Not ms

[Katefrs]

Seen neuro today who says 100% sure not ms, says it's a stroke that has caused lesions and they not in right place for ms.
Any comments? ....am pleased but still unsure if he is right
Kate

[Katefrs]

No spinal tap arranged just trans oesophageal ECG to see if there is hole in heart. Already on beta blockers for migraine but only low dose as BP normally low.
Kate

[RedFlame]

yes, definately a second opinion.  If I am hearing you right, he is continuing to have different tests so that's good.  Have you had a spinal tap?

[Ojibajo]

I would get a second opinion just to be sure.

[drsdonthelp]

I can relate!! I was first dx'd with a TIA at 36 yrs. old. I didn't believe it at all. I had to go through a carrotid doppler, holter moniter, TEE to check for a hole in my heart, and EKG.

The good news was, all of those tests were good, except for mitral valve prolapse. My heart dr. was firm when he said, you did not have a mini stroke. I went for a second opinion and my now neuro. told me, you didn't have a TIA, you have simple partial seizures. I don't believe that either but its better than what the first doc. said.

I walked around scared to death that I was going to have a full blown stroke within the next 3 months afterwards. Certainly not a good feeling at that age.

Hope you get some answers soon,
Pam

[jenandherboys]

Just a brief account of my experience...my current neuro told me several times early last year that he was sure I didn't have MS. I was referred to a University level neuro who told me last Sept. that she was POSITIVE I DID NOT have MS. On Nov. 29th, after reviewing my most recent MRI which showed 2 new brain lesions and changes in 2 out of 3 old lesions, my current neuro said he thought it was time to start a DMD, since "this" either was already clinical MS or would likely progress to clinical MS without some intervention.

This was less than a year after he had told me he was very sure I did not have MS.

Please keep asking questions until YOU are satisfied with the answers.  Until then, keep asking questions of  all the great folks around here and continue to look for a Dr. whose opinion you respect and accept.

Best of luck, and be well!

Jen

[Katefrs]

Thanks bob
Am 43, very healthy non smoker but I do have migraines and am a very busy community midwife. Maybe it is a stroke and the next step is to find out whether migraine caused it or hole in heart but.....I am not totally convinced. Hubby delighted and family are but I feel he may be wrong. If he is time will tell surely but think will ask for second opinion
Kate

[COBOB]

There are two kinds of strokes:  Clots (Ischemic Strokes) and Bleeds.  Bleeds can displace tissue (mass effect) of diffuse through tissues.  Clots are a bit more complicated.

Small ischemic areas = Microangiopathic ischemic disease (we all know Neuro blame UBOs on this all the time.)

So the question becomes what does the clinical exam show?  One left parietal UBO and one area of right sided symptom, OK.  Maybe a stroke.  5 or 6 symptoms not explainable by visible lesions --- well then we should start thinking about invisible lesions.  Strokes have certain areas that they typically happen.  Same goes for MS.  

If you are in your 60's, maybe stroke is better odds.  If you are in your thirties, I'd say less likely.  I'd say it is second opinion time.

Bob

[Katefrs]

He didn't read MRI just read short report from scan dept. All I know is what I posted on previous and on pics, one showed lesion of 6.5mm....that make any difference.
Wish I could read the scans myself lol...got them on disc here but looks like a load of nothing to me...lol
Kate

[Katefrs]

Thanks Mary am really not sure am totally satisfied and don't know why,
He is sending me for trans oesophageal echo and on aspirin so think will wait to see other consultant first and pose question to him about second opinion
Kate
Ps thanks a bunch you have all been greatly helpful xx

[rendean]

Kate,

I agree with Shell regarding the 2nd opinion. Especially since you seem to have doubts or you  wouldn't be asking. A good neurologist would not take offense to a second opinion.

In fact, as I am trying to decide on a new MS treatment, my current neuro suggested the 2nd opinion and it is with my former neuro as he was in the drug trials for Tysabri. He even made the connection for me since I felt kinda of sheepish going back to see him.

Is the neurologist reading the films himself or is he reading the report? I would find this out since your MRI films need to be read by a neuro-radiologist or someone that does this on a regular basis ...even you own neuro.

Let us know what you decide.

BTW, did your neuro offer any preventative  meds such as aspirin, Plavix, etc. to protect against another stroke?

Take care,
Ren

[twopack]

I always find it interesting when docs (especially neurologists) say they are 100% sure of something.  There don't seem to be that many absolutes in a field where you can't exam the damage directly.

Nobody here can say for sure either.  There are certainly 'classic' areas to see MS producing lesions on an MRI.  It is also possible to be a rebel and have non-classical lesions in shape or location.

What matters most is how comfortable YOU are with this diagnosis.  Did the doc explain why he came to this conclusion?  Did he order any type of therapy to help you regain lost function?  Did he present a plan for prevention of future stroke?  Did he schedule any folow-up?  Or did he just say he though this was a stroke, not MS.  Wham, bam, thank-you madam.

I'm not sure one diagnosis is necessarily better than the other.  They are different.  Although physical therapy, better diet, adequate sleep, and life habits to reduce stress will help both conditions, some aspects of treatment and prevention are quite different.  

Only you can decide if you are satisfied to wait for future developments or would be more comfortable seeking a second opinion concerning your current status.  Posing your question here does suggest you aren't overly confident with the opinion you have.  Sometimes trying on each choice and living in it for a few days can help in coming to a final decision.

Good luck and let us know how you're doing.  We like people to stick around once they visit.

Mary

[Katefrs]

Thanks shell

Am not supposed to be seeing him again but am seeing the original consultant when they originally thought it was a stroke. Is it worth bringing it up with him, am I being paranoid as even when I mentioned atypical lesions he repeated he is positive I don't have ms.

Kate
Ps....it's not that I am disappointed but just feel unsure that he is right. Why would I have 2 episodes three months apart if a stroke?

[sllowe]

Hi Kate,

I'm certainly not licensed to argue w/a neurologist. But, if it were me I would get a 2nd opinion. I don't say this because I believe you to have something else - it's just that I'm the type of person who needs to feel comfortable that I'm treating the right thing.

I pulled this from your previous post (as a reminder to those who'll make comment):
  ~  t2 proton density weighted, flair and diffusion images show focal lesion seen with bright signal
  ~  t2 weighted image in left parietal lobe in sub cortical position. Another lesion with bright signal noted in left temporal lobe in particular on coronal flair images.

  ~ No other evidence of demyelinating disease or space occupying lesion.

This doctor being 100 percent sure has more evidence in front of him besides the imaging. It's not disrespectful to ask the doctor. His response may make you feel more comfortable about the dx too. These are just my initial thoughts.....

ttys,
Shell

[cainer]

lulu-quix?   seems like one of them said white or gray matter?  but arent our lessions due to damage mylen and blood vessels that hemorage?  well hope they talk to you, but glad not ms  but stroke isnt good!!     hugs tick