Brain Lesions with symtoms and no answers

[biocarrie]

Recently I had an MRI due to a hx of hypoglycemic episodes that have incresed in occurance and sugar doesn't help, orthostatic bp and heart rate, memory losse that last a few minutes and starts with a very wierd feeling before it happens, periodic fatigue and head and ear pain.

Had a table tilt test that showed the orthostatic heart rate, passed out for a moment with the nitrogycerin tab but the test came back normal? Had an MRI and still waiting the results from the EEG.

The MRI wasn't the best but did show two lesions 3-4mm in size in the left parietal lobe. Advised to follow up with a spinal tap to rule out MS. On second opinion of a Neuro rad...he found two more lesions on in the left ventrical and the other in the right parietal lobe.  

Of course I too had a horrible experience with a non caring Neurologist who didn't even ask what test I have done let alone talk to me about anything.

Are my sypmtoms common with MS patients? If this is not MS what else cold this be?

[Fluffysmom]

Hello, and welcome.  I don't have a diagnosis, and usually have more questions than answers.

I had a negative LP, and found out through reading our health pages that one in five people with MS will be negative for O-bands, which puts the percentage in perspective, and that's if the test is done right.

My second neurologist dismissed me because of that negative LP.  I have lots of lesions in my brain, atypical presentation for MS, though my neuro radiologist said it was "far and away most likely to be multiple sclerosis".

All three neurologist's have been stuck on me having small vessel ischemic disease, although I have no risk factors.  I am overweight, but my BP, cholesterol, homosystiene levels, etc. are great, history of few migraines, never anything close to diabetes.

I finally had a consultation with my cardiologist, who told my current neuro that I have no history of heart issues that would lead to embolic events that would cause brain lesions.  I only saw him in the past because of a benign heart arrhythmia.

He even did another test to check for another possible avenue for my heart to  cause the lesions, and it was negative.

A lot of what you describe sounds like it could be heart related, but of course I'm just a 46 year old woman with health issues that has too much time on her hands to research possible explanations for my symptoms, since my neurologist's haven't been very helpful.

I would suggest that you find a good cardiologist if you don't already have one.

The EEG might show something; its a good thing that they did that.  Is it your neuro that ordered it, that you will be seeing Monday?

I find that it is good to be prepared with questions.  

Best of luck,

Kathy

[sllowe]

Hi again,

So Monday it is then.  It wouldn't hurt to get up a list of questions for the Dr. for your appt. on Monday.

I'd ask the Dr. ...what have you tested for? What has been ruled out so far? What other tests could be run to find out what is going on?  Things like that.

Also, it's not necessarily inaccuracy of the spinal tap - it's just not all MSers show O-bands.

I think our health pages will help you with questions for the Dr. too..

You are very welcome and I hope your appt. goes well,
-shell

[biocarrie]

Thank you for your comment and concern. The Neuro I went to only ordered blood test for B12, Folate, Megloblastic Anermia, Vitamin D. She was very quick in her assesment to say the least.

I had a Neuro Radiologist who found more lessions one in the left ventrical and one more in the right Parietal lobe. He said he would not reccomend biopsy or removal at this time but to watch and see what they are in six months.

The hypoglycemia was miss diagnosed and seems to be more heart than anything. Which might be caused by the left ventrical lesion.

I have an appt on Monday to go over EEG results but other than that, I don't have any more test to go by.

Thank you for letting me know that the spinal tap is not a conclusive test. I heard it's about 85% accurate. Sounds like thats the case.

I will be sure to let you know what comes of any up comming test.

Many thanks for your time!

[sllowe]

Hi Biocarrie,

Welcome to the MS forum.  I sure don't know if this is MS or not and it's going to take a very thorough Neuro to run all the right tests and get to the bottom of this.

Hypoglycemia(sp?)  in and of itself must give you a run for your money if it's not managed.  I'm so sorry you are going through all of this.

As far as the tap ruling out MS - so many MSers do not have a positive tap.  Not saying this is MS - just that the tap should not be the sole source of decision making.

Did the Dr. order labs?

You've landed in a good place here with us.  No matter what you are looking at you will learn a lot here about MS and the mimics of MS.  Please check out our health pages at the top right hand corner of the page - they are jammed with solid facts on MS, how MRIs show lesion, MS mimics, and more.

Thanks for joining us!

[Wobbly]

sorry, can't help with any answers to this...it's confusing to me too.. I'm not Dx and don't know answers like this at all.. check out the Health Pages on the top right link on this page...

good luck and take care
wobbly
undx