MRI Results - Questions

[ccorina]

Hi all,

I got my MRI results from December.  Not the actual report but the neuro's letter to my family doctor.

MRI demonstrated a lesion within the right pontine tegmentum, which demonstrates contrast-enhancement.  There were 2 non-specific lesions idintified in the subcortical right frontal white matter.

Now if one was enhancing and the others aren't doesn't that show differention in time and space?

I had an old MRI that was normal about a year and a half ago, but I never saw the report and I'm wondering in the two other lesions were on it but my old neuro didn't find it important (as some are liable to do)

Even this neuro waved away the other two lesions as he was only concerned with the brainstem one.

He also goes on to say that he suspects MS and will start DMD's after my March 21 MRI if it shows I don't have a brain tumor (the differential diagnosis).  But he says the MRI's at present aren't sufficient for diagnosis.  

I also have history of a similar attack a year ago but clean MRI that time.

This is so frustrating!  As everyone here already knows :)

Thanks for your thoughts,

Corina

[ccorina]

Thanks for the reply.  

I know that lesions can be caused by many things (except brainstem have less causes apparently), I guess I'm just wondering if these lesions can't add to the picture for diagnosis.

I've been playing this game for 20 years....so hopefully soon.  At least some evidence is showing up now.

Corina

[maxthecat43]

I'm not sure what to hope for here...  Although MS is a miserable disease, for me, it would be preferable to a brain tumor.  As for the other two lesions, they can be caused by many things.  I think I have something like 17 lesions in my brain.   I have been learning that MS lesions have a particular look to them, so not all brain lesions "say" MS.  

It does sound like you are being taken very good care of though.  If your doctor is already talking about dmd's, but just wants to wait for more results, he sounds like a very conscientious doctor.  

It's going to be a "long haul" one way or another.  The best thing I can advise for you, is to try to occupy your mind with everyday things.  Playing the waiting game will make you crazy... (personal experience here...)

(Hugs),
Tammy