MRI Flares and MS

[compucher]

Some 20 years ago I developed a "blind spot" in one eye and intermittent numbness and tingling in my arm. Shortly afterwards I lost the use of my legs and was in a wheelchair for 6 weeks before regaining the use of my legs. During this time I was hospitalised and given many tests including audio and video evoked responses, lumbar puncture, and other tests. Before receiving the results of these tests I was told by one doctor to consult a psychiatrist as he believed these symptoms were "all in my mind". This caused a lot of trouble between my husband and myself as he then chose to believe that I was imagining my symptoms. When the results of my test came through I was told that I "probably" has Multiple Sclerosis and there was scarring/damage high in the brain stem. This diagnosis was based on presenting symptoms, plus abnormal Video & Audio evoked responses. That is all I was told. I was sent home and 12 months later had another similar attack, but this time with optic neuralgia, and loss of leg use. I eventually developed a permanent scotoma in my right eye. I was once again hospitalised and rehabilitated. When I was discharged I abandonded medical science and sought the help of a naturopath and followed a vegan diet for 5 years. I seemed to improve and did not seek medical assitance for quite some time. However I live in near the equator and we have extremely hot summers and that is when I suffered the most. My family have always been sceptical about an MS diagnosis so recently my local GP sent me to a neurologist to get an MRI. This technology was not available when I originally started my attacks and he thought it may determine once and for all whether I had MS... or not.  The neurologist he sent me to was at public (government funded) hospital and he ordered an MRI of the brain. However before the results came through he had left. I eventually got the results myself from the imaging place. The report said I had "flares" of an unknown etiol considering my age. Does this confirm an MS diagnosos or not? Once again I am in limbo, not sure of anything. However as I get older I find I am displaying stronger symptoms of MS than before. Based on the MRI can these flares conform MS or not?