Help me understand my MRI report

[Sariberry]

Here are my symptoms:

Headache, ranging from annoyance to migraine, every second of every day for 21 months.
Left sided pain, loss of sensation, tingling off and on for over a year.
Fatigue
Brain Fog
Body aches

I've had a lot of previous MRIs--spine and multiple brain. This is the most recent and I'm interested to know more about the impressions. Any ideas?

1. A small CSF signal intensity focus in the anterior right temporal lobe measures 3.6 x 3.6 x 3.0 mm, similar compared to the previous examination. Hyperintense T2 and FLAIR signal at the posterior margin of the lesion is also not significantly changed. Finding is nonspecific, this may represent a small focal area of encephalomalacia with gliosis.
2. Punctate 2 mm focus of hyperintense T2 and FLAIR signal in the left parietal white matter near the splenium of the corpus callosum is stable. This finding is nonspecific.
3. No enhancing intracranial mass lesion or mass effect. No restricted diffusion or evidence of acute infarction.

[kwarendorf]

Hi SB -

MRI's are only one piece of the MS diagnosis. The most important part of any MS diagnosis is the clinical exam. If you suspect MS then you should be evaluated by a neurologist that specializes in MS? There are things aaaaan MS specialist mught see than a geneal neurologist might miss.

I agree with ess that your symptoms don't make my mind jump to MS. While there are no absoloutes with MS, numbness and tingling etc. tend to be more localized than "left side". The 24/7 headache is also atypical for MS.

At this point you need to start crossing things of the possibilities list. You might start with seeing an MS specialist.

Kyle

[Sariberry]

I'm not sure if it was done using MS protocol. ANA testing was negative (I think), and my neuro says Lyme doesn't exist in my state. Thyroid is on the low side of normal and I'm not deficient in any vitamins.

I've had some neuro exams, but not particularly thorough. I haven't been able to take any medications because I'm currently nursing my baby.

[essdipity]

Hi there. The symptoms you describe are not especially related to MS. There are so many disorders that cause headache, fatigue, body aches, brain fog.

Also, your MRI doesn't scream MS, but is (that maddening word) non-specific. Was it done using the MS protocol? Did your blood work include ANA testing, or a good test for Lyme disease? Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid?

Are you seeing a neurologist, ideally one who has many MS patients? Have you had a very thorough neuro exam (strength in all muscle groups), eye tracking, balance, walking, reflexes, etc.? Have any medications helped?

It may turn out that you have something rheumatological, given your age and symptoms, but I am not qualified to suggest what, if anything. I can only wish you good luck.

ess

[HuntressThompson]

http://www.hxbenefit.com/encephalomalacia.html

[Sariberry]

Oh, and I'm a 27 year old female. Tons of bloodwork done has all come back normal.