Possible MS????

[StormyRenee]

Hi All,
I am 35 yrs old. Back in 1/09 had an attack of what was later diagnosed as TM (6 months later).It was a mild attack. By the time I had MRI's done(Feb 09) the were all clear or atleast thats what I was told. Back in 7/09 had the second migraine I have ever had in my life. I never had migraines before the TM. Absolutly BRUTAL with aura.At that time had another brain MRI done and it showed 15 lesions. The new neuro who diagnosed me with TM found this very odd. He took the old supposed normal MRI and the new abnormal one and reviewed it with the radiologist who found the lesions. They had been there all along. So now my neuro now referes to my TM as CIS.My EVP's were all normal.I have not had an LP and the neuro does not want to do one on me because he's afraid of complications.I have neurological problems from head to toe. Sometimes I will feel almost normal for weeks then somthing will happen. I have worsening cognitive problems too. But I have not had a 2nd defined attack. The doc and I discussed maybe starting the MS injections. I go back to see him in Feb 2010 and we will decide then.

[StormyRenee]

Thanks for your responses!
This is what the brain mri report says Atleast 15 punctuate T2 signal hyperintensities. Numerous punctuate foci of subcortical bifrontal white matter abnormalities.It also said that they could be chronic microangiopathic changes or caused by migraines. They are not typical of demyelinating disease but it could not be ruled out.My neuro said that because of my age  and lack of risk factors the mini stroke issue is not very likely. I have had 2 migraines in my life and even though they were horrible it would not be enough to cause all that damage. I have only had one spinal mri and it was normal. My neuro does not want to do another one at this time.He wants to repeat the mri's next year.
I have told my neuro how I feel pretty good for a while then have problems  just out of the blue. Which just made him lean even more towards MS. But my symptoms are somewhat mild. They very rarely stop me from doing what I want to do.Which I am greatful for. Take Care,Theresa....

[jensequitur]

With 15 lesions, I would say it's definite MS.  You may never have another attack, but the DMDs are there to prevent brain atrophy as much as to prevent relapse.  Progressive disability can happen without relapse.

However, it sounds like you're having relapses - when you feel almost normal, then feel like crud, then go back to normal, then it's probably a relapse.  

You can learn a lot about MS and its symptoms by visiting the Health Pages, at the top right of this screen - there's all sorts of articles about it, from dealing with symptoms to the McDonald diagnostic criteria.  Take a look!

[mistylee]

Hi there,

From what I undersatand you may never go on to have another attack . That is why you need to wait for another to get a dxs or if you fit the mcdonalds criteria with one attack. I think you would need signs on your neuro exam as well as a positive LP and more than 9 lesions in certain areas of the brain or in the spine.

What areas are your lesions in the brain and are there any in the spine??

Mistylee