Was dx with smoker brain by Neulorgist...

I had Mri down because I was having serve headaches, numbness and pain in both arms and legs.  Mri came back abnormal, the impression were mulitple nonspecific small foci of white matter signal of abnormality throughtout both cerebal hemispheres.  Differental diagnosis includess sequelae of chronic mircroagniopathic ischemic disease ( no history of hypertension or diabetes), demyelination process such as multiple sclerosis, vasulitis as well as additional less likey etiologies.  So proceedling I saw a Neuorologist about my MRI and he told me it was from smoking and I ask him why I was having numbess in my legs and arms, he did not know. But he told me my headaches were rebound headaches. I was unhappy with doctor and I am following up with a new doctor.

[saveone]

I don't even know how to respond to this...smoker's brain?  I hope you can find a new dr who can do better than that.

sending you strength and patience. you need it in limbo land
terry

[doni54]

Hi Noel, and welcome to the forum.  It's a great place when you are dealing with drs such as yours.  We have a wiennie roast on Fridays for drs such as yours.

Yes, find another neuro, quickly!!!  You need someone who will listen and find your dx.

Hope you hang around with us, and tell us your story.  There are lots and lots of great people on here and many who are very knowledgable about MS.

You should check out our health pages, just click on the icon in the upper right hand corner of the page.  There is some great articles here.

Look forward to getting to know you better.

doni

[Fluffysmom]

OK, I googled smoker's brain.  It brought up a lot of studies about why smokers can't quit, that smoker's are more likely to have strokes, declining IQs, effects of other issues from smoking on the brain, etc.

I didn't see any articles about numbness and pain in the arms and legs, or severe headaches.

I used to smoke, and not one of my bad neuros used that as a reason for my brain lesions and neurological symptoms; this is a new one on me!

I agree, it's time to see a different neurologist.  My first one focused on the fact that I drank quite a bit when I was a young adult, and said I had brain atrophy.  I never went back after that first visit.  No one else as seen brain atrophy in my two brain MRIs.

I think sometimes a doc can have a prejudice against something, and uses that to explain (and blame) everything away.  Of course, you know smoking can have adverse affects on your health; who doesn't?!!

Welcome to our friendly forum.  Make yourself at home, and get to know us.  

See you around,

Kathy

[spitfire989]

Hi there, and welcome.---I agree with what everyone else is saying---Good God get away from that Neuro!!!!~~~I have been a smoker for years and my MRI showed very similar things as yours, from what you posted.  My Neuro knew I smoked and NEVER used that as an excuse or reasoning for my lesions.---He may not be pleased that I smoke, but like he stated in the beginning, it does'nt give ya lesions!--In fact I asked him in the beginning cuz I was trying to "figure out if you will" what might of enhanced my MS---but as he said---it was not smoking and has never been used to "enhance" MS or lesions.--He's like the smoking will screw up your lungs--but not your brains.  So, yeah, move to a new Neuro--and keep fighting for your answers!   Keep us posted.

[karilann]

I used to smoke up to just 3 months ago and no one ever sugguested such a thing.  The only thing I ever heard was a study that more smokers get MS than non-smokers.  Possibly due to the environmental therory part (lots of long term toxin use)

Doc is soooooooooo fired.

[Heather3418]

I have to ask...What's HE been smoking?

Sorry, I don't mean to minimize the awful treatment you just received from that Neuro.  He's a true wack job.....

Forum Hugs,
Heather