Are punctate lesions a sign of MS?

[1986LizM]

I just got MRI results today and i am scared that i have MS. I have tremors i my hands, blurred vision, and neuropathy in my extremities. Ive begun to drop things and walk in to walls and Ive been having migraines that wake me from sleep for the past 6 years.. thus the MRI

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome,

Q: Are punctate lesions a sign of MS?

A: No, teeny tiny micro sized lesions are not specifically suggestive of neurological conditions like MS. Lesions less than 3mm are typically not measured and described as small,  "punctate"is typically the term used when they are even smaller...depending on their location punctate lesions could even be suggestive-consistent with your history of migraines.

You mention having 'peripheral neuropathy' in your extremities, peripheral neuropathy is damage to the actually peripheral nerves but neurological conditions like MS effects the central nervous system, the similar symptoms are not caused by measurable nerve damage like PN is and is typically a sign pointing away from neurological conditions like MS.

The nervous system is divided in two, the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS includes all of the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord and extend to other parts of the body....

"Causes of neuropathies include:

Alcoholism. Poor dietary choices made by people with alcoholism can lead to vitamin deficiencies.

Autoimmune diseases. These include Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and necrotizing vasculitis.

Diabetes. More than half the people with diabetes develop some type of neuropathy.

Exposure to poisons. Toxic substances include heavy metals or chemicals.
Medications. Certain medications, especially those used to treat cancer (chemotherapy), can cause peripheral neuropathy.

Infections. These include certain viral or bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, shingles, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, leprosy, diphtheria and HIV.
Inherited disorders. Disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease are hereditary types of neuropathy.

Trauma or pressure on the nerve. Traumas, such as from motor vehicle accidents, falls or sports injuries, can sever or damage peripheral nerves. Nerve pressure can result from having a cast or using crutches or repeating a motion such as typing many times.

Tumors. Growths, cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign), can develop on the nerves or press nerves. Also, polyneuropathy can arise as a result of some cancers related to the body's immune response. These are a form of paraneoplastic syndrome.

Vitamin deficiencies. B vitamins — including B-1, B-6 and B-12 — vitamin E and niacin are crucial to nerve health.

Bone marrow disorders. These include abnormal protein in the blood (monoclonal gammopathies), a form of bone cancer (osteosclerotic myeloma), lymphoma and amyloidosis.

Other diseases. These include kidney disease, liver disease, connective tissue disorders and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061

I hope that helps......JJ

[1986LizM]

Thanks for the info! You've calmed me considerably

[1986LizM]

Thanks for the info! You've calmed me considerably

[supermum_ms]

Your welcome!