Just got EEG report

Just thought I would post my EEG result which I have just received from my neuro.  I feel that I am now close to some sort of answer regarding my problems.  I see the ophth/neuro tomorrow and I have completed all my balance and hearing tests,  the results of which will be available by Friday.

EEG reads..........

"Out of a normal background there is intermittent slowing which is sometimes bifrontal but which is mainly in the left frontal region suggesting a possibility of  a focal disturbance of brain function."

My MRI reads.........

1. There is a small linear focus of altered intensity in the pontine tegmentum in the mid line.
2. There are scant small foci of increased signal intensity in the cerebral hemispheric white matter which are predominantly peripherally distributed although there is a small lesion of the periventricular white matter adjacent to the right temporal horn anteriorly.  Although not numerous the distribution and morphology of these white matter hyperintensities is not typical for microvascular ischaemic aetiology.  Demylination should be excluded.  

The FLAIR MRI which follwed this one demonstrated further lesions.  

My symptoms include cognitive changes, vision problems (perfect eyes according to ophth) severe myoclonic spasms/jerks, loss of balance, numbness in base of right foot and feeling of something stuck on foot and 'rubber bands around foot'.  Weakness in both legs.   There are and have been many other weird symptoms that may or may not be related to whatever they find.  

My first visit to a neuro was in 2002, second in 2006 and 2007 and then in June this year after the eye problems appeaered.  

Will keep you in touch with the results which I hope I will get within the next week.  

Thanks for all the answers and comments that I have received over the past few months.......they were all very much appreciated as well as very helpful.  


P

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. Your doctor should investigate you for multiple sclerosis since you have multiple neurological symptoms. MS is a chronic demyelinating disorder where the disease phase is characterized by active phase and remissions. It has multiple symptoms and signs and is a diagnosis of exclusion. The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are loss of balance, muscle spasms, numbness in any area, problems with walking and coordination, tremors in one or more arms and legs. Bowel and bladder symptoms include frequency of micturition, urine leakage, eye symptoms like double vision uncontrollable rapid eye movements, facial pain, painful muscle spasms, tingling, burning in arms or legs, depression, dizziness, hearing loss, fatigue etc. The treatment is essentially limited to symptomatic therapy so the course of action would not change much whether MS has been diagnosed or not. Apart from clinical neurological examination, MRI shows MS as paler areas of demyelination, two different episodes of demyelination separated by one month in at least two different brain locations. Spinal tap is done and CSF electrophoresis reveals oligoclonal bands suggestive of immune activity, which is suggestive but not diagnostic of MS. Demyelinating neurons, transmit nerve signals slower than non-demyelinated ones and can be detected with EP tests. These are visual evoked potentials, brain stem auditory evoked response, and somatosensory evoked potential. Slower nerve responses in any one of these is not confirmatory of MS but can be used to complement diagnosis along with a neurological examination, medical history and an MRI in addition, a spinal tap. You also need to be checked for small vessel ischemic disease, cerebral ischemia etc for these MRI lesions. Therefore, it would be prudent to consult your neurologist with these concerns. Hope this helps. Take care.

[aussiepixie]

Thank you for your extensive reply.  

I am currently being investigated for MS.  I have had a full cardiac workup including carotid dopplers and all of these tests were normal.  

I have completed all my tests now apart from a consult with an ophtho/neurologist which I will be having tomorrow.   My symptoms, in varying degree, have been around for some years now but it was the eye issues which have prompted this latest complete investigation.   I had a sudden loss of vision in April which has left me with a strange feeling in my eye and some vision disturbance.....eg today I spent the day outside in the sun (with hat and sunglasses) but tonight I'm having a lot of trouble with discomfort and the vision in my right eye.  

Last visit with my neurologist was after my EEG last week.   He said he now feels confident to give me a daignosis but was waiting for the results of the auditory and balance testing which have now also been done.  

I understand that a diagnosis will not change my symptoms.   Thanks for taking the time to post all that information for me.  


Regards   P