Brain Stem Lesions

[Pamela63090]

After receiving another MRI in April 2009, 10 new lesions were noted (1 significantly larger than the others).  After this second exhaserbation, I have new symptoms along with the old symptoms from a diagnosis from 1991.  I realize not all symptoms are MS related, but was wondering if some insite could be given as to whether or not these symptoms where since the brain stem is now affected?!  A tighening around and just under my breast; pain in back-on left side about where the band-feeling sometimes appears; knee giving out intermittently.  Old and continuing symptoms are still fatigue, heat exposure, vision, muscle feels tender (or bruised) and bowel.  That was a real long garble, but the question is, of all of the symptoms that can be associated with MS, which ones could be specifically from brain stem lesions.  Respectfully, Pamela63090

[sllowe]

Hi Pamela,

Welcome.  You were dx'd w/MS in 91?  And, if so, was this the 1st set of imaging since then? Are you on a disease modifying med?

I'm sorry for all the questions - just want to clarify so we can provide the best possible info in the context of MS.  If you do, the symptoms describe do sound like your MS.

New symptoms are often associated with new demyelination/lesions.

Thank you for joining us and hope to see you around,
-shell

[MsWobbles]

I'm responding to your post to suggest you send your films out for second, third, or fourth opinions if necessary and to offer the following great website.  Have you found a good neuroradiologist?  Or even a good neurologist - preferably one who can read films and doesn't just look at the radiologist's report?

If you have symptoms brought on by heat, that used to be used to diagnose MS because, according to what I have read, no other medical condition has that factor.

My unprofessional opinion is that your symptoms are very MS-y.

Oh, I just consulted a printout from a website that I was referred to on this forum (I'll post the address below for you) which discusses typical MRI findings in MS and says the following:  "Typical for MS is involvement of corpus callosum, U fibers, temporal lobes, BRAINSTEM, cerebellum, and spinal cord.  This pattern of involvement is uncommon in other diseaes. In small vessel disease, there sometimes is involvement of the BRAINSTEM, but it is usually symmetrical and central, while in MS it is peripheral."

http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4556dea65db62#p4594f74ccbf19

Don't give up!  Good luck!!

WAF