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Neurology (Expert Forum)
MS symptoms and calcification of choroid plexus link?
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MS symptoms and calcification of choroid plexus link?
by utahmomma, Sep 25, 2006 12:00AM
I was seen in the ER approximately 6 weeks ago for crushing headache, backache, and “electrical” pains all over my body (concentrated in arms and hands). LP was done for meningitis and I did have viral meningitis. Problem is, 6 weeks later the “electrical” shock/pins and needles pain have not subsided, I am dropping things frequently, forgets common words, get dizzy if I turn my head quickly, finger tips are numb, my eyes are twitching, I’m constantly exhausted, and the headaches/backaches come and go.
The results from my LP 6 weeks ago were very high for lymphocytes (92%) and low on monocytes (8%) but no test were run for oligoclonal bands. These results and my ongoing neurological problems have led mmultiple doctors to suggested I be checked for MS. I’m trying to get a referral for a good neurologist but it is going to take a month or so.
While researching MS, I came across references to brain lesions and I realized that I had results for a radial CT from 2003 which showed calcifications of the choroids plexus (no one brought it to my attention at the time). I can’t find any literature tying these calcifications with MS. Are they related or am I looking at a different problem?
I’ve battled cancer (papillary carcinoma), COPD, and Type II diabetes and taken them all in stride but these symptoms are progressing quickly and really have me frightened. Any guidance?
The results from my LP 6 weeks ago were very high for lymphocytes (92%) and low on monocytes (8%) but no test were run for oligoclonal bands. These results and my ongoing neurological problems have led mmultiple doctors to suggested I be checked for MS. I’m trying to get a referral for a good neurologist but it is going to take a month or so.
While researching MS, I came across references to brain lesions and I realized that I had results for a radial CT from 2003 which showed calcifications of the choroids plexus (no one brought it to my attention at the time). I can’t find any literature tying these calcifications with MS. Are they related or am I looking at a different problem?
I’ve battled cancer (papillary carcinoma), COPD, and Type II diabetes and taken them all in stride but these symptoms are progressing quickly and really have me frightened. Any guidance?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-SH, Oct 03, 2006 12:00AM
First of all, keep in mind that I am unable to diagnose you because I am unable to examine you, this forum is for educational purposes.
The calcifications of the choroid plexus are a normal finding and are in no way related to your symptoms or MS. The symptoms that you describe are common after viral encephalitis, but you should have more testing to investigate the cuase of your symptoms. Viral meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain) causes headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, fatigue, and often resolves with little to no residual deficit. However, sometimes the infection also involves the brain itself, this is call encephalitis. Encephalitis is often associated with meningitis and depending on the virus can cause seizures, hemmorrhage, necrosis, infarct, demyelination etc. The effects of encephalitis are often longer lasting and in some cases, permanent. I would recommend that you get an MRI/MRA of your brain to look for areas damaged by the encephalitis. I would also suggest an EEG to evaluate for evidence of seizures. I think MS (multiple sclerosis) is less likely in this senario, but the MRI (with GAD contrast and with a C-spine) will help evaluate for this. Your LP will show signs of inflammation (high IgG index (tourtelotte) and likely oligoclonal bands) due to your recent viral meningitis, and thus the LP will not be very useful in your case.
I hope this has been helpful.
The calcifications of the choroid plexus are a normal finding and are in no way related to your symptoms or MS. The symptoms that you describe are common after viral encephalitis, but you should have more testing to investigate the cuase of your symptoms. Viral meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain) causes headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, fatigue, and often resolves with little to no residual deficit. However, sometimes the infection also involves the brain itself, this is call encephalitis. Encephalitis is often associated with meningitis and depending on the virus can cause seizures, hemmorrhage, necrosis, infarct, demyelination etc. The effects of encephalitis are often longer lasting and in some cases, permanent. I would recommend that you get an MRI/MRA of your brain to look for areas damaged by the encephalitis. I would also suggest an EEG to evaluate for evidence of seizures. I think MS (multiple sclerosis) is less likely in this senario, but the MRI (with GAD contrast and with a C-spine) will help evaluate for this. Your LP will show signs of inflammation (high IgG index (tourtelotte) and likely oligoclonal bands) due to your recent viral meningitis, and thus the LP will not be very useful in your case.
I hope this has been helpful.
A CT is not a good diagnostic tool for MS.A MRI of the brain and spine would be your best options.
A neurologist can rule MS out.
a better answer than mine, but the calcifications were't
mentioned because they probably thought you wouldn't relate to
what ventricles were & maybe because Dr felt it was related to
past body trauma from illness. Choroid Plexus is a 'system' of
4 brain ventricles that produce CSF there & for spine. Illness
can cause slight calcification w/ unknown cause including just
plain aging do to body physiology. Location of 3rd will maybe
say more than calcification at 4th. Later you had LP. CSF is
made abt 3 times a day & goes up/down spine & around brain.
1 days LP may differ from another. They usually try to focus on brain lesions/demyelin/csf/clinical for MS. The forums are
talking abt MS like it's a cold going around. There are many
factors to dx. Gd-luck.
I can't get into a neurologist for over a month and that was just a lucky call right after they had a cancellation - this was for the 2nd choice clinic. My doctor wants me to go to my local med school's neurology department and I'm trying to get an appointment with them but they are completely full until March or April. I'm going to set an appointment with them anyway even if just for a 2nd opinion.
This is just frustrating - to go from thinking it was just meningitis 6 weeks ago to progressively losing more function and feeling . . . it’s frightening. Even if it's not MS, at least I'm seeing a specialist next month and maybe some answers. Hopefully I can get the repeat-LP before I have to go in for radiation therapy for my thyroid cancer mid-November!
It’s been an entertaining year. Thanks for the kind words.