Brain MRI

[LE1212]

Hi,

I recently had a Brain MRI because of numbness in hands and feet. My Dr says I "probably" have MS after looking at my MRI. I am scheduled for evolved potentials and have had blood work to rule out other diseases. Nine years ago I also had a possible MS diagnosis that was dismissed after all the tests were completed. I was basically symptom free for 9 years, just a little, brief numbness 2 years ago. Current problems started about 6 months ago. I am female age 48.

I have just received the MRI report from the radiologist and says: Scattered nonspecific foci of increased white matter signal intensity are seen, primarily in the frontal lobes. The overall appearance of the pattern is not typical for multiple sclerosis and these lesions should be considered nonspecific. There is certainly no active enhancement with any of these lesions. More likely small vessel disease or squelea of hypertension.

So I am confused why my Dr is going down the MS path again. What else should I be tested for. I cannot find much information on small vessel disease. I do not have high blood pressure.

[LE1212]

bump

[LE1212]

oops typo on last sentance of second paragraph, I meant: I don't feel extra tire or have .....

[LE1212]

Thanks, 9 years ago I went in for Carpal Tunnel. I had all the classic symptoms. For some reason the Dr ordered an MRI which showed some spots. I then went through spine mri, evolved potential, emg, blood work. Then Dr said "I have good news and bad news. Good News is you don't have MS bad new is you went through all those tests for nothing, you have carpal tunnel". Dr said "MRI was "over-read". I wore wrist braces at night for a few months and did not have any problems until late spring this year.

In May 08 carpal tunnel symtoms came back all of a sudden and worse than ever on both hands. At the same time both feet started having electric shock sensations that progressed to numbness over a couple of months. I did have surgery on right wrist which relieved the numbness overnight but still have funny sensitive nerve spots on hand that come and go, they are like live wires and I can actually feel them through the skin, they feel swollen and tender. I have had a couple dizzy spells the past month, but both feel extra tired or have limb heaviness, or vision problems.

Yes, I'm going through all the same tests I did 9 years ago.

[sllowe]

Hi there!

Welcome LE1212!

I'm glad you found your way here.  If your Dr. is thorough, he or she will not dismiss the MRI findings.  MS is a clinical diagnosis and there is not 1 test that divulges if you have it or not.  We have great health pages that will describe the MS mimics, and required testing.

I'm sorry to hear that after 9 yrs you are now having symptoms.  What are you experiencing now?  What brought you back to the Dr?  Is it the same one as in the past?

Has the Dr started the workup again, with bloodwork? I hope so.  

We are quite a bunch and you will find support here no matter what.  Our resident expert Doc Q says above she's got thoughts, so please, get comfortable, and get to know us.  We're glad to have you here.

see you around,
Shell

[Quixotic1]

I am tapped out for now, but I have some things to say and ask about your post.  don't go anywhere.  Okay?

Quix