Please decypher these words for me thanx jan xx

[janbubears]

My neuro wrote on letter to my GP of which i have a copy.

" I note the MRI scans of the cervival spine which show sub-optimal quality suggest there is a abnormality in the parenchyma of the cord".

The MRI scans of the brain show a number of areas of increased signal but these look quite a way from the ventricles, and could be due to her smoking but of course demyelination does remain a possibility.

I have arranged further investigation for blood to be drawn for angiotensin converting enzyme level, ESR,CRP, and MRI scan of the cervical spine ( MY 3rd ) and a lumber puncture looking for obligoclonal bands, cell count,protein, and glucose.

i have arranged for her to have a 3 day course of intravenous methyl prednisolone.

Thank you if anyone can explain this in layman terms x

[supermum_ms]

I think your still early in the investigation stage, my interpretation is that you have something that is notable but unidentified, demyelination (MS) is not able to be ruled out but what is seem on MRI is atypical, hence the reference to...

"The MRI scans of the brain show a number of areas of increased signal but these look quite a way from the ventricles, and could be due to her smoking but of course demyelination does remain a possibility."

When it comes to smoking causing lesions, there doesn't seem to be much evidence to support, much more regarding minor strokes (TIA's) or full strokes and smoking. There is something about if your a smoker the odds of MS is higher but i'm not sure if the study has been proven yet, i think all the data is still in the speculation stages, on smoking causation.

BTW I've been smoking since I was 11, gulp thats over 30 years so if smoking caused lesions, my brain should be full of lesions or at least one, but according to the neurologist I saw (twit of neuro) I have a good brain with only some irrelevant bleeds. Put aside the fact my brain is swiss cheese, I dont walk like a normal person and the neuro is a twit and your still left with out those expect lesions from smoking.

Do your self a favour and quit, even if it they never establish concrete proof from smoking, it is the cause of so many other health issues, none good! Ohhhh i feel like i'm on a soap box lol!

Cheers...........JJ

  

[jensequitur]

Feel free to google the different terms in your report, and dig around until you figure out more of what they mean.  That's how I found this forum, actually!  I was just googling a symptom, and found a post on this site.

[janbubears]

hi sorry

Swelling was on or near c6 on spine and the hyperintensity was in spots around brain but not near vascular .

ha ha i will get to grips with it eventually im sure ha ha

jan xxx

[jensequitur]

Don't know, as the part of the report you quoted didn't mention that.

Usually increased signal means a hyperintensity, or lesion.  Swelling is inflammation, which is different.

You might look up the symptoms of MS hug and see if they're familiar - also make sure you have your PCP check your heart, to see if there's any problems.

[janbubears]

Hi All
Thank you for your replies however i still dont really understand what the letter is saying.

Is it swelling he means is it lesions ?? whats the brain scan mean increased signal ?? is it lesions or hyperintensity ?

Sorry for been so dumb.

Does the fact i have got to have the 3 x steroid treatment look towards MS ?

Do other people with MS have these chest pains sort of spasms in my chest scary..

Just to let people know i have already had 2 previous MRI ,s and 1 x brain scan. The spinal surgeon thought it was a disc until he saw MRI then he refered me to Neurologist, im gathering he thought it was my bone but its a nerve.. jan xx

No Wobbly not had any treatment yet. I dont think its smoking related on brain scan i dont smoke alot anyway..

jan xx

[RedFlame]

It is just incredibly crazy.  I don't understand why doctors are so quick to blame our symptoms or MRI findings as someing else.  My report said the periventricular lesions were probably ischemic.  

So frustrationg!

[jensequitur]

That's for sure!  I've heard of people who had a diagnosis taken away because they smoked...  Craziness.

[biowham]

Quix would come on here and challenge the "could be due to her smoking" comment. There are no data indicating that smoking causes lesions. The steroid course would be indicated only if someone thought there was an acute inflammatory process in progress.

Bio

[jensequitur]

It sounds like you need another MRI of the cervical cord, with a better Tesla than the one previously.  While you're at it, ask the neuro if he'll do an MRI of the thoracic spine as well.  With your back pain and numb arm, there's a possibility of some damage in there.

[Wobbly]

Hi Jan, sounds like your Neuro is checking into everything that needs to be looked at for any type of Dx... MS, Sarcoidosis, Autoimmune, Lupus etc.  Have you had the 3 day treatment yet?  

let the neuro know how you are feeling, if your worse then last week, I would call the office and let the nurse or assistant know how you are feeling.

take care
wobbly
dx

[janbubears]

Just to follow up on this post i do feel extremely worse this last week, my back is killing me and my numb left arm of some 6 months has now become very painful. along with my thumb and fingers on same arm.

My neck and feet hurt. I am getting dizzy spells on a daily basis, especially when i look down. Propably unrelated but i woke this morning to a swollen and very painful mouth, the roof of my mouth on right side is very sore.

I had a fluttering and tight feeling in my chest last night that kept coming and going, i was put on ecg previous my heart is ok, but i do tend to panic when i get these feelings in my chest. i am already on anti depressants.

thanx jan x