Help Understanding MRI results of back- MS lesion?

[jrs2013]

HI again-  it's been a little over 4 months since I went to ER with stroke like symptoms and STILL no answers.
I still have minor numbness on left side of face, ear, neck with pressure (neck aches a lot), trouble swallowing, dizziness, tinnitus, tingly and numb areas in left arm and hand, leg and toes.  All this comes and goes- good days and not so good days. But it never all goes away.

2 Neuros. at a stroke center told me  they were leaning toward Hemiplegic Migraine diagnosis, but not certain.
Gastroenterologist has told me a burning rib/ side pain is not related to gallbladder- had ultrasound showing 3mm polyp in neck of gallbladder and Hida Scan showed 35% function. Does not recommend having gallbladder out- not yet anyway.  He told me to tell Neurologist about my side pain history. He believes my side pain is neurologic while I was always thinking my gallbladder was getting ready to go.

3 years ago I had episodes of stabbing sharp pains on right side of back in ribs. Didn't last long; didn't go to doctor.

2 years ago I felt like I had the flu, body aches, fatigue, and intense muscle spasms in right ribs. These were very painful- took my breath away. Lasted about a week- maybe more.  I convinced myself I had pulled a muscle; didn't go to doctor.

4 months ago- had the "stroke" incident.  Sometime after that I noticed that in addition to my initial symptoms of numbness etc- the burning pain in my ribs I had been having for a while was worse and almost constant.  Sometimes it hurts to take a deep breath or lay on that side.  

MRI of brain and neck all normal.  Other than showing severe sinusitis.

Just had MRI of upper back (after gastro. recommended ).  

The neurologist's nurse called and told me I have "No definite lesion; take 2 pain pills if one doesn't help; doctor will see you at next appointment in a month." Lesion?  I thought they were looking for a pinched nerve or something along those lines. I was puzzled and not content with that brief assessment.

I got a copy of my MRI; can anyone help me with findings:

"At the T8/T9 level there is a pencil thin hyperintense signal line related to prominence of the central canal of the cord.  No significant dilation or syrinx is identified. Clinical correlation is recommended. The vertebral marrow spaces show benign focal fatty marrow change at T9 and T12 compatible with small benign hemangioma."

Does the hyperintense signal line or benign hemangioma account for the burning pain in my back and ribs?

Over the last 15 years or so I've explained away and discounted so many things-  uveitis, briefly losing vision in one eye, shooting pains from hip to knee on one occasion, numb and sometimes blue toes, and periods of extreme fatigue and body aches, balance issues, etc.  I also do get about 6-8 optical migraines a year- no pain at all; just glittery or water wave vision.

Any opinions on the MRI findings of those who've been where I am now-  scared and worried -  would be so appreciated.

[LisaJF]

Remember, MS is a clinical diagnosis with MRI imaging (as well as other tests) to support it, not reverse.

I think when our blood work and other tests such as EMGs, evoked potential tests come back normal and shows nothing but normal ranges, we tend to hold onto something more tangible like our MRI to prove we're not making all this up.  I find that normal, at least I do.  Heh, maybe I'm crazy :D

I hope you have made that call to your Neurologist to have him/her call you back to allay your anxiety.

Lisa

[LisaJF]

Hi there and welcome to the forums.

I can't interpret your MRI nor would I want to take an educative "guess" as to what it means.

Hemangiomas are  common incidental findings in lots of MRIs. (including my own). I have two I think, if I remember correctly.  Usually they are detected in people of the age of  40's on up.  Normally people go without symptoms, but if it is causing symptoms this is something you can bring up to your Neurologist when you see him/her.

A month away?  Wow.  Isn't there something you can do to get in a little earlier? Or have him call you back and go over the wording of your report that concerns you? I mean, after all, the Neurologist gets paid for this right?

That is my suggestion and unfortunately, that is all I can say about your report for I am not a neuroradiologist or doctor.

Being scared and worried for a month until you see your Neurologist is ridiculous.  Make it sooner or at least have him call you back to allay your anxiety.

Lisa