Spinal MRIs came back clean!

[jensequitur]

Well, all that flailing around came to naught - the MRIs as read by the radiologist were clean.  There's some mild degenerative disc, and some spinal stenosis, but no MS lesions.  The doc called it 'old lady neck!'  Greeaaat.....

But the doctor agrees that I've got some spasticity, and he thinks my involuntary muscle movements are myoclonic jerks.  I've been having similar sensations in my legs, so this makes some sense.  Whatever's causing the spasticity, it's in my brain, not my spinal cord - that's his take.  Which is plausible - I've had cramping and paresthesia in several different areas, not just in the legs.  The leg weakness is also due to damage to the motor areas of the brain.

I'm glad that the MRIs came back clean, but now I have to wonder if a higher-tesla MRI would have shown something.  (The images were done on a .7 Tesla MRI.)

But you know, I'm in remission right now, so I'll just try to stay compliant on the medication, and take care of myself...  Had to take my weight today - ouch!  Guess I need to lay off the Christmas cookies.

[jensequitur]

I should say that the new neuro will want to *redo* the MRIs of head, neck and thoracic...  At least he will if he's worth his salt.

[jensequitur]

Yup, I agree completely!  Waste of the technician's time, when he could have been reading a book, or scanning somebody else...  I figure that when I find a new neuro, he'll want complete scans of head, neck, and thoracic, so I'll burn that bridge when I come to it!

[Quixotic1]

Well, I have two things to say.  One is that your symptoms prove lesions in the spine.  So we know they are there whether they show up or not - on ANY strength of machine.  when I had Trigeminal Neuralgia which only can be from a lesion on the brainstem or the 8th cranial nerve, I had a scan on a 3T MRI.  There was no lesion there.  My neuro said, "Well, I don't see a lesion causing your TN.  That's good!  You don't want a big lesion on your brainstem!"  He was stating that my lesion was invisible, but obviously still there.  Another good neuro acknowledging that lesions can be symptomatic and also invisible to current technology.

The spine is VERY hard to visualize.  My neuro will not even look at MRIs of the spinal cord on anything less than a 3T machine.  0.7T is laughable, and I think it's a waste of money and a waste of a good magnetic field, lol.  The minimum MRI strength recommended by the MRI Protocol is a 1.0T.  Sheesh!.  It is only that low because the recommedations were written in 2003 and the authors acknowledged that many people did not have access to the higher Tesla machines.

Even Dr. Herbert of NYU refused to look at Craig's 1.5T spine film.  He insisted on a 3T.

So, with your diagnosis, whether the lesions show up is a moot point.  He knows it/they are there.  You know they are there.  You proceed accordingly.  

It's when someone is potentially robbed of a diagnosis with a weak MRI machine that it's use is tragic.

I do agree, tho, that it is more satisfying, even with a diagnosis, to see the little culprits on MRI.  

Quix

[Sunnytoday]

Well, I'm glad that you are "ok"... that your MRI turned out good.. and I hope that you do find someone to listen to you when you ask for a better MRI...
good luck and
((((hugs)))))))))))

[jensequitur]

When I found out I was scheduled for the MRIs on the open-bore .7 machine, I called up the neurologist's office and told them I wanted to change to a higher-Tesla MRI.  The neuro said "Oh, they'll be fine."  Well, I was not amused, to say the least!  I was determined to make the office pay for the MRIs, because in my opinion, these were worse than useless.  It looks like they're covered by Aetna, so PHEW!  I won't have to fight that battle.

I'm going to start looking for a new neurologist, one that's more up to date on current technology and resources.  I feel like I'm having to guide my own care, which is ridiculous - I'm an artist, not a neurologist!

[slightlybroken]

I know you probably already know this..but if you do have something going on in your spine, that .7 tesla MRI pic isn't powerful enough to see those MS lesions. I really believe that whole heartly. I'm glad your feeling better though.

My first MRIs of the spine were done on a .7 strength MRI. I'm not sure if I have something there or not..I'll find out New Years Eve when the spine will be repeated on a 3T. There is a white patchy area that did show up between the C-5 and C-6. My old neuro said it was an artifact. When the MRI was repeated on a better 1.5T, that same patchy area showed up in the exact same spot. It wasn't any clearer..but it showed up. I would think an artifact wouldn't show up in 2 different MRI machines in the exact same place if it truely was an artifact.

The specialist that I'm seeing now believes those MRIs were horrible and if there is something there, it won't show up unless it's a better machine and better techs getting the best possible picture they can. I would eventually try to have them done on a better machine, otherwise it's just a waste of your time and money.


Take Care :)

[jensequitur]

My doctor's already decided that I have MS, so at least I don't have to fight that battle!  The neuro wants me to call with any new symptoms, so I'll probably not talk to him again.  (Unless something happens before I can find a new neuro...)

[Wobbly]

I'm glad your feeling better too and hope you enjoy the holiday season... I agree that a .7 machine is pretty low... but lets think positive that your results might bring them closer to a correct Dx..what ever that is..

I hope you have a wonderful holiday and keep track of any symptoms you might have back.. I think a few of us our feeling abit better right now, I don't know if it's the warm weather is gone for awhile or what?  

I know I'm feeling abit better, alittle more strength in my left leg.. my head isn't very clear or vision is off... but good with some and not others?  

do you see you Dr in the new year?  

take care
wobbly
undx

[jensequitur]

Hah, yeah, I'm not pleased about the .7, believe me.  I feel like this isn't conclusive, even though the neuro thinks it is.  But until I find another neuro, I'm stuck!  

However, he does agree that there's spasticity - the issue here is not where the damage is, because there's nothing to be done about that.  As long as my symptoms are being managed, I'll be all right.

[sllowe]

I'm glad too, but please but this is .7 is very weak for looking at lesions.
Not trying to pop your bubble.  I'm glad you are in a good stretch, so very glad.

Just being a pain in the neck hen looking out for you,
-Shell