Frustrated in Ohio

[shelbss17]

My neurologist called & said bc my five lesions are small, she doesn't think a DX of MS right now. I see her next Wed. She did order two MRI's before my appt, of my upper & lower spinal cord.
WTH. I've fallen twice, have lesions & white matter. I was paralyzed for almost a month on my right side. I keep getting worse from October. I'm about to lose it.

[essdipity]

I'm sorry you're so frustrated. That's a tough deal to go through.

Just a comment about brain structure-- Everyone's brain consists of both white and grey matter. MRIs can detect lesions in the white matter (though interpreting what they mean can be difficult). MS is believed to affect the grey matter as well, but currently there's no way to image this.

ess

[Mummy76]

Hi Shelbss,

I haven't read your previous posts.  We're your lesions in any particular location?  I understand (from my own MRI and this forum) that location is more important than size

[shelbss17]

Three are in the frontal lobe, one is in the central lobe and the new one is in the left superior frontal gyrus. I'm having SEVERE  back pain for weeks now. So she ordered two MRI's for my upper and lower back before I see her on Wed. What does it take for a Dr. to DX MS??? I've been deteriorating since October. It's been a very bad day.....
I previously posted my MRI results from two weeks ago... I can repost if you want to read over it. I also have a cyst in my right maxillary sinus, but that's not a big issue. I wonder what the symptoms for lesions on your spinal cord are. I have a friend that has them ONLY on his spinal cord.

[shelbss17]

Here it is anyways :)
* * *Final Report* * *

DATE OF EXAM: Mar 20 2013 8:52AM

HHM 0474 - MRI BRAIN WWO CONTRAST / ACCESSION # 91285843

PROCEDURE REASON: 794.09 -ABN CNS FUNCT STUDY NEC
* * * Physician Interpretation * * *

MRI BRAIN WWO CONTRAST 3/20/13

Accession 91285843

History: 39 year old female with one month of right-sided paralysis
October 2012 with findings of demyelination compatible with multiple
sclerosis on outside institution MRI at that time. Patient complains of
persistent numbness and fatigue.

Comparison: Outside institution MRI of brain 10/22/12.

Parameters: MS protocol precontrast and postcontrast brain MRI including
diffusion images.

MR Contrast: Gadavist
Contrast Dose (ml): Six
Route of Administration: Intravenous


RESULT:

Acute Change: There is no evidence of restricted diffusion to suggest
an acute infarct.

Hemorrhage: No evidence of prior parenchymal hemorrhage on the
gradient echo images.

Mass Effect / Mass Lesion: No evidence of an intracranial mass or
extra-axial fluid collection. No significant mass effect.

Chronic Change: Mild burden of bilateral subcortical periventricular
white matter and calososeptal high T2 and flair lesions with no evidence
of abnormal enhancement. Accounting for differences in technique there is
interval development of one new lesion at the left superior frontal
gyrus. Other small lesions are demonstrated that are not definitely seen
on the prior study but this may be due to difference in technique. The
burden is mild with little change.

Parenchyma: No significant volume loss for age. The brain parenchyma
is otherwise within normal limits of signal intensity and morphology.

Ventricles: Normal caliber and morphology.

Skull Base: Hypothalamic and pituitary region are grossly normal.
Craniocervical junction is normal. No significant marrow replacement
process.

Vasculature: Major intracranial arterial structures, and dural venous
sinuses show typical flow void, suggesting patency by spin echo criteria.

Other: Mucous retention cyst versus polyp right maxillary sinus. Trace
fluid right mastoid. Otherwise paranasal sinuses and rest of the mastoid
air cells appear clear. The orbits and extracranial soft tissues are
unremarkable.
IMPRESSION:

Mild burden of supratentorial white matter disease consistent with stated
history of multiple sclerosis with one new lesion. There is no evidence
of restricted diffusion or enhancement to suggest active demyelination.





Transcribed Using Voice Recognition
Transcribe Date/Time: Mar 20 2013 9:49A

Dictated by : VIRGINIA HILL, MD

This examination was interpreted and the report reviewed and
electronically signed by: VIRGINIA HILL, MD On Mar 20 2013 9:49AM

[jen673]

Is your neuro a ms specialist?  If not I think I would find one.  OSU hospital has some good ones and in Columbus.  I see one in Columbus....Geoffrey Eubanks.  I'm sorry you are not getting the answers or help you need :(

I just don't understand doctors sometimes. Ugh

Jeny

[shelbss17]

Yes she's head of the MS board at the Cleveland Clinic....I don't understand them either :(

[bubbles_04]

It says in impression you have a history of MS. I'm confused this is not your first MRI looking for demyelination? It seems to me, they are saying no active and little change from the last MRI. I think its good they ordered the MRIs of your spinal cord, they are normally the ones the cause the worst symptoms.

I'm really confused they are saying they can't dx MS when it seems they did already... maybe after the spinal cord MRIs they will Dx you...

Sorry to hear your symptoms are so bad, I hope you are doing better now, MS *****, Good luck keep us updated!