Can You Can Have MS without MRI Lesions?

[Quixotic1]

I know we have covered this before, and I really should spend more time on the National MS Society site, but this is a quote from the NMSS Sourcebook on MRI's.  It says everything so much more succinctly than I do when I'm "winging it."

"Diagnosis
Because MRI is particularly useful in detecting central nervous system demyelination, it is a powerful tool in helping to establish the diagnosis of MS. It should be remembered, however, that approximately 5% of patients with clinically definite MS do not show lesions on MRI, and the absence of demyelination on MRI does not rule out MS. Also, since many lesions seen on MRI may be in so-called "silent" areas of the brain, it is not always possible to make a specific correlation between what is seen on the MRI scan and the patient's clinical signs and symptoms. In addition, with advancing age (probably over age 50), there are often small areas seen on MRI in healthy people that resemble MS but are actually related to the aging process, and are of no clinical significance."

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOM_LIB_sourcebook_mri

Guys, not to restate the obvious but this is 1 out of every 20!!!  I'll keep looking, but even my MS Neuro, whom I consider very smart, felt that MS was ruled out by normal MRI's.  I need to understand whether the 5% got diagnosed because they presented so classically - maybe with Optic Neuritis, more than one clear attack, a very positive LP, and a tatoo on their forehead that says, "I have MS!"

Quix

[YamAndy]

From what you have described this sounds like a clear case of CCSVI.
The neuros won't accept the vascular connection in MS but it's link has been studied since the first discovery of MS.
The auto immune theory has never been proved and is still just a theory.
Venous issues and neurological problems are being linked more and more by researchers (who are not funded by the drugs companies)
Alzheimer's and Parkinsons and MS are ALL part of the same problem its just that the venous bloodflow is restricted in different areas.
Please google CCSVI and parkinsons or go to CCSVI.org.
Also look on facebook, there are many CCSVI groups world wide trying to bring recognition to this condition.
There are lots of people going out of their way to disprove this discovery (due to pharmaceutical revenues) but please believe me, this is the truth, i have felt it.
PS also look up inclined bed therapy, costs nothing and has helped many people with said issues.
Just because you dont have ms does not mean you don't have CCSVI.

[immisceo]

Hi there.

This post is kind of a golden oldie. Patti hasn't actually posted on MedHelp since 2008.

There are lots of currently active members though, so if you'd like to start a fresh thread and post a bit about yourself, I'm sure you'll get lots of feedback. Alternatively, if that's a bit intimidating to start (though we're pussycats, I swear) have a look at our extremely helpful Health Pages. http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/list?cid=36

[jpw37]

I signed up b/c of your post...what is the name of your doctor?

[depuppy3]

Sounds familiar. Been 2 years of the exact same things. Dr's don't want to make a diagnosis. The last 46 yrs I have been fine and working hard and many hours, and now I can't function even in my own home. Easier to blame the patient I guess.

[pastordlj]

Yes, I too am a 47 year old male. I have these symptoms plus many, many others that come and go. The Dr.'s and Nero. all have done many tests including spinal tap and MRIs but still tell me nothing is wrong. Yesterday and today I could not go to work, tingling hands, electrical impulses in feet and hands, dropping things, hands jerk, facial numbness and tingling and swaggering in walk and difficulty walking...mind foggy. Still Dr's unsure what is wrong...

[OkRad]

My first reaction was after the MRI dye gadolinium. It can be toxic if the chelate breaks and apart of often does. There are a few tests to see how much Gd you have retained. Most Drs will not so them. Maybe these tests are causing MS like symptoms.