FMD (carotid) and Brain Lesions

[sfsaint]

I have recently heard that FMD can cause brain lesions, possibly caused by TIAs? or lack of blood flow to parts of the brain. I'm dx with carotid FMD and MRIs show 12+ lesions. I've been experiencing many symptoms of MS: numbness, burning, urinary difficulty, cognitive problems, vision impairment, severe muscle pain & weakness, falling, etc... Take Neurontin 2700mg day and plavix, now anti-depressants. This has been going on for 9 months and getting worse, I fear this is something I will have to live with forever, and/or there is permanent damage to my brain. My muscles feel like they are rotting away, as well as my livelihood...

Is FMD & lesions really related? And what are my options for treatment?  Is FMD an auto-immune disorder or can it cause it?  Can MS lay dormant in the brain and a trauma such as a dissection of the carotid trigger MS to become active?  I have so many questions, and have found very little info on carotid FMD.  Also, can FMD affect other large arteries, such as arteries in the legs or arms, which would cause these symptoms?

Thanks for reading through this post, I appreciate any input as I have a neuro appt tomorrow and would like to be a little more prepared than I have been in the past...
Brenda S.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Before jumping the gun, it's important to make sure you have the right diagnosis. FMD and MS are 2 different things with 2 different treatments. An angiogram would be important in looking at the blood vessels to confirm or refute the diagnosis of FMD. And a spinal tap and evoked potentials can help do the same with mS.

Fibromuscular dysplasia (I assume that's what you mean by FMD) is an abnormality of the blood vessels in your body (mostly to brain and kidney) that results in weakening of the artery walls and subsequent damage.  This can lead to little occlusions throughout the length of the blood vessel which manifests itself as strokes in the brain. Sometimes the strokes are clinically silent, and sometimes they can result in rather large strokes depending on which blood vessel is affected. It is likely that the lesions are related if you truly have FMD. You definitely should be considered for some kind of preventive med for strokes such as aspirin or coumadin. Other treatment options include angioplasty and small balloons or stents to help keep the arteries open. For more info, broaden your search to just fibromuscular dysplasia. Good luck.

[sfsaint]

I wanted to add a question re: FMD in other large arteries?  How do you test for this? And is there any treatment for FMD other than blood thinners to avoid stroke?
Thank you in advance for your response.
Brenda S.

[freenaturally]

I have been struggling with this pain in my head now for almost 3 years.  I am a 39 yrs. old, (I feel more like 60+) I have been to 7 doctors and after multiple tests for brain tumors, thyroid growths, biopies, multitude of blood tests, MRIs, catscan, no one could find anything wrong.  But now one of my doctors said that I possibly have temperal artritis is cause of all this pain.  I go back to my Neurologist next week and I'll see if  any one, once again will have any new news.  I'm simply tired and can't seem to function, and am exhausted every waking moment.  I have a 10 yr. old son, whom has asthma, multitude of allergies, ADHD, OCD, depression, and with all that to deal with since he was diagnosed at age 5 is almost when pains started but I had so much to do to tend to him I put myself off forever.  Now things are worse and not many of my doctors could believe that I could have all this pain for so long and not go to the doctor myself.  Well, now that I have it's taken 3 years of suffering and dealing with my sons medical and mental health that I've put myself on the back burner.  I'm extremely tired and not many of the people I have disscussed this with seems too concerned.  I also have been seeing a phychitrist for 4 yrs. After I finially did have my son diagnosed his phychitrist asked me how I was and if I would take an evaluation.  So I have been on depression meds now for 4yrs as well as my son.  Sorry I just needed to scream a minute.   Thanks for listening...

[sfsaint]

Freenaturally, I'm sorry for your suffering!!  I too know how it is to put yourself on the back burner... at the same time I was in the hospital with what appeared to be a stroke, my son was having his first Tonic Clonic seizure!!  The worry and stress and outright fear was overwhelming.  For a long time I thought that was the source of my symptoms, but now that his seizures are being controlled (none for 3 months!!), I have determined that there is truly a physical problem.  I'm on anti-depressants as well as a large dose of Neurontin which is an anti-seizure med for the headache and other sensory pain.  I've got more MRI's scheduled next month and more blood tests etc...

Put your health back on the priority list... you can't be there for your kids if you're not there!!  Kids are resilient, and deep down, they want you back in good health..

Take care, and my thoughts and good wishes go out to you.
(((((((hug)))))))
Brenda S.

[cmpcp]

Hi everyone.
cmpcp