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MS without brain lesions??

Is it possible to have MS without the presence of brain lesions on MRI?

I have a swolen optic nerve.  There is some hemorrhaging and the MRI showed some atrophy (but no lesions).  I'm still waiting for a lumbar puncture to be scheduled so they can check my CSF.

Over the past several years I have had the following symptons:

Severe, painful itching in my hands and feet with no discernable cause.  Lasted a couple weeks then just went away.  Similar episode with my torso.

Small blisters that appeared on backs of my hands that just went away (happened twice).

Extremely painful stomach aches that go away as quickly and completely as they started... with no discernable cause.

Chronic lower back pain

Any help would be greatly appreciated... no one seems concerned about treating the swolen optic nerve (it's causing vision disturbance, a huge blind spot in my left eye and bad light patterns anytime I close my eyes).
Thanks!!
Tracy
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Avatar universal
I really appreciate everyone's comments!!  The MRI did include the lumbar spine but they said it was clear.  The atrophy was actually to the optic nerve (I'm 38 yo) and the LP is scheduled for the morning so hopefully I'll get some relief soon.  I might press them to investigate the chronic lower back pain and numbness in my extremeties regardless of the results of the CSF.

Again, thanks for all your kind words!!
Tracy
Helpful - 0
147426 tn?1317265632
Are you saying your MRI shows brain atrophy??  This is an abnormal finding in anyone younger than their 60's.  How old are you?

I agree with the MRI of the entire spine, including the lumbar since you have chronic lower back pain.  Perhaps that can be done while you are waiting for the LP.

Quix, MD
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Another welcome from me. I agree that stomach problems and blisters don't seem related to MS. But with your other symptoms, MRIs of the neck and thoracic spine seem in order.

I hope you get to the bottom of things soon.

ess
Helpful - 0
572651 tn?1530999357
Hi Kikitike  - I see you are new here.  I hope you will look around and spend some time learning more about MS.  

Our health pages can be found through the yellow icon on the upper right side of this page.  They are full of wonderful topics and all written by members of this community in easy to understand language.  As a bonus, they are also sometime entertaining!

the index is here -

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/MS-Information-and-Resources-Index/show/22?cid=36

The rash on the hands and the stomach ache don't fit the normal profile of MS , but then again we are often surprised by some of these symptoms.


I love your name  - I have Tiki Bars listed as one of my interests.  LOL

Welcome again and I hope we see you around often.
Lulu
Helpful - 0
1261153 tn?1303906068
i too have had a few  tiny little blisters appear on the tops of my hands then they seem to disappear. I went to the dr. about it and he has no clue. i still have no diagnosis but eye surgeon, physio they both have seen me at my worst and they say its early stages of m.s. all my symptoms come and go with a vengence. 2 interns said i have some symptoms of m.s. and some of ALS. but still no answers... 1 and 1/2 yrs and still waiting.
Helpful - 0
1312898 tn?1314568133
It is possible to have the lesions appear on the spinal cord instead of the brain so be sure to ask that the spine be included.  

Was your MRI done on a 3T machine? That could make a big difference.  

Red
Helpful - 0
911669 tn?1294099188
Hi Tracy,

On the MS Health Pages, you can find a page written about MS lesions.

One of the symptoms you mention about the small blisters forming on the back of your hands, I am not sure about whether MS would cause something like this.  I do not recall anything like this on the MS forum.  

It sounds like your doctor trying to rule out things by the tests performed you have mentioned.

I wish you the best of luck for a diagnosis!

terri
Helpful - 0
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