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Sharp stabbing pains on right side of head and white spots all over MRI
Im 39, have been experiencing achy legs,fatigue, stabbing pains on right side of head. Ive been experiencing these things since Nov. I saw PRimary for this he sent me for blood work, cpk and esr. Normal. I also have HBP, both ventricular valves regurg.I have history of Lupus and Parkinsons and Rheumatoid arthritis. I also find my self very forgetful.I always feel like I have the flu. I was sent to neuro, she at first thought it was occipial neuralgia, but changed that thought. She sent me for a MRI of brain, it showed white spots all over. What are the white spots and what do they represent if anything? IS there anything else that I should request to be tested for. I dont see the neuro for 2 weeks. Any advice would be greatly apprecitated. I also get numbness in my legs feet and hands they are also always cold.Sorry so long but I thought the more info. the clearer the picture.
A related discussion, chronic pain(like blur) on right side of the head was started.
About 15 years ago I was bitten by a deer tick -- went through years of testing - one of the first being Lymes which came back negative. I even had spinal fluid tested for Lymes and it came back negative. For the past 12 or 13 years I have been treated for Fibro. My three years I was almost bed ridden, had extreme headaches, sore and painful all over my body. During the years I fully recovered. I still take all the meds though. For the past couple of weeks my head has been hurting like it did when I first got sick - stabbing pains in the right side of my head. Dr said I was having migrains but I do not think so. Do you think this could be Lymes after all these years?
bacterial meningitis? if u had it...i dont think you'll be posting again. :-[
I definitely plan on not going back to neuro anyway. She was down right nasty and did not care about what was going on with me just wanted to DRUG me up. Is the Lyme test strictly through that website or can I insist my doc send me to have it done? My legs are so bad today and the pains are back and worse than before. Its worth a shot!? Ill test for anything at this point! Its so frustrating not knowing and feeling this way, there are days where I want to just collapse from exhaustion and that shouldnt be! So thanks for your info. and let me know about the Lymes test please? I will keep you posted.
Earlier in this thread you mentioned this:
"I also was tested for Lymes. Came back negative. THat was one of the first things, sorry forgot to mention, see forget things all the time. Yes, I do spend a great deal of time outside, taking care of 2 horses and have 3 kids. I live in New Jersey."
It was one of the first things you did because your symptoms fit Lymes perfectly. Way too many people, myself included, have been misdiagnosed with these Lyme tests which are taken too seriously. They lead me astray for over 20 years. They produce a SIGNIFICANT amount of false negatives and many times, that's why patients are very disappointed with thier treatment programs.
An earlier post suggesting toxic heavy metal loading as the cause may be something worth considering, but I might suggest getting a REAL Lyme test done first. We went through heavy metal challenges, and except for slightly high tin in one family member, all was fine. We went through chelation anyway, and had all our amalgams removed too. But that wasn't IT. Again, it's so damn unfortunate that the tests used are so misleading, and once done, how quickly we forget that they aren't perfect.
I came from NJ and my whole family has Lymes. My kid loves horses too. Yup, I camp a lot. We are finding more about Lymes now than ever because of more accurate testing. It's far more than a tick bite in terms of how it can be transmitted. Do yourself a favor and go to the site I'll list at the end, find a doctor to sponsor you, fire your neurologist if needed and post to this group your test results. It's a two-day process once you send them the blood. I have gone through it, know many that have as well, and actually know a person that had the test done (with Parkinsons that can mimick Lymes) and the lab said she was negative for Lyme. You begin to wonder after awhile why the lab is finding so many positives that others have missed. It's simply because the other tests are so bad and the disease is so prevalent... the picture is becoming much clearer now. My doctor also visited the facility. This place is very reputable. The researcher who started the program had Lymes--yes that provided the insentive to do her research!
Bowen Research Institute: http://www.bowen.org/information.htm
"I also was tested for Lymes. Came back negative. THat was one of the first things, sorry forgot to mention, see forget things all the time. Yes, I do spend a great deal of time outside, taking care of 2 horses and have 3 kids. I live in New Jersey."
It was one of the first things you did because your symptoms fit Lymes perfectly. Way too many people, myself included, have been misdiagnosed with these Lyme tests which are taken too seriously. They lead me astray for over 20 years. They produce a SIGNIFICANT amount of false negatives and many times, that's why patients are very disappointed with thier treatment programs.
An earlier post suggesting toxic heavy metal loading as the cause may be something worth considering, but I might suggest getting a REAL Lyme test done first. We went through heavy metal challenges, and except for slightly high tin in one family member, all was fine. We went through chelation anyway, and had all our amalgams removed too. But that wasn't IT. Again, it's so damn unfortunate that the tests used are so misleading, and once done, how quickly we forget that they aren't perfect.
I came from NJ and my whole family has Lymes. My kid loves horses too. Yup, I camp a lot. We are finding more about Lymes now than ever because of more accurate testing. It's far more than a tick bite in terms of how it can be transmitted. Do yourself a favor and go to the site I'll list at the end, find a doctor to sponsor you, fire your neurologist if needed and post to this group your test results. It's a two-day process once you send them the blood. I have gone through it, know many that have as well, and actually know a person that had the test done (with Parkinsons that can mimick Lymes) and the lab said she was negative for Lyme. You begin to wonder after awhile why the lab is finding so many positives that others have missed. It's simply because the other tests are so bad and the disease is so prevalent... the picture is becoming much clearer now. My doctor also visited the facility. This place is very reputable. The researcher who started the program had Lymes--yes that provided the insentive to do her research!
Bowen Research Institute: http://www.bowen.org/information.htm
Went to the neurologist to go over results of MRI. She told me that there was some abnormal swelling in the cerebellum area but no need to worry about. Hello! Am I missing something here? Abnormal but nothing to worry about!? She got very annoyed that I hadnt been taking the 600mg of neurontin that she had prescribed on the first visit. She wanted to know why? I told her that I didnt want to start it until we went over the results of MRI, she got nasty. and asked if I was planning on taking the medicine cause she wanted to increase it> She also said that the white spots that I saw all over the MRI were NOTHING, absolutely nothing. Excuse me, but to me, white spots all over an MRI are not nothing, when out of the blue, you are feeling like your body can not muster up one more ounce of energy to walk upstairs or get out of a chair. And have horrible stabbing pains in your head at least 10 times a day. Any waking up with your legs aching like you have run all night long, but all you have done is slept and got up once or twice to go to the bathroom? Am I the crazy person here? I decided that day I will not go back to see that neurologist ever again, she told me that it could be just a nerve causeing the pain in my head but even so, dont just drug me up and send me on my way and not try to get to the bottom of it! Thanks for letting me vent! I hope noone has to deal with what I went through at that neuros office. Thanks for everyones post I will definitely look into the poisoning and also get another opinion of a competent neuro.!
As I was going through all the stories and reading the symtoms, I relized how close they all were to mine. In may of 2002 I went camping and I was 7 1/2 months pregnet with my daughter, I was bit by a lot of unknown mites or something I went to the dermatalgist she did her biopsy and thats what came of it. July of that year I was driving home and blacked out on the highway, my OBGYN put me in the hospital and ran a lot of test but there was a lot that could not be done concidering the situation, I started blacking out a lot and and lost feeling in my hands and feet I was released and sent home on bed rest and was told that there was 3 found white spots but it could be from the migrains I was now getting, so a month and half went by and I had my daughter, and went back to the ob for my 6 week I was still getting the migrains and blacking out more than ever, so she sent me to the Neuroligist I had seen in the hopspital, she ran her test for MS, Lupas, and many other test, then all the pain had kicked in not able to get out of bed sleeping a lot and still blacking out, she sent me to a Rhuemitiod Dr. Who ran his test and said I had Fibro and did'nt do much more than that, I still am battling the migrains and and blacking out, so I went and saw a new doctor who works at the University who writes paper on things like this, now I have 5 spots and more pain, and siezers, with no given reason, the new doctor is very worried about the spots, he has done much more than anyone has in almost 2yrs. I dont know much about the spots or really whats going on because I have no answers. But I thank everyone for posting their comments because now I have a little light
It may be Lyme disease as others have suggested. But you may also want to consider metal poisoning considering you live in new jersey which is know for its chemical and drug manufactures.
Do you drink city water or well water? If well water has it been tested for metals or other contaminants?
The white spots on your MRI are lesions that may be caused by small strokes, MS or other diseases, or poisoning. I understand that new research indicates that MS and Parkinson
Do you drink city water or well water? If well water has it been tested for metals or other contaminants?
The white spots on your MRI are lesions that may be caused by small strokes, MS or other diseases, or poisoning. I understand that new research indicates that MS and Parkinson
I stumbled across this thread looking for something else and felt the need to contribute. I consider myself above average in Lyme disease education... and suffice to say, I came from NJ and know many people with the disease. I am chronic and have been in search of answers for over two decades; that is, until recently. Enough about me, now about helping you.
In a quick review of the information presented, I would highly recommend you assume the culprit to be borrelia, and perhaps one or both of its two common coinfections, erlichia and babesia.
Borrelia, or Lyme, is a very unique stealth bacteria that can evade most of the traditional test methods used today, the western blot being one of the best. It has 3 lifecycle phases or forms, one of which is cell-wall deficient. This makes treatment and detection difficult--and for most traditional practitioners and patients, can result in a misleading diagnosis. In fact, even after positive detection and traditional antibiotic treatment, not fully understanding this critter can result in less than total eradication and its return long after it's forgotten. Yes, that's scary.
Until recently, the best way to diagnose Lymes was symptomatically, after ruling out other problems. Fortunately, that has changed.
Given that the disease is running at a furious pace, I predict it will become one of our worst nightmares within a decade. Education is needed as a first step. The good news is that it is treatable, but for some, treatment can be a challenge. For those that have seen their quality of life degrade to new lows, any treatment is welcome. Step one is knowing the enemy.
Now I can ramble on about the hundreds of symptoms, and when or how you can detect it, but if nobody is going to read this reply, I don't have the time to waste!
Here are the basic facts in my post:
a) There is a new way to test for borrelia that's almost 100% accurate and very fast.
b) There are conventional and non-conventional treatments that work, but due to the nature of the beast, you may be on the protocol for 6 to 12 months, especially if you are chronically ill. The longer you have had it, the longer it takes to get rid of it. The bacteria has imbedded itself into specific areas (it loves neural tissue) and can go deep.
c) Borrelia is only vulnerable when it changes form, and that occurs in cycles. You need dedication and patience. You may feel worse before you feel better due to the toxins the dying bacteria release during treatment.
d) I am not trying to sell anything, this is not BS and I'm not a degreed doctor, although I work closely with trained licensed practitioners. We share information and learn from each other. In other words, don't send me your latest blood panel for assessment.
e) I don't want to see anybody go through what I did, and fortunately, it's no longer necessary to suffer forever with these strange illnesses.
f) If this disease isn't brought under control soon, I feel Lymes will have a marked affect on the overall cost of healthcare worldwide.
Anybody who wants more information about how to put this behind them may request a small information package which details how to get properly diagnosed, quality information links, and the treatment options. I only ask that if you follow my advice, you tell me how things are going. I am monitoring trends to see if it makes sense to start a Web site. So far, I don't like what we're finding.
Lastly, keep a positive attitude--there's a way out.
In a quick review of the information presented, I would highly recommend you assume the culprit to be borrelia, and perhaps one or both of its two common coinfections, erlichia and babesia.
Borrelia, or Lyme, is a very unique stealth bacteria that can evade most of the traditional test methods used today, the western blot being one of the best. It has 3 lifecycle phases or forms, one of which is cell-wall deficient. This makes treatment and detection difficult--and for most traditional practitioners and patients, can result in a misleading diagnosis. In fact, even after positive detection and traditional antibiotic treatment, not fully understanding this critter can result in less than total eradication and its return long after it's forgotten. Yes, that's scary.
Until recently, the best way to diagnose Lymes was symptomatically, after ruling out other problems. Fortunately, that has changed.
Given that the disease is running at a furious pace, I predict it will become one of our worst nightmares within a decade. Education is needed as a first step. The good news is that it is treatable, but for some, treatment can be a challenge. For those that have seen their quality of life degrade to new lows, any treatment is welcome. Step one is knowing the enemy.
Now I can ramble on about the hundreds of symptoms, and when or how you can detect it, but if nobody is going to read this reply, I don't have the time to waste!
Here are the basic facts in my post:
a) There is a new way to test for borrelia that's almost 100% accurate and very fast.
b) There are conventional and non-conventional treatments that work, but due to the nature of the beast, you may be on the protocol for 6 to 12 months, especially if you are chronically ill. The longer you have had it, the longer it takes to get rid of it. The bacteria has imbedded itself into specific areas (it loves neural tissue) and can go deep.
c) Borrelia is only vulnerable when it changes form, and that occurs in cycles. You need dedication and patience. You may feel worse before you feel better due to the toxins the dying bacteria release during treatment.
d) I am not trying to sell anything, this is not BS and I'm not a degreed doctor, although I work closely with trained licensed practitioners. We share information and learn from each other. In other words, don't send me your latest blood panel for assessment.
e) I don't want to see anybody go through what I did, and fortunately, it's no longer necessary to suffer forever with these strange illnesses.
f) If this disease isn't brought under control soon, I feel Lymes will have a marked affect on the overall cost of healthcare worldwide.
Anybody who wants more information about how to put this behind them may request a small information package which details how to get properly diagnosed, quality information links, and the treatment options. I only ask that if you follow my advice, you tell me how things are going. I am monitoring trends to see if it makes sense to start a Web site. So far, I don't like what we're finding.
Lastly, keep a positive attitude--there's a way out.
Please contact the Dr. that treated your lyme, sometimes you can relapse, and a short course of antibiotics can get you back on track, of course if it has been years since you were treated, it may take more than a short course, some patients are given scripts for 10 days of antibiotics with refills to take when they feel the symptoms comming back. That can be a big help for chronic lyme.If you have any more questions I can be reached @ momyhawk@yahoo. goodluck
Who treated you for your lyme. What state are you in?
I HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS!!! In April of 2000 I was bit by a deer tick. It did not embed itself in me, as I felt it and pulled it off before it had the chance. In July of that same year, I passed out while at a cookout. I started having these weird floaters in my eyes. Saw bright flashes of light and these strange, but short lived pains which travelled to different parts of my body. They never stayed in the same spot more than a day. In September, I started a new job, in which I had to do alot of handwriting. My wrists felt like I had carpal tunnel for about a day or two, then went away. In October, I was bit by another deer tick, again, I felt it and pulled it off before it had the chance to embed itself. BY THANKSGIVING, I could not move. I could not get out of bed. I had severe headaches in the back of my head that would not go away. It would take me 10 minutes to get out of my bed . . . as my body felt like 'rigor mortis' had set in. I went to my Dr. CRYING at least 2 times per week I was in so much pain. My head was in a fog. I could no focus. I would forget what I was talking about MID SENTENCE. My Dr. told me that I DID NOT HAVE LYME, since the tests came out negative. And he tested me for everything else as well. There was no explanation for what was wrong. In January, I found a Dr. willing to treat me for Lyme Disease. The standard tests are considerably inaccurate. Especially if you have an autoimmune problem, like I have. So, after being treated for about 5 months on doxy, I felt like my old self again. Now, every year, before spring, I get really tired. So tired, that all I want to do is lay around all day. I am going to a neuro, who has tested me for MS- negative. He has also tested me for Lyme again - negative. I also have the sharp pains going thru my head, with the bright spots all over my brain. I would certainly like to know what is wrong with us!!!! I plan on pursuing it with my neuro when I get over this other health obstacle I am going thru (anneurysm in my brain- too small to operate on, but tests to perform)
I would be open to emailing you with any information I find out, as it seems that our symptoms are very similar . . .
I would be open to emailing you with any information I find out, as it seems that our symptoms are very similar . . .
1. if you were tested too soon after you got sick testing would be inaccurate. it takes at least 6 weeks before anything would show up.
2. if they used the elisa test it is also very innaccurate( I know Im not spelling that right.)
3. if you were on any antibiotics at or around the time of testing you might as well forget the test it was a waste.
4.all of your symptoms including the spots on your MRI could be lyme related or many other things, that is why they call lyme the great immitator.
5. ask your DR. if he or she would be willing to contact IGENEX lab in Palo Alta CA for info on their western blot for lyme and 3 day urinary antigen test(I think thats the correct name I do know for certain that it is three day test) on 7 days of abx amoxicillin 500mg. 2 four times a day(yes I know that is alot)as long as you arent allergic to amox other wise doxy is ok
the urine is collected on day 3,5,and 7 Igenex will give directions as well as possibly the supplies. (no I dont work for them)It is worth completely rulling it out especially if he cant come up with any concrete diagnosis. I wish you luck If I can help in any way or answer any questions feel free to contact me here or directly my e-mail is ***@****. I hope your Dr. can give you some answers soon the worst thing is feeling like heck with no dx. good luck.
Lori
2. if they used the elisa test it is also very innaccurate( I know Im not spelling that right.)
3. if you were on any antibiotics at or around the time of testing you might as well forget the test it was a waste.
4.all of your symptoms including the spots on your MRI could be lyme related or many other things, that is why they call lyme the great immitator.
5. ask your DR. if he or she would be willing to contact IGENEX lab in Palo Alta CA for info on their western blot for lyme and 3 day urinary antigen test(I think thats the correct name I do know for certain that it is three day test) on 7 days of abx amoxicillin 500mg. 2 four times a day(yes I know that is alot)as long as you arent allergic to amox other wise doxy is ok
the urine is collected on day 3,5,and 7 Igenex will give directions as well as possibly the supplies. (no I dont work for them)It is worth completely rulling it out especially if he cant come up with any concrete diagnosis. I wish you luck If I can help in any way or answer any questions feel free to contact me here or directly my e-mail is ***@****. I hope your Dr. can give you some answers soon the worst thing is feeling like heck with no dx. good luck.
Lori
I also was tested for Lymes. Came back negative. THat was one of the first things, sorry forgot to mention, see forget things all the time. Yes, I do spend a great deal of time outside, taking care of 2 horses and have 3 kids. I live in New Jersey. Weve had quite a few cases not to far from here of WEst NIle Virus. I mentioned history of Lupus, Parkinsons and Rheumatoid. I meant to write a family history! Thanks for your advice though!
With the symptoms you describe combined with the fact that you work with animals Lyme disease would not be a very far stretch. Do you remamber ever being bitten? November is prime time for bites, usually followed by flu like symptoms a rash may or may not be present.The forgetfulness and pains can also be symptoms. It may no be your problem but its worth mentioning to your Dr. and if he says yhere is no lyme in your area BOLONEY. The ticks are carried by deer and birds, they dont pay any attention to state lines. since you abviously spend a great deal of time outside it is a definite possibility.Where are you from?
LORI
LORI
The white spots on your MRI could be due to migraines, small strokes, lupus, or other inflammatory conditions like MS. Without seeing the scan I can not tell you which option is more or less likely. Your doctor should look at the scans and guide further treatment/investigations. Depending on what your doctor finds, you may have to have a spinal tap to analyze your spinal fluid. Good luck
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