Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

MS lesions

Does anyone know if MS lesions show up in the spine?  I was under the impression that the lesions where only on the brain.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
All the lesions that they are attributing to me having MS or in the spine.  Just like lesions in the head, though, they have to exclude whether they are from arthritis, stroke or circulation problems, tumor, infection, transverse myelitis, ADEM, etc. etc.  Also, to further complicate things, people can develop lesions due to two or more ongoing medical problems.  So, that is where the diagnosis get really hairy.  I have multiple lesions in the spine.  I also have WMA in the brain.  For the last six years, they have been attributing my WMLs to migraine and have read my scan as normal (and never even mentioned the WMLs) and read my initial lesion as all different diagnosis from normal, artifact (even though it has been on more than one MRIs--unbelievable) to a birth defect to nothing to worry about, etc., etc.  You get the picture.  So, a person can have two or more different disease processes and a physician will not diagnose the MS disease because they say that the lesions are from various sources and not the disease of MS itself.  However, MS means multiple sclerosis--more than one lesion in the central nervous system.  So, technically, it is like having MS lesions and symptoms as a secondary disease process rather than the primary disease.  At least, that is the way I understand it.  
However, when there are lesions in the spine it is often easier to diagnose MS than with lesions just in the brain as brain lesions can have so many other sources as compared to spinal lesions.  Also, spinal lesions often tend to show more motor problems early on then brain lesions.  Which could also make observation and diagnosis more definitive.  I am not a doctor; but, I hope that I have this correct and that this helps.  Good luck!
Helpful - 0
195469 tn?1388322888
I am one woman with MS that DOES have a lesion in my spine.  It is high in the thoracic region.  It is very common with MS to have lesions in both the brain and the spinal cord, but is not necessarily a "must have" to get a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
Helpful - 0
305544 tn?1197997610
Hello, Yes I think they do show up in the spine also. Others will be quick to answer your question I am sure.  
Cheers, Terrie
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Multiple Sclerosis Community

Top Neurology Answerers
987762 tn?1671273328
Australia
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease