Brain MRI w/o Contrast- to Rule Out MS

[Suzi69]

The 'Impression' at the bottom of my MRI Report states-

  Three subcentimeter nonspecific foci T2 lengthening in the white matter; this is nonspecific, the differential includes multiple sclerosis with other etiologies not excluded'

I know that Focus is 'one' and that foci is 'more than one", but what does the rest mean?

Thanks!

[Suzi69]

  Hi Everyone!   I began to have numbness and tingling on the right side of my body about 1.5 years ago.  I also had symptoms of 'not all here', fogginess, forgetfulness, muscle spasms and slight tremors, headaches (all of the time), episodes where I would be almost bedridden for days on end because of fatigue as well as joint pain (like flu), unsteady on my feet at times, dizziness, weakness in limbs...just to name a few!  lol

  I began treating with my PCP, then after months of no answers I was referred out to a Neurologist who did EMG and NCS testing and an MRI of the Brain w/o contrast.  He diagnosed me with CTS (carpal tunnel) and Peripheral Poly-neuropathy of the right side.  He did not do testing of the left, as the bothersome symptoms were not on left side.  He referred me to an Ortho for the CTS.

  Had the above done, along with blood work and a complete MRI of my spine from top to Sag area with and w/o contrast.  I lost my job and benefits while on disability leave ( a whole different ball game!), and was unable to return to the Neurologist for results .  I have the reports, but am confused on a few things.

  I immediately applied for medical coverage from the county and now have IEHP.  This is VERY different from the PPO I had!  I now have to wait for referrals to be sent out, wait to see if they are approved or denied, then if approved it takes over a month to get on a schedule for an appointment, etc....A really long process.  Ugh!  Don't get me wrong, I am very very grateful that programs like IEHP exist, it's just hard to wait for answers.  I'm sure you all can relate!  =)  

  I have been diagnosed with DDD and OA in my back as well as Facet Disease.  I have 2 bones spurs at my C6-7 causing moderate narrowing of both neural foramina. (whatever that means) Also, there is mild straightening of the cervical lordosis which says it may be due to muscle spasm.  The L4-5 area also notes mild to moderate asymmetric disc bulge but slightly greater on left, resulting in Bilateral Lateral Recess Narrowing on left more than right. Mild to moderate Bilateral subarticular stenosis also at L4-5.

I was diagnose with the beginning stages of RA in my hands last month. I have OA in my back, right knee and hip.  I have a high ANA and Titer. ? I am on Methotrexate and it seems to be helping my joint pain. Yay me!  

  Let's see, ........... now I am waiting for referral for the Neurologist, the Ortho, my Rheumy.....etc

  Well Jane, how's that for an Intro!  HAHA  No, really though, my apologies for the novel. I am glad that there are places like this that people like us can come to and chat.

Thanks for your time in reading this!

[JaneK1975]

I'm really sorry to hear that you lost your healthcare! That blows. But... I think it is good that you got those MRIs done beforehand because I think those are the most expensive part of the diagnostic process. Hang on to them.

If you feel comfortable, would you make an "introduction" post that tells a little about your symptoms and where you're at right now regarding the loss of healthcare? With a more complete picture of your situation, someone here might be able to give you some good advice about what directions to look in as far as what might be going on with your body. You might also get some advice on how to move forward without healthcare.

You'll have to keep us all posted from here on out, by the way. Once you're a part of this forum, everyone starts worrying about your health on an ongoing basis! It's a good thing!

[Suzi69]

Thank you for your response Jane!  That's how I interpreted it as well.  =)  

After having this MRI done I went for a second opinion from another Neurologist and with this and the symptoms I have had and my history, she suspected MS and sent me for a MRI of the spine from top to bottom with and without contrast.  It took almost 4 hours!  Ugh!  But, Before I could go back for the results of it and her thoughts about possible diagnosis, I lost my healthcare benefits.  So I am up in the air about it all.  =/

Thanks again!

[JaneK1975]

I think it's important for you to take any interpretations you receive in this forum with a grain of salt. As far as I know, there are no neurologists here, and interpreting an MRI is an activity that even trained neurologists would call "subjective".

That said, I'll take a stab at a layperson translation in the hopes of helping to put your mind at ease: The MRI showed three bright spots that are less than a centimeter in size. They are located in the white matter, and show T2 lengthening (I have no idea what T2 lengthening means). **The appearance of these bright spots is not specific to any particular cause. Multiple sclerosis could be one possible cause, but there are other things that may have caused these bright spots to appear.

I recently went through the diagnostic process, and I remember it's scary. Very scary. I would advise you to direct your energy into reading about MS and other diseases which mimic MS (B12 deficiency, Lyme Disease, Lupus, etc.) rather than trying to interpret your own MRI. I only say that because the MRI by itself is not enough to make a diagnosis and you'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure it out.

Best wishes. I know you're in a tough spot, and I'm sorry you have found yourself there. But I am glad you found this forum, because it's full of supportive and knowledgeable people who care.

- Jane