Doctor, I have normal results from evoked potentials and carotid artery scans. Despite still having all of the neurological symptoms, the Neuro diagnosed strokes and dismissed MS because of normal test results. He didn't say what kind of strokes and has not given me a further appointment. What do you think?
As I suggested earlier, please jot down your symptoms and consult a neurologist. The symptoms of MS and ischemic lesions of the brain often overlap though they are not the same. One does not lead to another. Take care!
Hello Doctor
The results of the Ultra Sound scan of my carotid arteries was clear and healthy. I am still waiting for the Evoked Potential Tests. Is it possible to have Ischemic lesions and MS lesions at the same time and can one disease contribute towards creating the other?
Thank you again
Carol
Thank you doctor you have done more to explain things to me than the doctors who have actually seen me. The neuro said that at 59, it would be extremely unusual to be diagnosed with MS! He didn't seem to be listening when I told him that I had thought back over the years to several occasions when I have had periods of various neurological, balance and other MS symptoms, starting when I was 17 or 18. and mostly after becoming overheated. It is only with hindesight that these periods could now be seen as MS related. Anyway, thank you very much for your time.
Hi !
MRI alone is not diagnostic of MS and nor is spinal tap. So even if there are no oligonal bands present, if your evoked potential and carotid scans come clear, there is a huge possibility that you have MS. Ischemic changes can be there due to small vessel disease where the smaller blood vessels of brain are affected or due to diabetes. It is also possible that you have vitamin B12 deficiency. The changes can also be age related. All these test results will need to be combined for a definitive diagnosis. Do discuss this with your doctor and get yourself examined. Take care!
Sorry I forgot to add that I am due to have ultra sound of main artery in neck, and evoked potential tests.
Thank you Doctor for your reply and for explaining in a way that I can understand. Do you think I may have MS lesions aswell as ischemic? The neuro showed me the pics of MRI, nearer the outside are about five oval shaped rather large white areas and scattered around are lots of smaller white round areas. He still says highly unlikely because of no O-bands in spinal fluid. Yet I know someone who was diagnosed with no scans or Lps, purely on physical symptoms during neuro examination. Thank you
I went through your other posts on the forum. Scattered foci of increased T2/Flair signal indicate small vessel ischemic disease or changes of brain blood vessels. These changes are seen in multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's or Wilson's Disease, migraine headaches, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Though they are of no immediate threat, all these causes, and the presence of ischemic changes can be a risk factor for future stroke. Hence, prevention methods should include a healthy lifestyle, and a combination of diet, exercise, and medicines. Please discuss with your treating doctors.
If you do not have faith in the present doctor, jot down your symptoms and consult another neuro specialist and an internal medicine specialist with your spinal tap and MRI report.
Take care!