Hi Margaret
The only way to get a cprecise diagnosis of AA is to have an mri with contrast, and have a neuro-radiologist interpret the film. It has been suggested that doctors are reluctant to diagnose AA and may choose to diagnose epidural fibrosis instead. You may have to (I'm only making a suggestion!) approach your specialist ( once the mri has been done) making it very clear from the start that you will need to have a copy on cd of the mri, and will have it analysed independently if neccesary. You are entitled to have a copy of both the mri and the film or cd as part of your medical records & under the freedom of imformation act. If I give the impression that I'm a bit bolshy, well I am! We've got this disease because we were not informed of the risks of treatments we received from medics. The least they can do now, when our loves have been changed so drastically, is to be honest and give us an accurate diagnosis so we can get the meds we need to help us live with it.
Good luck, if you need any help just let me know
Marie