abnormal signmal within the pons axial # 9

[lori547]

just had mri with & without contrast of the brain, have headaches, been prior to mri diagnosed bi-polar, ptsd, mri results are abnormal signal within the pons axial #9 without associated mass effect, and scatteres foci within the whit matter of the left centrum semiovale axial #18 findings are non specific but may represent areas of chronic ischemic demyelination, or gliosis, the possibility of a low grade or slow growing neoplasm in the pons such as a low grade glioma is not entirely excluded, was advised to get into a primary care doctor and refereed to a neurologist right away from what I have been able to google, I may have multiple sclerosis or a tumor in the pons, I have also had a lot of problems with my back, herniated disc, ect the mri was ordered based on an exam that showed a tremor in my leg indicating a problem with my brain, how serious is this really? If I just ignore it what can possibly happen, not interested in going to a neurologist, or any doctors any more tired of them, speaking of being tired I am always tired anymore.

[enzymelover]

I'm glad you're being proactive with seeking treatment. I hope you've got a good neuro who works with you to find the best care for your condition. I assume the spinal tap is working toward an MS diagnosis?

Best of luck to you,
Enzy

[lori547]

went to neuro yesterday, so I am seeking treatment, hasn't ruled out tumor, or MS, but did say problems with legs is from my brain. I am having a spinal tap sometime in the next 2 wks, and she did some blood work. I think I will be fine though

[rumpled]

It may, or may not be... that is true. Waiting can reduce or take away your options.

With your husband, sadly, some strains are more aggressive - and there are also factors of previous health and other things, but if you really think about it, it is not related to you, other than making you reluctant to get care as you have seen it does not work in all cases. But plenty of people do survive. Nothing is perfect, but not even trying shows that you may need some counseling perhaps as you are still in a great state of grief over your husband. Grieving is normal, but when it stops you from helping you from living, then there may be a problem. I agree with Enzy - you need an advocate. Even if just to deal with your own health and legal issues.
Jennifer

[enzymelover]

  I'm so sorry about your husband. No wonder you are wary of doctors. But I think you should try to discuss all of your options (including the option to do nothing) with as many specialists as it takes, to find out everything you can. The sooner you do, the better chance you have for a good outcome.
Do you have someone who can be an advocate for you? If not, check with your insurance company. There may be an advocacy group that can help you deal with doctors and get info for you.

[lori547]

going to primary care today, as for symptoms, have headaches, unsteady gait at times, weakness in legs, drowsiness, been having problems staying awake for over a year now, been having problems with nausea for awhile too but only @ certain times of the day. the behavior changes well... they showed up a very long time ago, and are probably not due to this, wish maybe I could attribute them to this though. however from what I have seen by googling this, um... it might not be operable, and they might want me to go through chemo and radiation, can't do that. had a husband go through it with leukemia, then died, don't want to go through what he did.

[rumpled]

I found this on a website:
"# Common presenting symptoms include double vision, weakness, unsteady gait, difficulty in swallowing, dysarthria, headache, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Rarely, behavioral changes or seizures may be seen in children. Older children may have deterioration of handwriting and speech.
# Pontine lesions usually present with any or all of the above signs and symptoms, depending on location and extension. Midbrain and lower brainstem/upper spinal cord signs and symptoms may be seen with extension of the neoplasm to involve these structures."

If you delay in treatment, you may not be able to get treated. Please go see a doctor ASAP.

[enzymelover]

  I don't know specifics, but this could become serious. I can understand not wanting to see a neurologist, but you must follow up on this. You need a specialist, and to find out if this is even operable. You may need radiation at some point for the glioma, if it is growing.
You need to find out asap if you have continuing demyelination. The sooner this is treated, the better the outcome.
Post on the multiple sclerosis forum also. They have lots of info on white matter lesions.

Please don't ignore your mri finding. Talk to a neuro asap, for best treatment. Get a referral to a neurosurgeon to explain your mri to you.
Take care,
Enzy