Waiting.....

Went to the neurologist ..I had vertigo and they did find lesions ...the neurololgist was somewhat desmissive about the seriousness. He just basically told me it could have been a CIS and to schedule another MRI in 6 months to see what is going on. Having a hard to deal with waiting and the what if's . Is this a normal process ? Having a hard time staying calm. Anyone have any advice on how to handle it?

[bubbles_04]

Was it just an MRI of your brain? I'm surprised he's being so dismissive. I could be wrong, but some of the DMDs are prescribed for CIS as they have been shown to reduce the number of CIS cases that transfer to MS. I think maybe a spinal MRI and a LP would be of use. I could of ended up with a bad neuro so I guess I'm lucky but I'll tell you how my Dx earlier this year went,

Numb from the waist down and in fingertips

MRI of Brain (9 lesions in the perivencular area) A hot spot for MS lesions. (So I guess the location of your lesion/s maybe playing into his reaction)

Neuro then ordered a full MRI of my spinal cord. I'm so lucky, I had 3 there.

Next was the LP - Mine was positive.

So I'm a gold standard for MS :)

I think you need to do what sarah said, that was great advise. Do some research and then push the neuro for answers. You deserve to be fully informed on your health.

Hugs,

Kat

[SarahL2491]

well did mr dismissive tell you how many lesions and where?
i'd get a copy of the MRI from wherever you had it done (and ask for a printed copy of the rad report)  it may or may not discuss the lesions.

but he owes you an explanation of what he found.  He's not on the money about the CIS.  Those are called Clinically Isolated Syndrome and usually are thrown in when you need more ammunition to prove a Dx.  Lesions usually cinch it.  Google the McDonald Criteria which is what is used to Dx MS.

If its only one, then waiting will not do you in.  MS is a very slow moving train for sure.  Is that your only symptom?  they did an MRI just for vertigo?  Or am I missing something?  Inevitably, you will probably have to have the mimic diseases ruled out, he could be doing that in the meantime.  (see the "most viewed health pages" on the right for a wealth of information

Keep us posted but "dog" that neuro for more answers OR ask for a written copy of his dictation for your office visit.  You may have to sign a paper to get that but its a wealth of information

[bubbles_04]

Was it just an MRI of your brain? I'm surprised he's being so dismissive. I could be wrong, but some of the DMDs are prescribed for CIS as they have been shown to reduce the number of CIS cases that transfer to MS. I think maybe a spinal MRI and a LP would be of use. I could of ended up with a bad neuro so I guess I'm lucky but I'll tell you how my Dx earlier this year went,

Numb from the waist down and in fingertips

MRI of Brain (9 lesions in the perivencular area) A hot spot for MS lesions. (So I guess the location of your lesion/s maybe playing into his reaction)

Neuro then ordered a full MRI of my spinal cord. I'm so lucky, I had 3 there.

Next was the LP - Mine was positive.

So I'm a gold standard for MS :)

I think you need to do what sarah said, that was great advise. Do some research and then push the neuro for answers. You deserve to be fully informed on your health.

Hugs,

Kat

[me8k]

Yep I just had vertigo..lasting a few minutes...only when I was walking or in a mall/Grocery store..it lasted on and off for about 3 months went to my primary doctor and he ordered the MRI. I have a history of migranes (migraines) and aura (which I dont always get with the headache) since I was 15 , I am 45. I quit smoking and was wearing a nicotine patch and honestly thought it was because of the patch, but it happened a few times after I took it off. Got the MRI which showed lesions. The neurologist ( a "ms specialist") said most of them look like migranes (migraines) lesions (great!) however one doesnt .. it didnt enhance. He did do the LUPUS/LYME tests which were negative, and a sed rate which was slighty high 28 and my b12 was alittle low 346.  Just said "it might have been a CIS and get another MRI in 6 months and settle down. I am a   wreck. I have been since the MRI. I honestly dont have any other symptoms ..no numbness never have no tingly nothing.

[SarahL2491]

if it did not enhance, just meant it was not a "new" one, but an old one.
they only enhance for so long, I don't remember how long, am sure someone else will remember.  

[me8k]

I know I read that too. I might add ...my primary doctor called me five weeks before my Neuro appt and told me..You have MS based on my MRI report. I have been killing myself with worry finally went and now I dont know what to think.

[bubbles_04]

Argh so sorry I didn't see your reply. Mental note to self ADD TO WATCH LIST.. Argh

So after your next post I am feeling more happy. I agree with your Neuro, it might of been CIS. They aren't sure. The one lesion that isn't migraine like could be due to anything. Many people get lesions in their brain over time. Thats why some reports will say normal MRI, even if there are some lesions.

This is all good news, please try not to worry! I think the best thing you can do for yourself right now is to relax and forget about MS. Damn your PCP for saying that!!! Mine did the same thing to me, told me it was MS after just a brain MRI before I even met a neuro. Unfortuantly for me, pos LP and lesions in spinal cord proved her right.

Please forget MS, live your life and relax. Don't waste it worrying, it might never happen!. :)

[sandythegeek2]

I'm in a similar boat.  Negative LP.  They say my lesions are probably from migraines and a couple of concussions I have had.  I have one large lesion and the others are small.  

I'm going to celebrate and not worry anymore and move on with my life.  

If some other bad symptoms happen, I will document them and notify my doctor.  I will have a follow up MRI in a year to look for changes.  

[me8k]

Well , my plot thickens , just went back to my GP today . He wants me to go for a second opinion because of my MRI and the Neuro saying CIS now what ?? Do I go ?? Who do I believe if he says something else ? This is all so confusing.

[bubbles_04]

Good for you sandy!! That is the best thing to do!! It might never happen and worry will only make you worse :)

me8k, who is this GP? Where in the world are you? I can't believe this is a UK GP based on my experience of them :) This is your decision. If you think a second opinion will help ease your mind then go for it!! You have nothing to lose!! The second opinion may or may not want to chase this down with more studies like an LP or a spinal MRI. They may agree with Neurologist #1 and say maybe CIS.

Also your neuro said maybe CIS not def right?

[me8k]

I am actually in the USA , yep he first said not MS and then looked at my MRI and said it was a CIS . So I have no clue, I just dont know if going to a second Neurologist would be a good idea or not ?

[bubbles_04]

So the neuro is saying CIS? I think maybe you should seek that second opinion to rest your mind and maybe they will order more tests to rule it out. Thats what happened with me and well it was MS. However, I have have two attacks both lasting atleast 2 weeks, spaced out by 3 years. Just veritgo for you right?

[saucygrl]

It never hurts to get a second opinion, especially if your GP is someone you trust.  I think bubbles is right it might just rest your mind.  My GP diagnosed me, but I was fortunate that two different neuros agreed.  I wasn't crazy about the first one and really like the second.

Best wishes!
Chris

[me8k]

Just Vertigo and I feel like I have to urinate all the time. My "vertigo" lasted less than 5 minutes

[rendean]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I am sorry to hear about your possible CIS. As Kat said IF it is a Clinically Isolated Syndrome, then Copaxone has been approved for use in patients with this diagnosis.

I would get a second  opinion from a MS neurologist. Even if your GP is right , a CIS treated with Copaxone can decrease the amount of "disability" if it exists, due to recurring attacks on the central nervous system(CNS) .

Get your 2nd opinion, and help yourself with your anxiety and worry. I can honestly say I have been in your shoes and a 2nd opinion either confirms or denies that the symptoms occurred due to MS and that your MRI shows MRI changes. Mine did not show the MRI changes for years but the symptoms followed the natural course of MS and were treated by my doctors as such.

For what it's worth, the diagnosis of MS brings on a roller coaster of a ride of emotions . It's natural to be scared , unsure,in disbelieve, angry, sad, or any other range of  emotions. Do not feel guilty about your emotions!  It's your way of coping with the news you have been told. It is noting to be ashamed of...we've all been there!

Anytime you need a shoulder to lean on or cry on, come here . that's what we're here for..to support and help each other!

wishing you the best,
ren

[me8k]

Thanks everyone, could a pain in my side be a symptom , now I have that for about a week. This is all driving me crazy.

[supermum_ms]

I have to agree to you getting a second opinion, if you can please make sure its with a neurologist that specialises in MS, it can make a huge difference overall. As to your question regarding "could a pain in my side be a symptom" well thats far too difficult to make a call on, its just to vague and could literally be many things.

Cheers.........JJ

[me8k]

The first one I went to was a MS Specialist , the new one my GP is recommending is a Neurologist who has been in practice for 30 plus years. My doctor says he trusts his opinion. I think I want to go .

[cjldb]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get a second opinion. I had vertigo and "strange sensations" on my left side that came and left quickly throughout the day. My GP ordered an MRI that 3 showed lesions that suggested MS. GP referred me to a neuro who was very dismissive and said he saw nothing that "screamed MS." He did, however, order an LP more or less to prove that I DID NOT have MS and it turned out positive. His dismissive attitude changed but I have found that I am still very unhappy with him because of that first visit and I'm in the process of changing neurologists. I have decided that this is too serious of a condition for me feel apprehension when discussing my symptoms in fear that he may dismiss them.

[me8k]

Ok. I am making an appt with an Neuro but I havent heard back from my insurance company yet.