Maybe I do, Maybe I don't

[Guitar_grrrl]

I've been having leg spasms, parasthesias, urinary dysfx for 10 mos., now.  My legs have a constant "buzz" going through them, kinda like sitting on an electric transformer.  A 3T MRI was negative.  Neuro exam reveals positive bilateral Babinskis and hyper-reflexia, and some gait stiffness.  We're taking a "watchful waiting" stance right now.  I see my neuro again in 3 mos.  In the mean time I've started Accupuncture to manage the spasms with the blessing of my neuro.  I only started yesterday, so no overt difference, yet.  Obviously we cant call it MS without the MRI findings, so he's calling it "Spinal Demyelinating Disease".  I hate to jump to conclusions, but this sounds and feels like the real deal.  What say you?

[Guitar_grrrl]

Yes, I should have clarified - I had both T-Spine and Noggin (brain) done with and w/o Gd on a 3T set (GE).  My neuro seems pretty cool - I've known him as an acquaintance for 18 years now, as we both work in the same hospital from time to time (I'm a freelance echocardiographer).  He's in his early - mid 70's and is pretty diligent about his reading.  He's all over the idea of acupuncture for pain management, and as you can imagine, he has lots of chronic pain patients.

Thanks for all your kind advise and good wishes.
Cheers,
Guitar_grrrl

[doni54]

Hi and welcome to the forum, this is a great place with great people.  I agree that you should have a spinal MRI.  Was your other MRI done with and without contrast?

Does sound as though you have a good neuro, that is a major plus.  

Look forward to getting to know you better.  Keep us up to date on what's going on with you.

doni

[Udkas]

Hi,
I have had same sort of problems as you and clear MRI of spine and brain on 3T machines. I show definate abnormalities on clinical exam and my neuro believes I have transverse myelitis. If you read Dr Kantor's post in response to clear MRI on 3T machines he has said that they are only 50%-85% for showing cord lesions (so there is still room for error) or for lesions not to be detected even on these machines.

I intend to ask my neuro lots of questions about MRI and detecting lesions when I have my appointment.

I had another MRI yesterday and asked the radiologist his opinion and he said that they are not as good at detecting transverse Myelitis as they are the lesions associated with MS. I don't totally understand this because the lesions with TM are bigger. When I picked up my films they had spinal demylinating disease on the top of them where they type the type of Xray.  My hubby said that just means that was what they are looking for, but on all my other MRIs they just always say thoracic and cervical MRI etc. I was wondering this time if something showed up, but I doubt it, but they did ask to keep my old films for a day so they could have a really good cross reference with them.

Cheers,
Udkas

[jensequitur]

With your leg buzz, I would definitely ask for a spinal MRI.  Preferably 3T as well!

Meanwhile, it couldn't hurt to make sure your vitamin levels are tip-top - I hear that B12 can be a contributor.

[Lulu54]

Hi and welcome to MedHelp.  None of us are here in any official medical capacity, but we can talk about what we have been through and how it relates to you.  In our health pages (upper right corner, yellow icon) there is more information about MS and the MRI as a diagnostic tool.  

It sounds to me as if your neuro is just waiting for the final piece of evidence - at least he is being agressive about repeat checks and not making you wait a year or so at a time.  

I would love to hear your feelings about acupuncture after you have done a few more treatments- I have been considering it myself.

Come back soon, ok?
Lulu

[WarKitten2008]

HI
Just cruios, did your doc do the MRI on the spine as well?? he should have!!
Did he refere you to a urologist for the urinay dysfx???  he should have!!!

Im not sure if it is or isnt MS, but I would certianly keep your follow up
appts with him and see how this plays out.

others will be along soon with their imput and comments. I asked the above
questions to help clarify the two issues for others.

Nice to meet you     I hope things will work out for you soon   Warkitten2008