MRI report read for the 1st time since hospital stay

[Sheradaisy]

Hi everyone, I just picked up my MRI cd's and report for my doctor appt with the neurosurgeon on Thursday.  For those that don't remember me, I was recently diagnosed with a basilar aneurysm as a result of some neuro symptoms and ER visit.  I just read the report for the 1st time and I noticed this...
CEREBRUM:  "There is nonspecific subcortical white matter foci present.  Differential considerations would include chronic migraine headaches, small vessel ischemic disease and less likely demyelinating processes."  
My symptoms have to me have been steering towards MS but have yet to be diagnosed.  I have an appointment with a rheumy in May as well as all of this because I was diagnosed with RA recently.  Is anyone familiar with white matter in the brain?  I have terrible balance issues and this maybe why...and not the aneurysm????  I know I can talk this all over with my doctor on Thursday, I was just wondering sooner than that :)

[Lulu54]

surprise!  at least that is probably what you felt when you read this report.  I have to chuckle when you admit you should stop trying to dx yourself, but don't overlook that you know your own body the best.  Continue to advocate not only for answers, but the correct answers to your symptoms.
be well,
Lulu

[jensequitur]

As shell says, there's lots of stuff that attacks the CNS, and it's up to your doctor to figure out which one it is.  It can be tough, because neurological symptoms resemble MS.  MS is a disease that attacks the central nervous system, but unlike a stroke, the damage can be more 'diffuse.'  Instead of specific symptoms in one area, the symptoms are felt in more than one location in the body.

Remember that the radiologist report is a guide for the doctor to help him/her diagnose the patient.  "less likely demyelinating processes" is a way of saying that if the initial problem isn't the real problem, then demyelinating processes is another place to look.

[Sheradaisy]

Thanks for your response.  I see the doctor on Thursday, I'm sure I'll know more then.  I was just surprised to see that in the report, because they didn't address that with me.  I have some autoimmune issues going on and MS just stuck out at me, while I was "self-diagnosing" myself!  I guess better left to the doctors! :)

[sllowe]

Hi Shera,

The way the report reads leads me to believe there is no pattern consistent with MS. White matter changes are caused by what was listed in that report, among other things. We have a discussion that lists other causes of lesions - they are surely not all caused by MS.

I wish you well w/your follow-up appointment w/the neurosurgeon, and perhaps he can clear this all up for you. I'm not a doctor, but do feel balance issues can be caused by your condition, as well as ischemic problems.

Let us know how you make out. And, I hope you are in good hands w/your doctor :)