I saw a neurologist, does this seem reasonable?

[Anne923]

Hi!  

I had my first visit with general neuro yesterday for my bilateral inner arm burning and my MRI that had "a few foci of t2 and FLAIR hyperintensity in parietal lobes"  and "linear increased T2 and FLAIR hyperintensity is also noted
within the right frontal white matter which follows CSF signal on the
rest of the pulse sequences.  This likely represents prominent
perivascular space."

So the neurologist took a quick look at the scan and told me that these areas were "wear and tear" and he wasn't concerned and would not want a repeat scan at all, and i didn't need to come back.  

My neuro exam was normal except for decreased sensation to pinprick on my inner arms where the burning is.  

Im only 33, is it reasonable to have wear and tear spots and not worry about it?

Thanks!

[karryon55]

I would be asking to see someone not based on the MRI alone but on the fact you have a burning feeling on your arms. I think if you see another Neuro for a second opinion ask them "what is causing the burning feeling". It's not a lot to ask for somebody to explain why you have this abnormal sensation. You can give them the MRI's & they can interpret those without having any preconceived ideas of what wrong with you.

They can do a full Neuro examination & assess you properly. They should take a good history from you as well. Well at least that is how it should go. I agree in that you need to have a neurologist look at you & explain what they feel is causing your symptoms.

I still don't think the previous Neuro's explanation of I don't know what's causing the paresthesia but here's some pills is acceptable. You are your best advocate in this situation.

Take Care of yourself.

Karry.

[Milliepede]

As Kyle said, easier said than done, but you really should look for 2nd/3rd/4th... opinion until someone explains to your satisfaction.

Blessings, Karen.

[Anne923]

Im getting frustrated.  I emailed my PCP and she said she didn't clinically think i had MS so i shouldn't worry about it and I didn't need another MRI.  So, if she didn't think i had MS based on my clinical exam, then why did she order the MRI to check for MS?  And I wasn't worried about it until she suggested getting the MRI and then it having spots on it!

Also.  How abnormal is what the neurologist noted? he said:

. Her neurologic exam is notable for sensory changes of the bilateral forearms and mild reflex asymmetry of the knees. The significance of these changes is unclear in the setting of normal strength and no reflex asymmetry in the arms.

I guess I will just wait and see.  I don't really see what seeing another neurologist would add at this point....

thoughts?

[Joiedecour]

I have more or less same brain scan - 4 subcortical parietal and frontal lesions. First dismissed as ok for age (42). Then ms specialist recommends repeat brain mri after 6 months. This brought forward to 5 months after urinary issues. No change in mri. Followed by cervical (repeat mri) and thoracic (new), and follow-up at 4 months. So I'd say, get a new neuro - either that or I need a new one!! Good luck.

[Guitar_grrrl]

The neuroradiologist you work with sounds like he's worth more than the neurologist you saw.  I'd look for another neuro.  This guy sounds like an absolute ninny!

Patches of "burning skin" on my right thigh and arm, especially if I had the flu, were some of my first symptoms as a teen.  I wasn't diagnosed until I was 50, but I've had a relatively easy MS journey.

[karryon55]

I think that the statement that he sees people all the time with parasthesia but doesn't know why they have it sounds a bit weird. He does sound a bit slack. If I was in your situation I would definitely have another MRI in the future. It will enable you to keep any eye on things.

If you have a good relationship with your PCP then that's a great idea to chat with her about this.

Take care

Karry.

[Anne923]

I just spoke with one of the Neuroradiologists i work with who said he didn't like to see that on people my age and he recomended recheck of the MRI in a year.  The neuro i saw said i didn't need to do that... so i guess i will talk to my pcp.

Thanks!

[Anne923]

He did not have any suggestion as to what was causing the parasthesias but offered up meds for them... He said people often come in with that and they don't know why.

[karryon55]

Hi & Welcome.

I'm uncertain what your MRI results mean but I do not think that age & wear 'n' tear is an adequate or acceptable answer. Did the Neuro tell you why you have the sunburn feeling in your arms? Did he order any other tests to find out? I get the feeling he just spoke about the MRI & really didn't address the reasons you had it in the first place.

If you are not happy with this Neuro then you have every right to seek a second opinion.

Take Care

Karry.

[kwarendorf]

Hi Anne - Welcome to our little world :-)

This may be easier said than done, but it's time to find a new doc. This one is either ill informed or uninterested. 33 year olds should not have visible signs of wear and tear on MRI's of their brains, unless they're mix martial arts fighters :-)

We are the only ones who can counted on to advocate for our health. Doctors cannot be assumed to be in our corners'. There are many docs who are, but you often have to search them out. My first MS doc was a nightmare, but the second is a dream come true :-)

Kyle