White worm like spots on brain mri/mra?? what is it??

Question

Hello,   

  I have a quick question, I had a brain MRI/MRA the other day and I had then put it on a disc ( I like to keep a copy of ALL my medical records for just in case) and just like anyone else I looked at the photos!  Not only are they amazing, but I did see some things that I thought were funky.  I haven't received the report from the radiologist yet because I am assuming there hasn't been one to read it.  So I was wondering If I u could look at my profile picture and tell me if u might think those white worm like spots are normal or not..  and if not what it MIGHT or could possibly be.. 

thank u in advance! 

jen

luvmy2grls · Answer

Well the nurse from the Neuro office called today and she said that the Dr "your MRI/MRA look "fairly" normal"  I asked her to send me a copy of the report to me and she hesitated and then told me when they got the rest of my labs in (whenever that is) that she would.

I would like to know what "fairly" normal is and also 44 cents isn't so much that she can't waste 2 stamps and send the results of the labs she has back NOW and then she can send the other ones later,  I can't help but feel like they are keeping something from me..  It may be for good reason but I am the type of person that likes for my Dr to be upfront with me on EVERYTHING including all speculation.   

Am I being unruley here for feeling like this>?

luvmy2grls · Answer

Thank you for your reply....  I appreciate any info I can get.  I hope to hear from the neurologist in the morning with the radiologists report.   I will be back with the findings and hopefully you or someone else will be able to explain them to me.  Thank you again!

DrSharma · Answer

Hi there. These MRI changes resemble those of demyelinating lesions like multiple sclerosis. 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. Therefore, it would be prudent to consult your neurologist with these concerns. Hope this helps. Take care.

luvmy2grls · Answer

Thank you sooo much for your replys...

 Could one have an infection or virus for so many years that gets left unnoticed?  

I'm kind of worried about ms but my brain scans look nothing like those of someone with ms.  I'm obviously not a radiologist either, I was just comparing them to otherms brain

Londres70 · Answer

Could also be neuro problems secondary to an infectious source, i.e. bacteria, virus, etc.

Londres70 · Answer

It does sound suspicious of MS, but it COULD be a number of other Neuro disorders.  MS should NOT be diagnosed based just on an MRI.  You definitely have areas that are questionable.

luvmy2grls · Answer

Thank you and I will!  I called the neuro today and asked if they have received the radiologist  report yet an I didn't get a call back yet...  So I hope they will call tomorrow!

Londres70 · Answer

Well, keep us updated about your outcome.  You are too young to be dealing with this.  

All the best.

luvmy2grls · Answer

The MRI mra was done because MS is suspected...   I hypothyroid with hashimotos and a difusely hypervascular goiter.  I have suffer from horrible headaches for about 15 yrs and started to have daily headaches about 4-5 yrs ago.  About 2 years ago I noticed my hands and feet falling asleep or tingling at random times for no reason.  I'm not quite sure when I started having balance issues.  If I am upright and I close my eyes for more than a split second I feel like I will fall over.  I have random ringing in ears and constant sinus drainage.  My feet hurt something terrible and just after standing for 15 mins.  I've been to a podiatrist and he said that there is nothing structurally wrong with my feet but I could benefit from his 400.00 orthotics.  I didn't get them.....  Ive been to physical therapy with no change and finally my GP agreed I needed to see a neurologist and he wanted the brain MRI/MRA  to see what was going on up there.  He didn't verbally tell me himself he suspects MS but I read it in the pre authorization form for the insurance that  they included in my paperwork ( I like to gt a copy of all labs and results)

Thank you for your reply

Londres70 · Answer

Keep in mind there are several "slices" or views taking during an MRI, so I am not exactly sure which view this is.  Definitely NOT worms.  

I am NO physician/radiologist either.