MRI reading help

[logmum]

Hi!
I posted a question a while back about my MRI showing hyperintenstites but the second with contrast said it was nothing. I had the MRI done due to blurred vision, aching limbs, fatigue and numbness and tingling in my right side. I have a copy of my results and wonder if anyone can tell me if it's cause to see a neurologist. The PA I see says no and to wait 6 months and do a repeat.

Here they are.

WITHOUT CONTRAST-

SEVERAL SCATTERED TINY T2/FLAIR HYPERINTENSITIES ARE NOTED IN THE CEREBAL WHITE MATTER. THESE ARE SUBCORTICAL AND ARE NONSPECIFIC. NO BRAINSTEM OR CEREBELLAR LESIONS ARE NOTED. THERE IS NO HYDROCEPHALUS OR ATROPHY OR RESTRICTED DIFFUSION.

WITH CONTRAST-

POSTCONTRAST IMAGES OF THE BRAIN DEMONSTRATE NO ABNORMAL ENHANCEMENT OF THE FOCI NOTED ON THE PRECONTRAST IMAGES. AGAIN NOTED ARE SCATTERED HYPERINTENSITIES IN THE FRONTAL LOBE WHITE MATTER AS WEEL AS THE PERIVENTRICULAR WHITE MATTER. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF DAWSON FINGER ON THE SAGITTAL FLAIR SEQUENCE.

I AM 29 YEARS OLD AND STILL EXPERIENCING THE SYMPTOMS

THANKYOU IN ADVANCE FOR ANY INPUT.

[logmum]

Thanks again Karen. I pretty just needed to know that I wasn't just being paranoid or over reacting. I will be making an appointment next week with someone else and try my best to put my foot down... I am reading through the health pages. Finally things are making sense. All the best and good luck to you.

[Karen99]

They should give you a referral based upon the MRI findings of the cervical spine alone. Herniations and stenosis can be very painful and cause significant problems.  The spine is part of the central nervous system and your brain MRI has some hyperintensities. That should justify a referral to a neurologist.  (that's your argument to get your referral)  

Who ever is telling you that the "MRI with contrast looks normal" hasn't a clue what they are talking about.  More likely, you are in a managed care insurance plan who make it their policy to look the other way.  The images with contrast show the SAME ABNORMALITIES as the images without contrast.  The significance of these hyperintensities should be determined by a neurologist.  No other physician is qualified to make such a call except a neurologist.

Good luck.  Read the Health Pages.  They will serve you well.

[logmum]

Thank you so much for your reply. He ordered a load of tests. I know they did thyroid, B12, lyme disease, but I'm not sure what else. I should add that the MRI of my cervical spine showed alot of damage including degenerative joint disease, dessication, spinal stenosis and hernias.. That may account for a few of my symptoms but definitely not all. I think I am going to try a new Dr, as I've been twice to ask for a neurology refferal and twice i've been told it's not warranted as apparently the MRI with contrast looks "normal". I guess I need to be a bit more assertive.