugs thrown at you like you are a guinea pig. Some of the side effects of the drugs are worse than the effects of the disease.
I went through botox shots to help with range of motion.
if you see dr. kahtri, and he sets you up for a spinal tap, you know what he is thinking, b/c that is the most proper way to test for the disease. something about the fluid in the spinal column.
good luck
So if you meet me Have some courtesy, Have some sympathy, and some taste
Use all your well-learned politesse, Or I'll lay your soul to waste