New neurological symptoms, an MRI report mentioning lesions, or questions about an established MS diagnosis?
Uncertainty can affect work, family life and everyday plans. Dr. Mahsa Pahlavanzadeh, a board-certified neurologist in Fort Lauderdale, evaluates adults with suspected multiple sclerosis and provides ongoing care, treatment review and second opinions. We work to understand your experience, organize the evidence and explain the next steps.
Symptoms and Concerns Worth Discussing
MS involves immune-system damage to the protective covering of nerves in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Symptoms vary and may include:
- Changes in vision, sensation, strength or balance.
- Fatigue, stiffness or difficulty walking.
- Changes in thinking, bladder function or daily activities.
These symptoms can have other causes. Their timing, pattern and examination findings matter; a symptom checklist does not establish MS or predict how it will affect you.
Your First MS Appointment
We compare your symptom timeline and neurological examination with available MRI images, reports and previous test findings. We explain what supports MS, what may point to another cause and what remains uncertain.
Depending on the findings, evaluation may include brain or spinal MRI, blood tests for other causes, or selected spinal-fluid or other testing. Not everyone needs the same tests. We explain why a test or outside referral may help and what remains uncertain.
Does an Abnormal MRI Mean I Have MS?
Not necessarily. MRI “spots” or lesions can have several explanations. Their location, pattern and changes over time must be considered with your history, examination and other appropriate findings. No single scan proves MS. Sometimes comparison with earlier images or follow-up assessment is needed before a diagnosis is clear.
New or Worsening Symptoms
Contact your treating neurologist promptly about new or worsening symptoms. Heat, fever or infection can temporarily worsen older symptoms without new inflammation, but a change should not automatically be assumed to be a relapse—or dismissed as temporary.
Your clinician considers the symptoms, examination and possible triggers before recommending treatment. Not every relapse requires steroids. Do not start, stop or change MS medicines or steroids on your own; follow your prescriber’s instructions. For the emergency symptoms below, seek emergency care rather than waiting for our office.
Treatment Review, Second Opinions and Follow-up
Treatment: MS care may address disease activity, relapses or daily symptoms. Disease-modifying medicines aim to reduce future disease activity; they are not a cure or treatment for every symptom.
Ongoing care: We assess and treat persistent symptoms and gradual changes in function. Your clinician reviews the results of tests they order, treatment response and side effects, then discusses monitoring and follow-up. We coordinate outside care and clarify who handles next steps.
Second opinions: We review your diagnosis, findings and treatment options, including benefits, risks and costs. We clarify whether you want an opinion or ongoing care. No particular medicine or insurance approval is guaranteed.
What to Bring to Your Visit or Second Opinion
- Previous neurology notes, MRI images and reports, relevant laboratory or spinal-fluid results, and hospital records.
- Your current medicines and doses, previous MS treatments, and what helped or caused side effects.
- A brief symptom timeline, daily difficulties and the questions you most want answered.
A family member or caregiver can join with your permission. Ask our team how to send records securely; do not put medical details in the website callback form. Continue prescribed medicines unless your treating or testing clinician instructs otherwise.
Optional Support Between Visits
Optional membership offers a private phone and text contact route to both physicians during weekday contact hours, plus help coordinating records, appointments and communication with treating providers.
Membership is not required for usual care, follow-up or explanations. Monthly and annual options; medical services are billed separately. No emergency coverage or guaranteed after-hours assistance.
Patient Resources
Arranging Care at NeuroIntuition
You do not need a confirmed MS diagnosis to ask about an evaluation. Video cannot replace every examination or test.
Review Fees and Scheduling, Meet Your Neurologist and Video Visit Information. Current fees and payment expectations are explained before scheduling.
Online scheduling is available with Dr. Mahsa Pahlavanzadeh. Office visits are in Fort Lauderdale. Video visits may be appropriate for adults located in Florida; some concerns require an in-person examination or testing. Membership is not required.
Sudden symptoms need emergency care—even if you have MS. Call 911 for sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, or sudden trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination. These may be signs of stroke or another emergency. Do not wait for an appointment, portal reply or callback.
Severe loss of vision, inability to walk or inability to urinate also needs emergency assessment, even when symptoms develop more gradually.
A callback request is not a confirmed appointment. The website is not monitored for urgent medical concerns.
