Minimal hyperintensities in corpus collosum..MS?

[kerrtelli]

Question?  I was organizing all of my test docs and noticed that the last MRI in June said minimal hyperintensities in collosal area.

I remember hearing that when there are lesions in this area that was typical for ms.
But the radiologist wrote atypical for ms.  The ms specialist said that the lesions are usually "bigger" when there is ms.

Does this make sense to anyone?

I just don't get it.  Why do some docs say yes this is ms and others say no?
Who do you guest or go with in terms of believing?

I figure if i have ms and the docs say i don't I Hqve to live with the symptoms anyway.
Eventually if it is ms the docs will see it.  Does this make sense or am I being stupid in not demanding medication to slow progression.  It's like sitting on a time bomb.  Just waiting for the real show to start.

Advice?
Experience?
Words of wisdom?

Thanks!
Kerri

[Sidesteps]

I think there is a pattern in that area that refers to really early dawson's fingers. It's called dot dash pattern.  The dot dash pattern will "grow" into dawsons fingers.

If you google it then it will show you what it looks like.

[kerrtelli]

Thanks.  I agree.  I figure if I have ms it will progress and then I will know for sure and so will the docs.

I guess its pretty easy for me to know what to do.  I just have to move forward.

Have a great day.

[wiggles94]

PS - as a qualifier - I don't believe everything my docs tell me - like - if I progress and have an attack they can take care of it, and put me back on meds -

I am smart enough to know that they have NO WAY of knowing what course the disease will take -so it's just stupid for them to make a statement like that -

BUT they do have something I don't have - lots of experience treating people with MS - So I listen to all they have to offer - couple that with all my research - try to pay very close attention to my intuitive side - and make my decisions.  In the end - I am in charge.  This gives me some sense of control.  : )
Carol

[wiggles94]

Hi Kerri - I have one typical lesion and some "atypical.:"  In limbo for a while   - was on disease modifying drugs as neuro and PA (who apparently ran the office) said I would convert to definitive MS without meds - and they slow progression - etc -

2nd opinion MS neuro isn't as convinced this is MS - my original PA left practice - and original neuro and new PA now agree with MS neuro - I wanted to go off Disease modifying meds due to side affects - and I'm not convinced enough this is MS myself.

My docs are telling me that if this is MS, I will progress. So far I am stable.  They also have reassured me that my case is so mild that they can handle any exacerbation, get me stable and then if i want , I can go back to the DMDs.  Right now, I am feeling better OFF the dmd -

I know what all the research says about DMD - and I know some are adament about taking them as soon as possible - and the hard part of someone in limbo is......do you start or not because what if you really don't have MS???  My docs are leaving it up to me if I want DMD or not -  

Another very tricky thing is - as you know - is you can be dx by one doc - and then another can disagree - this is such a tricky thing to deal with if you are gray area patient.  My PA told me we are the hardest to deal with - I think that's why they are leaving it up to me as to how to proceed -

I really liked my PA who left as he was very agressive and very sure of everything he told me - very strong in his convictions - this made it easier for me to know what to do - but my new people are very unsure as to what this is - so now the question is.....who is right?

You are right that the DMDs don't treat the symptoms - and for me - they made me feel worse as far as feeling like I had the flu/fatigue.

This is all very emotionally draining to deal with and you are right to be asking so many questions.  Many can give you their story but in the end - YOU have to make the decisions that are right for you -  Everytime I have numbness etc, I wonder if I am being agressive enough - But since a few very good medical people have assured me that it's ok to wait and see what happens - that's what I'm doing for now - with of course follow up MRI and neuro there if I have new exacerbations.

My sis is going through the same thing and is in a clinical trial for an oral med - which actually is not going to be going to market - (as it turns out) - and she loves her neuro - and even though she is in a different city a few hours away , I am going to see them in Sept for another opinion.

SO - hang in there - do what is in your power (diet, exercise, rest etc) to be as healthy as you can be - and keep looking until you are satisfied.  Trust your intuition and body.

Have a great day and feel well!
Carol

[Deb61]

I had small lesions in the area, and the neuro told me that it was typical for MS.  

[kerrtelli]

He did look at the MRI and he told me that although I hve lesions in the area, they re usually larger.  I Hqve 21+ lesions in my brain.  

I am still waiting for LP results.  Thanks for responding.
Kerri

[Deb61]

The lesions in the corpus callosum (sp) is what my doctor said was typical for MS.  Is the "minimal hypertensities" saying you don't have many/any in this area but dispersed in other areas? This still wouldn't rule out MS . . .  If you have lesions in this area it would seem to me like it's typical for MS (big or small).  I don't understand this myself.  I wouldn't trust a neurologist (MS specialist or not) who puts all of their trust in the radiologist without looking at the MRI themselves anyway.  When do you hear about your LP results?  Hopefully this will give some clues if the MRI isn't helping.