MRI Results - Help Please

[seeking_help]

I had a MRI yesterday.  I am posting the results of my MRI in 2004 and one I had in 2005 and the one yesterday. Your opinions are appreciated.   I am dealing with a strange sensations in my face - mostly on the right from my eye down to my lip but also some around the left side in and around the bottom of my nose.  I have pins and needles sensations all over and itching. I have burning sensations all over and never concentrated in the same place. I also have muscle twitching in all sorts of place - mostly in my calves but can occur anywhere. These symptoms let up sometimes and come back but have never really gone away.  

I am suppose to see a new Neuro soon  (probably within a week)- I went to an associate who is a Neurosurgeon who orderted the MRI of my brain and spine and now referred me to a new neurologists. He said he doesn't think it is MS but it is not his speciality.  The spine had a few issues but nothing that would account for these symptoms.

Here are the results of from 2004 -  1)Mild generalized volume loss of undetermined etiology 2)several predominantly subcortical white matter changes left greater than right – probably nonspecific but most consistent with ischemic small vessel changes – not felt likely to represent focal demyelinization due to distribution. 3)Skull is unremarkable.

Here are the results from 2005  - 1) Since previous exam there has been no interval change. There are several non-enhancing foci of hypersignal intensity in the periventricular deep white matter. These are mostly subcortical in distribution and more predominant in the frontal lobes. These remain stable. No new lesions identified. Impression - Stable MRI appearance of the brain with small white matter lesions.  Sinusutis.

Here are the results from May 2011 -  1)The ventricies, sulci and basilar patterns are normal in size. There are very small scattered rounded white matter signal abnormalities which may be related to small vessel ischemic disease. There is no abnormal enhancement after contrast. There is no evidence of mass, hemorrhage or midline shift. The midline structures including the corpus, callosum and pituitary are normal. The orbits are normal. This is mild mucosal thickening of th e frontal, ethmoid and lilateral maxillary sinuses.

THANK YOU

[Deb61]

It would also be good for your neurologist to pull up the MRI images on his/her computer and go over it with you.  If he doesn't offer, ask him if he would do this with you.  You can ask questions as he does this.  As a new patient, I think your neurologist shouldn't be so busy to do this with you.  

After all this time, you need some kind of explanation as to what is causing those white matter lesions.  You shouldn't have been left off the hook in 2005/2006.

Deb

[HVAC]

No this is just a peer to peer site.

I will try to explain again the symptoms you are describing could be from many things. I myself was checked for many diseases through blood tests over two years and had many Neurological tests. They went all over the map with what could be wrong it was confusing.

Even a Neurologist on the internet would refer you to a Neurologist to work this out.

Alex

[seeking_help]

Thank you for your comments - so by using this site - how do I go about asking a doctor the same question about my MRI results?

I looked at the Doctor forums and there doesn't seem to be a post there (MS section) since 2009.   Am I looking in the right place?

A general question for you or anyone - most of my symptoms have been sensory for 6-7 years. Can others relate to that?  As mentioned I have the burning, itching, pins and needles and muscle twitching and some uncomfortable in and around my right eye but to date - I seem to be escaping the other parts of MS (I am NOT DX-ed) .  Any thoughts or insight to this perspective


Thank you

[jerseyg]

Alex is right. There is no one thing that can give you the answer you are seeking. MRI's will change over time even with MS or othe disease processes. Wait to see your Neurologist and see what he/she says and what other test they suggest. This is a long road and most of us have traveled it so if you need anything or have any questions or need support just write us.

[HVAC]

Glad you are seeing a Neurologist soon. I hate when I can't understand these things. I make it a point as a lay person not to take a stab at these things in case I give someone the wrong information. I was lucky to have a non Neurologist Doctor one time take out a text book of the brain and go over this stuff. It all sounded so scary on the report. If there was anything to be concerned about they would have let you know right away.

No test rules MS in or out it is combination of a patients history, symptoms, neurological exam, test, ruling all other possibilities out, and Neurologists knowledge. This may take some time and detective work or they may figure out what is going on right away. I guess that is not the answer you want.

You can look at the health pages top right if you have not. They cover things like making a time line of symptoms.

I know you are anxious. I was to. There just are no easy answers. There are those who will take a stab at translating this but you may come out just as confused. It is a piece of a puzzle to be put together by a Neurologist.

Alex