Help understanding MRI

[gsmimi]

Hi,  I recently had an MRI of my brain, cervical and thoracic spine.  I don't go back to my neurologist for a few weeks still and was wondering if someone could help me with understanding my MRI results.

Report says.....There are questionable cord lesions at T#.  In addition, there is prominence of the central canal of the cord from T3 down, with maximal diameter of 2 mm at T6.  

My brain MRI was normal except for some small cysts in the soft palet and I have scattered hemangiomas in the thoracic spine.  On a previous MRI there a message of a small syrinx in the thoracic spine but no mention in this MRI.  The MRI was done with a 3 Tesla MRI with and without contrast.  I have a past history of optic neuritis, and currently dealing with arm and hand weakness. spasticity in my left calf, pain in foot and toes and can not bend toes on this same leg.  

Thank you in advance for any info you can offer me.

[kwarendorf]

You beat me go it :-) I was going to suggest that your symptoms may be related to your spine issues, rather than lesions. Hopefully your neuro will be able to shed some light.

Kyle

[gsmimi]

No I have not. At the time I had the optic neuritis they told me that I may have MS but because there were no other symptoms, it was not looked into any further.  I have seen 3 different neurologists in the past 16 months and I am now seeing a neurologist who specializes in MS.  The first 2 doctors had no explanations for my spasticity, tingling, etc.  I am 51 years old and had the optic neuritis when I was 23.  I would really like to know what the radiologist means when she says there is a prominence of the spinal canal from T3 to T6 measuring 2mm in diameter at widest measurement.  This may be causing my problems instead of MS.  

[HVAC]

Have you been followed by a Neurologist since the Optic Neuritis?

Alex

[gsmimi]

No, they don't move around.  The spasticity I feel in my calf comes and goes through out the day.  Most active at night.  This has been going on since last November.  Any idea what other type of lesions they could be from?  I also had sensory testing done but will not see those results until I go back to the neurologist.  Sensory provoked test results were not posted online for me to see.  During the early winter months my spasticity was so bad it kept me from sleeping and some nights could not stand the sheet on my leg.  That's much better now...not as intense.  Thank you for your reply.  I really appreciate it!

[kwarendorf]

Hi gsmimi - Welcome to the group.

From what you have shared, it doesn't sound as if the radiologist suspected demyelination as the cause of your thoracic lesions. Demyelination is the the process that strips the outer protective coating from nerves in the central nervous system in MS. These lesions won't have anything to do with your optic neuritis

The symptoms you describe can be caused by any number of things, both neurological and mechanical (nerve impingement). WHile it is possible to get an MS diagnosis without any visble lesions, it is the exception rather than the rule. Are the symptoms you describe constant? Do they move around?

Kyle

[gsmimi]

just realized that I have a typo error.  It should read....questionable cord lesions at T3 not T#.