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MRI's, Lesions, & Symptoms
MY QUICK AND DIRTY EXPLANATION OF HOW MRI'S SHOW LESIONS IN MS
The Life History of an MS Lesion
MS does it's damage by causing the nerves in localized areas in the brain and spinal cord to lose their protective sheaths, called myelin. At first, when the myelin is being attacked, the body brings a higher blood supply to the area to fight the attack and the area becomes iswollen and inflamed. These areas now become "lesions." At this point, when they are inflamed and blood engorged, they are called "active lesions." At first the nerves, themselves, haven't changed much and they appear (and have the same density) as the healthy areas around them. The body attempt to repair the damage that is being done and sometimes these areas re-myelinate. They may disappear from the next MRI. They aren't perfect in their function, but the area may return to a normal appearance.
If the nerves do not remyelinate and the damage continues, for a long time the lesions sit as scars. These scarred areas have damaged and dying cells in them, the blood supply shrinks, and the areas become more dense - more dense than the normal brain around them. These are the classic MS plaques and are considered old lesions. They show up as the bright areas most of us have seen in pictures and on our films.
If the attack on the myelin sheath is too strong for the immune system to repair, more and more myelin disappears and the area of nerves eventually dies. Then it contracts and scars. The blood flow is decreased to that area and the body tries to reabsorb the dead area. It becomes "less dense" then the surrounding normal nerve tissue. After a longer time - probably years - the scar can reabsorb completely and the area becomes "empty." It's called a black hole.
How the MRI Shows These Different Stages of MS Lesions
When you image these lesions with an MRI you can see different things, depending on the technique, the age (stage) of the lesion, the power of the MRI, and whether contrast is used.
The first MRI image is done without contrast. This technique will show old lesions that are big enough to be seen by the power of that MRI machine. WE KNOW that many lesions in MS are too small to be seen. If the newer, more powerful MRI with a 3 Tesla magnet is used many more lesions will be seen (by at least 25%) than on the older 1.5 Tesla machines. The classic old, scarred, mature MS lesion is a little bit oval, will have well-defined borders and will be in the white matter. Characteristic places (but not the only places) are subcortical, peri-ventricular and in the corpus callosum. The classic MS lesion will also have it's long axis perpendicular to the ventricles of the brain. Also, important and very symptomatic lesions are found in the brainstem, the cervical and the thoracic spine. The spinal cord ends at the bottom of the thoracic spine, so there is no such thing as a lumbar spinal cord lesion in the normal spine.
The scarred lesions will show up as light, bright areas. These are the classic, MS lesions or "plaques." But, with just the regular MRI image one can NOT say if it is old and dormant or if it has active inflammation in it.
Now the very old, scarred ones that have been reabsorbed will show up as a black (empty) space or black hole. If there are many of these empty areas the brain will contract around them eventually and show up as a loss of brain volume. This is also know as brain atrophy. This is particularly seen in the progressive types of MS. In brain atrophy there will be an increased space between the skull and the brain. Also the deep folds in the brain will appear widened.
However, a newly active MS lesion may not show up on a regular MRI because the area of nerves, though inflamed, is still pretty much intact and has normal brain density. On the MRI it will look like normal brain. Without contrast it won't show up and will be missed.
When the next phase of MRI is done the contrast is in the blood vessels. Anywhere the blood vessels are more dilated than usual, bringing more blood to the area, as in inflammation, the areas will "highlight" or "enhance." They show up as even brighter than the brain around them and brighter than an old, scarred lesion. So new lesions will show up as "enhancing," or "active". Also, older lesions, that have undergone a new attack right around them (also called reactivation) will show an enhancing rim or ring. When you compare the regular MRI to the Contrast MRI you can see this reactivated, old lesion.
That's how some reports can call active lesions or some report no newly enhancing lesions (these say the same thing). Also since some new ones heal they can be compared to old films and show they disappeared. In addition, between different sets of MRI done after a time has passed, the radiologist can see an increase in old and in new activity.
Please ask question where I haven't been clear.
Quix
The Life History of an MS Lesion
MS does it's damage by causing the nerves in localized areas in the brain and spinal cord to lose their protective sheaths, called myelin. At first, when the myelin is being attacked, the body brings a higher blood supply to the area to fight the attack and the area becomes iswollen and inflamed. These areas now become "lesions." At this point, when they are inflamed and blood engorged, they are called "active lesions." At first the nerves, themselves, haven't changed much and they appear (and have the same density) as the healthy areas around them. The body attempt to repair the damage that is being done and sometimes these areas re-myelinate. They may disappear from the next MRI. They aren't perfect in their function, but the area may return to a normal appearance.
If the nerves do not remyelinate and the damage continues, for a long time the lesions sit as scars. These scarred areas have damaged and dying cells in them, the blood supply shrinks, and the areas become more dense - more dense than the normal brain around them. These are the classic MS plaques and are considered old lesions. They show up as the bright areas most of us have seen in pictures and on our films.
If the attack on the myelin sheath is too strong for the immune system to repair, more and more myelin disappears and the area of nerves eventually dies. Then it contracts and scars. The blood flow is decreased to that area and the body tries to reabsorb the dead area. It becomes "less dense" then the surrounding normal nerve tissue. After a longer time - probably years - the scar can reabsorb completely and the area becomes "empty." It's called a black hole.
How the MRI Shows These Different Stages of MS Lesions
When you image these lesions with an MRI you can see different things, depending on the technique, the age (stage) of the lesion, the power of the MRI, and whether contrast is used.
The first MRI image is done without contrast. This technique will show old lesions that are big enough to be seen by the power of that MRI machine. WE KNOW that many lesions in MS are too small to be seen. If the newer, more powerful MRI with a 3 Tesla magnet is used many more lesions will be seen (by at least 25%) than on the older 1.5 Tesla machines. The classic old, scarred, mature MS lesion is a little bit oval, will have well-defined borders and will be in the white matter. Characteristic places (but not the only places) are subcortical, peri-ventricular and in the corpus callosum. The classic MS lesion will also have it's long axis perpendicular to the ventricles of the brain. Also, important and very symptomatic lesions are found in the brainstem, the cervical and the thoracic spine. The spinal cord ends at the bottom of the thoracic spine, so there is no such thing as a lumbar spinal cord lesion in the normal spine.
The scarred lesions will show up as light, bright areas. These are the classic, MS lesions or "plaques." But, with just the regular MRI image one can NOT say if it is old and dormant or if it has active inflammation in it.
Now the very old, scarred ones that have been reabsorbed will show up as a black (empty) space or black hole. If there are many of these empty areas the brain will contract around them eventually and show up as a loss of brain volume. This is also know as brain atrophy. This is particularly seen in the progressive types of MS. In brain atrophy there will be an increased space between the skull and the brain. Also the deep folds in the brain will appear widened.
However, a newly active MS lesion may not show up on a regular MRI because the area of nerves, though inflamed, is still pretty much intact and has normal brain density. On the MRI it will look like normal brain. Without contrast it won't show up and will be missed.
When the next phase of MRI is done the contrast is in the blood vessels. Anywhere the blood vessels are more dilated than usual, bringing more blood to the area, as in inflammation, the areas will "highlight" or "enhance." They show up as even brighter than the brain around them and brighter than an old, scarred lesion. So new lesions will show up as "enhancing," or "active". Also, older lesions, that have undergone a new attack right around them (also called reactivation) will show an enhancing rim or ring. When you compare the regular MRI to the Contrast MRI you can see this reactivated, old lesion.
That's how some reports can call active lesions or some report no newly enhancing lesions (these say the same thing). Also since some new ones heal they can be compared to old films and show they disappeared. In addition, between different sets of MRI done after a time has passed, the radiologist can see an increase in old and in new activity.
Please ask question where I haven't been clear.
Quix
Mary if you think it is MS you need a MS Spinal tap. They take blood at the same time and compare O-bands in the blood to ones in the Central Spinal Fluid. The LP is done the same except they have to send the fluid to a special lab otherwise it will be no good foe diagnosing MS. If they just do a normal LP you will have to do it again for MS.
Alex
Alex
Mary, I suggest you start a new thread...that way, your question might get more visibility.
Hi all- I'm so new to this process and have been through the medical ringer already. Looking for some insight from those who will give me more than 3 min!
24 year old female. Symptoms began as mild tingling and numbness in the right arm which quickly progressed to both arm and became painful and a daily occurrence. I have a history of lupus and have long struggled with severe fatigue and generalized pain but something is different about now.
Head MRI showed moderate white matter disease with periatrial predominance. No acute enhancing lesions but 15 lesions throughout with Dawson's fingers bilaterally.
Next step, normal lumbar puncture and normal SSEP to rule out spinal lesions not picked up on the c spine MRI. My rheumatologist says it's not lupus. My neurologist says I should be satisfied with no diagnosis, as that happens to many people....he says NO to MS and will not look further. All tests have been normal besides the brain MRI. I can't help feeling like it's the best fit for my symptoms, but he refuses to look past the normal LP. Any ideas? Any questions I should be asking or other explanations I'm missing?
Thanks! Mary
24 year old female. Symptoms began as mild tingling and numbness in the right arm which quickly progressed to both arm and became painful and a daily occurrence. I have a history of lupus and have long struggled with severe fatigue and generalized pain but something is different about now.
Head MRI showed moderate white matter disease with periatrial predominance. No acute enhancing lesions but 15 lesions throughout with Dawson's fingers bilaterally.
Next step, normal lumbar puncture and normal SSEP to rule out spinal lesions not picked up on the c spine MRI. My rheumatologist says it's not lupus. My neurologist says I should be satisfied with no diagnosis, as that happens to many people....he says NO to MS and will not look further. All tests have been normal besides the brain MRI. I can't help feeling like it's the best fit for my symptoms, but he refuses to look past the normal LP. Any ideas? Any questions I should be asking or other explanations I'm missing?
Thanks! Mary
I have a diagnosis of rrms. I've been having major vertigo and headaches. Fatigue, numbness and back pain are a given due to the cervical spine lesions and degenerative spine disease in the L/spine.
Can you interpret these Brain MRI results for me? Please
A focus of T2 hyperintensity is again noted in the left frontal
subcortical white matter which is stable in size without
associated enhancement. Punctate focus of T2 hyperintensity is
noted in the right parasagittal aspect of the pons seen on axial
FLAIR images 15 and 16 which also appears stable without
associated enhancement. A punctate focus of T2 hyperintensity is
present in the posterior medulla best seen on sagittal FLAIR
image 74 series 11. This focus is not seen on the prior
examination.
No acute infarction or intracranial hemorrhage. No significant
mass effect or midline shift. No extra-axial fluid-collections.
The ventricles, sulci, and basal cisterns are normal in caliber.
No abnormal brain parenchymal enhancement.
Intracranial Flow Voids: Within normal limits.
Craniocervical Junction: Normal position of the cerebellar
tonsils.
Paranasal Sinuses and Oto-mastoid: Visualized portions clear.
Osseous Structures: Visualized portions within normal limits.
Impression:
IMPRESSION:
Stable T2 hyperintensity in the left frontal subcortical white
matter and the pons without associated enhancement. Apparent
punctate focus of T2 hyperintensity in the right posterior aspect
of the medulla not seen on the prior exam. No evidence of
enhancement to suggest active demyelination.
Can you interpret these Brain MRI results for me? Please
A focus of T2 hyperintensity is again noted in the left frontal
subcortical white matter which is stable in size without
associated enhancement. Punctate focus of T2 hyperintensity is
noted in the right parasagittal aspect of the pons seen on axial
FLAIR images 15 and 16 which also appears stable without
associated enhancement. A punctate focus of T2 hyperintensity is
present in the posterior medulla best seen on sagittal FLAIR
image 74 series 11. This focus is not seen on the prior
examination.
No acute infarction or intracranial hemorrhage. No significant
mass effect or midline shift. No extra-axial fluid-collections.
The ventricles, sulci, and basal cisterns are normal in caliber.
No abnormal brain parenchymal enhancement.
Intracranial Flow Voids: Within normal limits.
Craniocervical Junction: Normal position of the cerebellar
tonsils.
Paranasal Sinuses and Oto-mastoid: Visualized portions clear.
Osseous Structures: Visualized portions within normal limits.
Impression:
IMPRESSION:
Stable T2 hyperintensity in the left frontal subcortical white
matter and the pons without associated enhancement. Apparent
punctate focus of T2 hyperintensity in the right posterior aspect
of the medulla not seen on the prior exam. No evidence of
enhancement to suggest active demyelination.
I was living in a home where I got very sick with symptoms from the black mold there, I had, and still have some, of the toxic mold symptoms. My MRI showed an unusual brain mass loss in the frontal lobe area, my doctor has given me every test because my symptoms mock those of MS. I don't have MS nor do I have Dementia. Many people don't realize the seriousness of exposure to mold. I have moved but feel recovery is going to take a long, if at all.
Thank you for all of your info. Joan
Thank you for all of your info. Joan
Thank you for the information, maybe I will learn how to use this site soon. Just looking for some help and answers to a 2 year old problem.
Hi, Buffy, and Welcome. You have written your intro on a very old thread that will likely be ignored. Won't you please introduce yourself in a new thread? You'll get many more answers this way. Just copy and paste into a new question.
I'm assuming you've been in touch with a neurologist?
Please have a look at our Health Pages (links on R side of page). They're a wealth of information, and can answer many questions you may have.
Cheers!
I'm assuming you've been in touch with a neurologist?
Please have a look at our Health Pages (links on R side of page). They're a wealth of information, and can answer many questions you may have.
Cheers!
I have been sick for over 2 and half years. Ive been diagnoised with Sensory Peripherical Neuropathy back in August of 2011. I lost my job because I couldnt see to be on a computer all day. Extreme fatique and now I have muscle loss in my left leg. Left side numbness and tingling, short term memory loss, fainting, Ive applied for disability, been denied 2 times now its in a lawyers hands. I do not have any insurance I had a MRI last week. It showed a foci with intensive T2 FLAIR in the occiputical part of my brain. Can someone tell me if this sounds like MS or not. I have been to all kinds of doctors and cant get a straight answer from anyone. Please give me some help here..
Thanks
Buffy
Thanks
Buffy
Thanks for your comments.
sorry I didn't want to go on to much for my 1st time on here so only gave a summery.
well here we go.
I was having lots of colds and viral infections/bladder infections that I thought where causing my headaches neck/shoulder pain.
I then had what I can only describe as a funny turn of not knowing what was happening, feeling out of sorts lost/ confused and distant. when I came out of this I had a numbness/tingling down my left side of my face/my left arm would not work correctly I could not hold a pen to write and my leg felt heavy. it felt like my body just would not function?
My GP did blood work no stroke but noticed my carotid on my left side not right went to see hospital had ultrasound a slight blockage found and given Amlpodline ? was sent for x rays on my neck/shoulder thinking it could be trapped nerves. all ruled out arthritis/old age(53 at that time)
I was signed off work as my blood pressure was up and down even on my candistartan etc.
I was sleeping(if thats what you could all it) loads but feeling fatigued all the time, could not think straight everything was hard work. Crying/angry/confused.
My legs felt like they would not rest/heavy, my ankles where stiff and I'd suffle along until I felt steady to walk as I was constantly tumbling to the left? I still can only walk a short time until I feel totally exhausted and have to rest. this could last for a few days/weeks then i'd feel a bit better but never my old self.
I then had CT scan all clear 1st MRI was unclear as I was to nervous and it was unclear to read/ neurologist who did'nt do anything but asked about my PTSD and then said possibly Fibromyalgia or Somatization disorder
sorry I didn't want to go on to much for my 1st time on here so only gave a summery.
well here we go.
I was having lots of colds and viral infections/bladder infections that I thought where causing my headaches neck/shoulder pain.
I then had what I can only describe as a funny turn of not knowing what was happening, feeling out of sorts lost/ confused and distant. when I came out of this I had a numbness/tingling down my left side of my face/my left arm would not work correctly I could not hold a pen to write and my leg felt heavy. it felt like my body just would not function?
My GP did blood work no stroke but noticed my carotid on my left side not right went to see hospital had ultrasound a slight blockage found and given Amlpodline ? was sent for x rays on my neck/shoulder thinking it could be trapped nerves. all ruled out arthritis/old age(53 at that time)
I was signed off work as my blood pressure was up and down even on my candistartan etc.
I was sleeping(if thats what you could all it) loads but feeling fatigued all the time, could not think straight everything was hard work. Crying/angry/confused.
My legs felt like they would not rest/heavy, my ankles where stiff and I'd suffle along until I felt steady to walk as I was constantly tumbling to the left? I still can only walk a short time until I feel totally exhausted and have to rest. this could last for a few days/weeks then i'd feel a bit better but never my old self.
I then had CT scan all clear 1st MRI was unclear as I was to nervous and it was unclear to read/ neurologist who did'nt do anything but asked about my PTSD and then said possibly Fibromyalgia or Somatization disorder
The results make it seem like there is a possible issue with blood flow ('ischaemic insults" is the wording I'm taking that from) which would perhaps be consistent with discussions of mini-strokes. As they've not ruled out demyelination, any interpretation of these results will depend on clinical examinations with your neurologist.
You've not really mentioned the symptoms you're experiencing that lead to the MRIs. Certain symptoms may be pointing them away from suggesting MS. Pregabalin is for neuropathic pain, generally. Is pain something you're experiencing? This would explain why it was prescribed for you. Is the FND you mention Functional Neurological Disorder? That's not mentioned on here too often, so I can't comment with any familiarity on that one.
It can indeed be tricky to get looked at objectively for physical complaints when records list mental health struggles or traumas. Many times members of the forum have gone through a neuropsychological evaluation in order to address head-on that their issues are physical in nature. It can help take certain diagnoses off the table, or more finely focus what issues are indeed on the table.
You've not really mentioned the symptoms you're experiencing that lead to the MRIs. Certain symptoms may be pointing them away from suggesting MS. Pregabalin is for neuropathic pain, generally. Is pain something you're experiencing? This would explain why it was prescribed for you. Is the FND you mention Functional Neurological Disorder? That's not mentioned on here too often, so I can't comment with any familiarity on that one.
It can indeed be tricky to get looked at objectively for physical complaints when records list mental health struggles or traumas. Many times members of the forum have gone through a neuropsychological evaluation in order to address head-on that their issues are physical in nature. It can help take certain diagnoses off the table, or more finely focus what issues are indeed on the table.
I have had 2 MRI's and my last one was to exclude demyelination,
I have also been having they think mini strokes,
I have been off work for 18months now as I cannot function with day to day life as I used to, all this just came on when driving one day. but my GP said a lot of the symptoms have been since I had an incident at work involving a gun shooting incident with myself and colleague. I have PTSD from this.
We have paid to see another Neurologist and have shown him my MRI results and info from GP, he said it was nothing in my mind but could be FND?? My GP is flabbergasted by both Neurologist answers and thinks they have pre-diagnosed me on this.
1 Neurologist has given me Pregabalin to take, if its nothing then why this medication.
We are in desperation, as I just want my life back.
Below is the impression from my MRI.
Multiple subcentimetre bright signal foci in the cerebral white matter* on T2 and flair sequences. These foci are of non-specific clinical* significance and might represent chronic focal ischaemic insults but* possibility of demyelination cannot be entirely excluded.* A correlation with clinical presentation is suggested.
I have also been having they think mini strokes,
I have been off work for 18months now as I cannot function with day to day life as I used to, all this just came on when driving one day. but my GP said a lot of the symptoms have been since I had an incident at work involving a gun shooting incident with myself and colleague. I have PTSD from this.
We have paid to see another Neurologist and have shown him my MRI results and info from GP, he said it was nothing in my mind but could be FND?? My GP is flabbergasted by both Neurologist answers and thinks they have pre-diagnosed me on this.
1 Neurologist has given me Pregabalin to take, if its nothing then why this medication.
We are in desperation, as I just want my life back.
Below is the impression from my MRI.
Multiple subcentimetre bright signal foci in the cerebral white matter* on T2 and flair sequences. These foci are of non-specific clinical* significance and might represent chronic focal ischaemic insults but* possibility of demyelination cannot be entirely excluded.* A correlation with clinical presentation is suggested.
I was reading your comment and found it interesting. I am 30 yrs old and having MS symptoms. Supposed to have had a stroke when I was little and had an mri and cat scan of brain with 1 lesion in one place and went for mri of brain with 1 lesion in another place. Been to 2 neuro's saying that it was just a stroke but totally not understanding why they would come and go. Duh, being through this for 2yrs and no dx yet! Do you have any advice for me?
Many Thanks Kyle! I did not take notice of dates, until it was to late. Want to keep people informed. Thank You, Jeannie
Hi Calming - Welcome to the forum. The thread to which you responded is a little old. Some of the posters may no longer visit. I just don't want you to think they were ignoring you :-)
Kyle
Kyle
Firstly, your story surely struck my Heardcord. I have been a nurse for 30+ years and have done extensive research on fungi and mycotoxins. Some researchers have published papers stating that fungi and mycotoxins are the cause of multiple sclerosis. I myself, have been exposed to fungi at the workplace when they started mold remediation. Been to several physicians and they are puzzled and literally fed up with me. Finally, got an MRI of the brain that showT2 hyperintense lesions within the white matter in both a perventricular and subcortical distribution. My family physician referred me to a Neurologist, which I will see next month. I took it upon myself to do a mycotoxin urine test and sure enough I am positive. Mycotoxins will demyelinate the Central Nervous system. The brain is 60% fat and mycotoxins like the brain. Took my mycotoxin urine test by calling EHAP Labs.
2012: Can you give me your opinion please I would so appreciate it. Multiple area of abnormal increased T2 and flair signal present in the strip white matter. There is periventricular predominance and demyelinating disease is suspected. Chronic microischemia changes not totally excluded. There is mild atrophy of the corpus callosum. No lesions are identified in the posterior fossa.
Diffusion weighted sequences appear normal. The ventricles are normal size. No mass or midline shift. The cp angles are clear, the craniocervical junction appears unremarkable.
IMPRESSION: Nonspecific white matter signal abnormalties in the cebral hemispheres. Demyelinating disease is favored over chronic microischemia changes.
2005:Flair and T2-weighted images show several small foci of hyperintensity in the cebral white matter. These are most prominent in the peri-atrial areas. This is not a specific appearance in a patient this age, ddelineating or chronic ischemic change might be considered.
IMPRESSION: Multiple areas of T@ hyperintensity in the cerebral white matter as described.
Why can't they we understand this, we have the problem. I realize if any of you would help me with this, it would be just an opinion. Thank you so much!
Tags: MRI Brain question
Diffusion weighted sequences appear normal. The ventricles are normal size. No mass or midline shift. The cp angles are clear, the craniocervical junction appears unremarkable.
IMPRESSION: Nonspecific white matter signal abnormalties in the cebral hemispheres. Demyelinating disease is favored over chronic microischemia changes.
2005:Flair and T2-weighted images show several small foci of hyperintensity in the cebral white matter. These are most prominent in the peri-atrial areas. This is not a specific appearance in a patient this age, ddelineating or chronic ischemic change might be considered.
IMPRESSION: Multiple areas of T@ hyperintensity in the cerebral white matter as described.
Why can't they we understand this, we have the problem. I realize if any of you would help me with this, it would be just an opinion. Thank you so much!
Tags: MRI Brain question
Thank you very much from a newbie. I thought I understood what the MRI said as I did a lot of research as well, but it helps to have these terms for when I look it over again. I will need to ask my dr. on Tuesday what T! shortening is though I did ask about "late evolution of the demyelinating plaques" meant and he had stated that this meant they couldn't say how old it was - could have been there a month or 3. Again thank you.
Laney-
You should really post this as a new question as a lot of members, including Quix, may miss it due to being a very old post. If you really would like Quix to answer, you could put her name in the subject line like "non specific changes on MRI, confused! Quix?". Something like that.
I am sorry that I cannot answer your question as MRI's confuse the heck out of me, but I am pretty sure some of the members can help a little. I have not been able to keep up with the forum for a couple months now, but last I knew Quix was kind of in and out, too. So, give her some time to answer you.
I have never seen you yet, so it is nice to meet you. I do not have MS, I was dx'ed with a mimic but stay on the forum anyways. :)
Hugs,
Addi
You should really post this as a new question as a lot of members, including Quix, may miss it due to being a very old post. If you really would like Quix to answer, you could put her name in the subject line like "non specific changes on MRI, confused! Quix?". Something like that.
I am sorry that I cannot answer your question as MRI's confuse the heck out of me, but I am pretty sure some of the members can help a little. I have not been able to keep up with the forum for a couple months now, but last I knew Quix was kind of in and out, too. So, give her some time to answer you.
I have never seen you yet, so it is nice to meet you. I do not have MS, I was dx'ed with a mimic but stay on the forum anyways. :)
Hugs,
Addi
What does it mean if you have "non specific changes" on the brain? I had an mri with and without contrast done last week and the nurse left me a message to let me know the results. I had the mri done to rule out and lesions due to having a lot of recent neurological problems and a past history of possible transverse myelitis. I also have a herniated disc in the lumbar area and also one in the thoracic area. I have two buldging discs in my neck. My symptoms are tingling in my left arm and hand. Weakness in my left arm and my last two fingers go to sleep when I do anything with my arm extended out or above my head (probably related to the thoracic herniation). I do not see my neurologist for two more months! I have really felt like I am left out in the cold with my whole situation. I have continued to work through all of my problems which is extremely hard, especially with the lumbar herniation because the sciatic pain keeps my up at night. Now I get this new stuff from the mri last week and I feel even more at a loss. Please advice me on what non specific changes in the brain mean. I am truly at a loss! Thanks, Laney
I think you should deffinately think about writing a book so you can get paid!!!! I just love reading your posts!!!! Thank You!!!
Thanks from one living in limboland for it seems like forever. I was recently undiagnosed after many years. My neuro retired. I had a MRI completely free of lesions but had lesions (several) in the past especially in the caudate area. Years from now they will figure it out. I just want to continue with Copaxone because it keeps me from having so many attacks. I was told to see a regular neuro. I do not want to go through the diagnosis dance again so I am just laying low. Oh they also suggest but do not diagnose somatoform disorder. Is that why I have the lesions or those T2 really bright spots.
Do some people remyelinate better than others?
Do some people remyelinate better than others?
hi quixotic, i have been a little worried ...i have asked several times but havnt been answered...i know that not every one can be but you seem to be the leading person on here that knows what your talking about.....
ok here goes..i have ddd multi level moderate to severe and i have hypothyroid...about 6 years ago i had hyperthyroid and graves and they did the iodine thing and told me eventually would probably go hypo.....well itdid....ok so now i have pain in the butt that goes all the way down the legs and i cant sneeze or cough without being in a lot of pain in my back....and when i turn my neck one way or the other it pops and a few times i have had like a zap or pop in my head. well my daughter was here today and i asked her to feel back of my head and shew went a little ballestic and told me to get in a doc tomorrow...it is swollen in the back of my head compared to hers.....and sometimes i forget what i wanted to say and its just really driving me crazy.....noise really bothers me to....i have a lot of muscle weakness in my arms and legs and i have experienced what i found out later might have been the ms hug ...oh my thats a hard thing to deal with and also my muscles willcramp up a lot and i get off balance a lot....well i have rattled on enough and if you or someone could have the patience with me and try to explain what all this means i would be soooo appreciative.......thanks for listening debj
ok here goes..i have ddd multi level moderate to severe and i have hypothyroid...about 6 years ago i had hyperthyroid and graves and they did the iodine thing and told me eventually would probably go hypo.....well itdid....ok so now i have pain in the butt that goes all the way down the legs and i cant sneeze or cough without being in a lot of pain in my back....and when i turn my neck one way or the other it pops and a few times i have had like a zap or pop in my head. well my daughter was here today and i asked her to feel back of my head and shew went a little ballestic and told me to get in a doc tomorrow...it is swollen in the back of my head compared to hers.....and sometimes i forget what i wanted to say and its just really driving me crazy.....noise really bothers me to....i have a lot of muscle weakness in my arms and legs and i have experienced what i found out later might have been the ms hug ...oh my thats a hard thing to deal with and also my muscles willcramp up a lot and i get off balance a lot....well i have rattled on enough and if you or someone could have the patience with me and try to explain what all this means i would be soooo appreciative.......thanks for listening debj
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