What does "Several Lesions" Mean?

[Zacksmomi]

I got my preliminary brain MRI report and it stated that I have several lesions.  I assumed that the final report would be more descriptive as my cervical MRI said the number and size of each lesion, but it said the exact same thing.
My PCP seems to think that means too many to bother counting and my neuro will have a better answer at my next appt in a month.

I am wondering if I have alot of lesions, does that mean my case is any worse or different than someone with less visible lesions, or just that my MS is Very Photogenic ?!?

Thanks
D

[ShockedToday]

My recent mri of the brain said that I had multiple high signal intensities in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres.  It also said that I had subtle high signal intensities involving the periatrial white matter in the region of the optic radiations.

I later found out that I had 20 lesions from my neuro.  When I went over the mri, it looked to me like more than 20, but then who am I to say?

I was dx with MS and then had the dx changed to amaurosis, demyelinating disease and tremor because my lp was negative.  ???

HTH

[Zacksmomi]

I go back to the Neuro in a month.  My PCP says he thinks the neuro will go over the MRI in more detail and have better info at my next appt.  
I better start my list of questions. Thanks for the info.

To: Wobbly,
I know I had spinal lesions and Dawson's Fingers on my Brain MRI that made my dx so easy for the doc.  
He actually said that upon physical exam (minus a couple symptoms) that he would have said I have a pinched nerve but the MRI was very definitive.  Apparently MS lesions tend to follow a typical pattern or shape and that is why some MRIs are harder to diagnose.
I do hope that you learn more soon.

D

[jensequitur]

Zach, oddly enough, lots of lesions doesn't mean a worse prognosis.  There are people out there with MS and lots of lesions, and live an almost symptom-free life.  There are those who have only a few (like me!) and have a lot more symptoms.  I dunno why it's so different - maybe there's some invisible damage that we can't see on MRI.

[Wobbly]

Hi there... my MRIs..three of them...one stated numerous WML...in subcortical area.. then several WML... the third one I asked the Neuro how many...she said about 20, but I still don't have a Dx?  She said I have two new ones and some changes...but she isn't sure yet what I have...?  

I suggest you get more info from the Neuro...let us know what they say OK...
take care
wobbly
undx

[Fluffysmom]

I have photogening lesions, too, they're just playing coy and being non-specific.

My 1st brain MRI's report's Impression was:

Multiple mm sized area of increased an abnormal water signal scattered throughout supratentortial white matter tracts.  The appearance and distribution of these lesions is far and away most consistent with multiple sclerosis.  

Conceivable microvascular disease could present in such a manner, if the patient has an underlying medical disorder such as hypertension or diabetes which predisposes her to fairly severe microvascular changes.  This should be correlated with the patient's history.

My medical history includes nothing that would predispose me to fairly severe microvascular changes.  On my second MRI, 4 months later, after a weird visual event,  the Impression was:

No change from previous study.  Multiple mm sized areas of abnormal signal again noted throughout deep white matter tracts.  As was noted this appearance is far-and-away most consistent with multiple sclerosis.

I should have asked for clarification, and I think I will; great advice, Shell!  I was told they were done under the MS protocol.  I think they're supposed to count them and note locations, if I understand what I've read of the Protocol.

I've learned from my neuro-ophthalmologist that one of my many lesions is on my pons.  One of my neurologists wrote "there are numerous areas that are bright on FLAIR, none are distinctly periventricular, all are sub cm, some at grey white junction, some are subcortical.

All three of my neuros to date have thought I have small vessel ischemic disease, without a history of predisposing factors, and having excellent BP, glucose, cholesterol, etc., most of my life.

Perhaps with a more complete reporting of count and location, my current neuro (ms specialist) will move forward with imaging on a 3T at her teaching hospital.  It's worth a try.

D, I'm sure that your neuro will have a better explanation than mine did.  I think it's an excellent idea to request a more specific report, regarding the count and location of your lesions.  

Kathy

[sllowe]

Photogenic lesions -LOL ha/ha/ha!!!!!!! You are funny!

Well, not liking the words "several" either.  Maybe they count for awhile, and then just saw aw, heck, several.  I just don't know.

Doesn't hurt to get a number on it, and you are entitled to ask.  Your Dr. can call the radiology dept or facility ref. the report and insist on specifics.  If not, do it yourself. Maybe an addendum report will come out of it. That way, you all will be more in the know.

I've gotten a vague one too, and did make the call.  They got a bit more specific after that, but was still no comparison to the 1st place I was imaged at.

ttys,
Shell