Does this mean I have MS? MRI... Suggesting a subacute MS plaque..

[Goldie5050]

I am new here and am hoping someone can help.. I don't see my Neuro until late next week and I would love to get some insight before.
My history:  I have been experiencing all types of symptoms related to MS for the last 4 years.  I have had many blood tests ordered by both the GP and Neuro to rule out many possibilities....
Had a Brain MRI 3 years ago that looked good, a spine MRI last year (without contrast) that also looked relatively good.  However symptoms continue to persist and many functions seem to be deteriorating...
Went to a new Neuro who ordered a special blood test to check for antibodies related to an MS related vision issue and she also ordered another MRI for Cervical and Thoracic due to the severe hug like sensations I keep having....
So.. the MRI report comes in and amoung other things says...
"Punctate focus of increased signal seen within the cervical cord to the right of midline at the lower C3 level suggesting a subacute MS plaque given the patients history, unchanged"
"Punctate focus of increased signal seen to the left of midline posteriorly in the thoracic cord at the T9 level suggesting a subacute MS plaque, approximately unchanged."
Does this mean I have MS?!?
Any information would be GREATLY appreciated.- Thank you!

[aspen2]

IF there is no change to the lesions from the previous mri, and they were considered by the neurologist then to be "normal", he might still consider them normal.  However, he will also take into account your current situation, and evaluate the mris himself.

I had an  mri that full met McDonald criteria according to the radiologist, however because the majority of the lesions were punctate, my neurologist disagreed.

At this point, I would say, only your neurologist can help you figure this out.  Waiting is hard, but you don't have a long wait thankfully :).

Keep us posted!

[rendean]

MRIs aren't the only criteria used in diagnosing MS. some "lesions" are actually artifacts or inconsequential
findings. Your history and actual exam need to be taken into account when making a diagnosis as well as ruling out all the miomics of MS.

You didn't mention if the mimic testing had been done ( or I missed it :-) ). this is an important step and something to discuss with your neuro.

Best of luck,
Rendean

[HVAC]

No test rules MS in or out. It will be up to your neurologist to call it. I have 4 MRIs that were classic MS but I had to have a LP before my doctor would diagnose it as MS. Each doctor is different. I hope you get your answer at your appointment.
Alex

[immisceo]

The radiologist writes the MRI report, but they do not diagnose. That is up to neurologists. "Punctate focus" means "one tiny single spot". That they state "unchanged" leads me to believe it was on your previous MRI as well. They likely would know the MRI was MS protocol, so that's what the "given patient's history" part means.

At this point, although it's easier said than done, try to breath and relax until your appointment next week. Perhaps it's something, perhaps it's nothing, but it's up to the pros to sort that out. Be sure and write down any questions you have. Those appointments can kind of go by in a blur, and you don't want to leave realising you forgot to get something clarified.