MRIs and SEPs

[sunflowers01]

I'm a 26yr female and have been diagnoses as probable MS.  However, My MRI that I had in July of last year was negative.  I was acutally hospitalized for one week and was on 1000mg methylprednisone becouse I was unable to walk or move my legs, painful pins and needle sensation in my hands and feet, vertigo, and loss of sensations.  Anyway, I was first diagnosed as having Trasnverse Mylitis, but my neuro said that wasn't it.  I've had a few more attacks of vertigo, walking problems, sensory problems, and cognitive problems since then and my memory is really bad.  I've only had an SEP test done and it's going on 4 weeks with no results yet.  My first question is.  1.  I was told about 10% of MS patients do not have lesions that an MRI could detect.  Is this true?  2.  Is it normal for it to be 4 weeks with no results from the SEP?  Any and all help would be appreciated. Also, I am not currently on any medication.  Thank You.

[sunflowers01]

Hello there.  I haven't got my SEP results, the doctor hasn't called me back, I'm just waiting.  My first symptoms started in July of last year.  I would be more than happy to chat more about the issue, if you want to email me you can.  my email is ***@****.  My last child born was in Dec 98.  So, I don't thind there is a correlation between the two.

[090308health]

Hi, I have had undiagnosed neurological problems as well since the birth of my baby in Aug. `02. My problems have been sensory stuff though (numbness, tingling, etc.) I had a normal brain MRI and c-spine MRI when this first started. I also had a normal Somatosensory evoked pot. test. I was just wondering, did you get your Somatosensory evoked pot. results back? If so, what did they say?.... When did you first start noticing your problems? I`m a 23 yr old female. Thanks...

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

At initial presentation a normal MRI of the brain can be seen in small number of patients who go on to develop MS. Also, imaging of the cervical and thoracic spine occasionally have to be completed to document the changes seen in MS. Therefore, if you have not had spinal MRI's I would recommend it. Samotosensory evoked potentials provide evidence for damage within the nervous system which may be delaying signals from getting to the brain. This does not however tell you what caused the damage. A spinal tap is also useful in the evaluation of MS. It typically has a characteristic appearance, and can also help exclude other inflammatory conditions.

Regarding the reporting of the SSEP, I would recommend you contact the ordering doctor's office and ask if the results are available. It may be, that for some reason your doctor did not receive the results. Good luck.