"nonspecific white matter hyperintensities"

this is what the MRI of my brain revealed.  It also said (referring to these areas) "tiny foci of increased signal in the subcortical white matter of the frontal lobes bilaterally.  these changes are minor and entirely nonspecific and of doubtful significance."

The MRI was done without contrast.

I'm not sure I fit any other criteria for MS.  I do have symptoms that overlap MS but could also be from a number of other things.  Some symptoms, worsening headaches suddenly and then a tingly sensation in my left temporal area which has now resolved but gets itchy sometimes, the sensation of weakness but no clinicaly obvious signs of weakness, difficulty sometimes with manual dexterity (like crushing paper in my hand or flipping a bottle cap, it's like I just can't get my fingers to do it, like I need to force them like they are stuck), a period of decreased sexual pleasure since resolved, dizziness since my c-section in 2009 (not constant but comes in bouts that will last for a few weeks then resolve that started the same day I got my c-section which I obviously had an epidural for),  Lately I've been having migrating leg pains that are worse when I sit or stand for long periodsn and it is not related to working out.

I am scared because I know that the signifcance of MRI findings are very subjective to which radiologist reads the pictures.

What should my next step be to ensure I do not have this disease?  I am 32 with one child and work a highly stressful job.  I have a neuro appt next week (my second, my first was due to the increasing headaches and at that time I had a completely normal neuro exam).

thank you everyone. I have been lurking here for a week or so and really love the support you all show.

[sllowe]

Hi T10,

Thanks for coming out of the shadows.  The chances of you not having MS are far better than your chances of having it.

Your lesions are not-specific at this time. People with headaches, especially migraines have brain changes. It's going to take a good neuro to get to the bottom of the cause. I'm glad you are going next week.

Your perspective is spot on in the area of similar symptoms from one disease or condition to another.  So, don't be scared - just do what you can for now to keep your world a little calm. I'm sure it won't be easy, but if you can't slow it down a little, chances are your symptoms will only ramp up.

You have a couple big things going for you. 1, your neuro exam was normal, and two you are young, and if by chance this does turn out to be MS, it's early. And, early treatment of MS increases your chances to minimize progression.

Hope you stick around so we can help you out with your next steps with the neuro and some coping mechanisms that have helped us.  And, I want to thank you so much for saying such nice things about our forum here. I think we all take great pride in our community and all the care and compassion we give to each other.

Hope to see you around! Thanks much for joining!
-Shell

[t10179uhn]

thank you Shell!!!  I appreciate your response and support.  You are very right to try and keep myself calm, and I do know that worrying won't change a single thing (easier said than done but I could try to limit myself to the incessant Google'ing).

and yes, I have been having increasing headaches for a while now so I am hoping this is what it boils down to and that the rest of my symptoms can all be written off as anxiety (which I have a history of and through experience I know can cause a whole bunch of unpleasant symptoms).

I guess deep down my real fear is that I will get missed. I am a nurse and have seen far too many times patients that have been misdiagnosed or not taken seriously.  I see what happens when patients don't take their healthcare into their own hands.  And if I do have MS, I want to know now rather than later for the reason you mentioned, to slow progression.

thank you kindly, and I will keep you all posted on what's been happening.