Hi Everyone Again! Had two MRI's last week

[PinkMoore]

Hi again.  I posted last week for the first time about my symptoms.  Well, I ended up having a lumbar MRI and MRI of the brain.  Seems my problem is in my spine.  

Brain MRI reads as follows:

Signal intensity in the brain is normal with the exception of a single, 5 mm, punctate area of increased signal in the frontoparietal white matter on the left.  This is a nonspecific finding.  It is quite likely of no significance, although it might be a reflection of microvascular ischemic change or demyelination.  Old inflammation or infection could also have this appearance.  Otherwise, there is no signal abnormality in the brain.  The ventricles and subarachnoid spaces are normal.  There is no mass effect or hemorrage.  There is mucosal thickening in the left frontal sinus.  There is some mucosal thickening or fluid in a few of the mastoid air cells on the left.  

Impression:  Single punctate area of increased FLAIR and T2 signal in the frontoparietal white matter on the left.

I have no idea what this means, but apparently they don't think it's anything to worry about.  Any thoughts?

My lumbar MRI is a mess:

There is disk space narrowing and dik deslocation at the T12-L1, L2-3, and L4-5 levels due to disk degeneration.  There is a Schmorl node in the inferior endplate at L4.  There is apophyseal joint degenerative change at the L4-5 and L5-S1 levels.

There is disk bulge at the L2-3 level.  There is a compression of the thecal sac which is borderline for mild central spinal stenosis.  There is also congenital shortening of the pedicles at this level and also at the L3-4 and L4-5 levels.

There is a mild disk bulge at the L3-L4 disk level.  There are borderline changes from mild central spinal stenosis due to the disk bulge and the shortened pedicles.

At the L4-5 level, a bulging disk is present.  This leads to compression of the thecal sac.  The posterior ligaments are prominent and the pedicles are congenitally shortened.  There is mild central spinal stenosis.

At the L5-S1 level, there is a disk bulge.  There is an annular tear along the posterolateral right-sided disk margin.  There is no central or foraminal stenosis


Well, I have an appointment at an Orthopedic doc next week, but not sure if I should see a neurologist instead.  Even though the findings are mild spinal stenosis, it's been hell with the fact that it's affecting my legs and bowels.

I welcome your thoughts.

Pink

[Quixotic1]

Well, if it is any consolation, my brain MRI was identical to yours (one lone frontal lobe lesion of unknown significance).  Mine turned out to be an MS plaque (demyelination).  My diagnosis came with the spinal MRI done on a 3T MRI and my LP.

If you have symptoms suggestive of MS, this one, solitary lesion of unknown significance CANNOT be disregarded.  It must be kept in mind as they look at the other things.  Yes, it may not indicate anything.  But "unknown significance" does NOT mean "insignificant!"  Do not let the doctors make that mistake.

Clearly you have some lumbar stuff that needs to be taken care of first.  

My 2 cents.

Quix

[Sarahsmom46]

I would go with the neurosurgeon and get one that is specialized in the spine.  I don't know how much an orthopedic doc can really do for you and will probably send you to a surgeon anyway especially if surgery is even a remote option.  

I had a few findings on my spinal MRI in the thoracic and cervical spine.  My neurologist sent me straight away to a neurosurgeon.  He knew what he was looking for when he reviewed the MRI.  

I hope you can find someone to interpret these MRIs properly so you can get some meaningful help.  I hope this helps.

Julie