MRI results

[dani35]

Hi  I have not feeling well for awhile. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in March 2011 and have been struggling to feel better.  I have vertigo, muscle aches in arms and legs, and tingling in my fingers and toes.  I had a horrible headache on Sunday morning and my husband took me to the ER.  There they did blood work and a CAT scan of head. All results were normal.  The ER dr says this could be MS but we dont do MRIs in the ER.  I did have an MRI last year and was told it was normal- I called for the results today and was concerned about the scan.

MRI scan of brain without contrast:
Multiplanar imaging was obtained utilizing a variety of pulse sequences 1.5 Tesla unit
The ventricular system has a nornmal size and configuration. Third and fourth ventricles are midline in position. There is no evidence of hemorrhage or mass effect. No extra-axial collections are seen.

Scattered foci of T2 hyperintensity are seen within a periventricular and subcortical distribution. This is a nonspecific finding which can be related to a variety of etiologies.
Diffusion images and gradient echo images are unremarkable.

No areas of abnormal signal brightening are seen on the postcontrast portion of study.
No abnormalities are seen  involving the brainstem,cerebellar hemisheres or craniocervical junction. No CP angle cistern masses are seen.

I am concerned about the scattered foci- No one told me about it last year and I read it to my current PCP today and she says it is fine (She says anyone could have that on an MRI)  I am concerned that it may be MS.  I have been unable to get an appt with an neurologist till at least November.  I feel so dizzy and my muscles are achy and scared .  Thanks for any help or guidance.

[jensequitur]

Doctors often discount punctate lesions on MRIs, even after the patient has complained of neurological symptoms.  I think your doctor has failed to realize that you don't feel good, and you're looking for answers.  

There's so many reasons why you might have punctate lesions that it's a job best left to your neuro.  But your health (IMO) wouldn't be affected by it any more now than it was then.  Neurological damage takes a long time to heal.  Try to get plenty of rest, don't stress too much, and let us know how things go.  

[dani35]

She seems to listen but she does act like nothing is serious.  She feels that I am worrying too much about the MRI results. And she said that it is no problem if I had to wait awhile to see a neurologist.  I wish I could see one soon.

  I am trying to not worry but I really had no idea that the test wasnt completely normal. I certainly would have pursued a neuro consult last year if I had been told. If this has been going for over one year, could that affect my health?

[LisaJF]

Your primary's indifference concerns me, even if you were seeing her for 2 months.  Not understanding and not "listening" are two different things.  

Yes, this is always a frustrating road to diagnosis in something like this....You're not alone here for sure and I know all of us will be here if and when you need us.

I can understand why you're scared and rightfully so -- but I just hope that you're not making symptoms worsen due to the worry...because I wouldnt want that for you either.


((hugs))

Lisa

[dani35]

It is all so frustrating.  I have had this lingering brain fog since March 2011 and the drs felt it was from the hypo.  When I saw my endo two weeks ago, she suggested that this could be neurological.  I am now scared that maybe MS could have been the problem all along.  Could this affect me in the long run?
  I was told last year when I had the MRI of the brain that the results were fine, no problems.  I am so upset that no dr informed me that there could be lesions.
I have only been seeing my primary for two months so I dont feel she is truly understanding my symptoms. She says the results from last years MRI are not troublesome as anyone can them.  

[jensequitur]

I never had a good solution for my vertigo.  It came on at the same time every day, (2:30 pm) and persisted either until I went to sleep, or around 9:00 pm.  Now I wonder if a better doctor would have helped.  He wanted to give me benadryl, which would have put me to sleep.

Hypothyroidism can cause brain fog, but after being treated, you should have had some relief.  MS can cause hypothyroidism!  So maybe you've had MS all along...  It gets confusing, doesn't it?

[LisaJF]

I agree with jensequitur, that you're wise to pursue further treatment (Neurologist).  If you can get an appointment with one earlier than November, by all means.

I wonder what your primary says about your vertigo and paresthesias with your B12  normal and I assume as well as your electrolytes (magnesium, calcium, etc).  Did she minimize that too by saying, "everything is fine" offering no explanation?  I mean seriously, I am not liking her air of indifference to your symptoms.  

Let us know when you get that Neuro appointment!!

Lisa

[dani35]

I started having this fogginess and vertigo when I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in March 2011.  Could those symptoms have started then and continued if I were to have MS?   Is there any treatment for vertigo in MS?  Thanks for your help.

[jensequitur]

I think with your symptoms and lesions on your MRI, you're wise to pursue further treatment.  Vertigo and brain fog can be very debilitating.

[dani35]

Thanks so much for the kind words.  My primary dr ordered labs and I received results.
Vitamin D-25     48.89 (19-57.6)
Vitamin B12       869    (193-982)
ANA  not detected
CRP  <3.0      0.0-9.0
ESR   13         0-20
TSH  0.45        0.34-4.8
T4     1.58        0.59-1.80  I saw the endo two weeks ago.

My primary thinks I am fine and should not worry about the MRI results.  I am trying to find a neurologist who can see me soon.  I have terrible vertigo and a brain fog feeling and my legs are very sore. Thanks so much for your knowledge.

[LisaJF]

Welcome to the forums!

Im sorry you are experiencing these unwanted symptoms and obviously they are interfering with you living your life as fully as you used to.  Sometimes it can be all too cumbersome to deal with, but you will.

Yes people can have small t2 hyperintense foci in the brain and in the locations your MRI indicates for reasons as simple as migraines, contact sports where you received head injuries (lol doubt that's it), hypertension, on vasoactive drugs, etc, etc.  

Is your TSH, T3 and T4 levels sufficient or in normal range?  When was the last time you went to the endocrinologist?  

I can understand that you're scared and understandably because of what you can read and access on the internet, but it would do you most good to take one step at a time and wait for the appointment with your Neurologist.  Perhaps when you see him/her they will order a new MRI.  My suggestion would be that you obtain the CD and written report so that when you do see the Neurologist and if he does order a new MRI of brain and cspine/tspine that he can compare your old one with your new one.  There's also a battery of tests that can be done as well to rule out other causes for your symptoms.  (for example: Vitamin B12 levels (can alter your balance, coordination and give sensations of numbing too), Vit D, a rheumatological panel (ANA, CRP, antidsDNA, ESR, etc just to name a few)

Again, welcome to the forums and glad you came aboard!  

PS - Did your primary order any bloodword recently and if so, what did she/he order?

Lisa