Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

MRI and diagnosis

I went to the eye Dr. because I thought I was getting optic neuritis (which I had in 1993) again.  With exertion, it’s like a curtain of haze is being lifted from the bottom of my vision up words.  I notice it more when I am exerting myself.  They sent me so a specialist who sent me for an MRI which states:

On the FLAIR and T2-weighted sequences, there are several foci of increased signal intensity present within the left frontal periventricular white matter. Foci of increased signal intensity are also present within the left parietal periventricular white matter, right superior frontal sub cortical white matter and right temporal sub cortical white matter. Additionally, there is a focus of increased signal intensity present within the left pons. These foci do not enhance following contrast. There is slight increased signal intensity seen within the left parietal per ventricular lesion on diffusion. This suggests that this lesion is acute/sub acute. These multiple lesions raise the possibility of demyelization disease (multiple sclerosis). Other post infectious/inflammatory etiologies could have this appearance in the appropriate clinical setting.

After receiving the MRI results, while waiting for an appointment with a neurologist, I happen to run into 2 people who have MS.  We spoke and they stated that other problems that I have such as tremors, numbness that travels up my leg, the vision problems, suddenly tripping for no reason, etc. were all symptoms that they have had relating to their MS. Well, I was seen by a neurologist today who stated it was most likely mini strokes and not MS. The thing that I don’t understand, is that I have never had bad cholesterol or high blood pressure which I have read is the main causes of mini stroke. Yet he cannot explain the other symptoms which I don’t understand.  I would just like another opinion.

Thank you,
Lin
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi, “mini strokes or transient ischemic attacks could be due to embolus (a small blood clot) that occludes an artery in the brain. This most frequently arises from an atherosclerotic plaque in one of the carotid arteries (i.e. a number of major arteries in the head and neck) or from a thrombus (i.e. a blood clot) in the heart due to atrial fibrillation
Other reasons include excessive narrowing of large vessels due to an atherosclerotic plaque and increased blood viscosity due to some blood diseases. TIA is related with other medical conditions like hypertension, heart disease (especially atrial fibrillation), migraine, cigarette smoking, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus.
A TIA can be brought on by the use of certain psychiatric drugs such as Zyprexa”. Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transient_ischemic_attack

For symptoms do visit website http://www.emedicinehealth.com/transient_ischemic_attack_mini-stroke/page3_em.htm

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Forgot to let you know that I did have two previous MRI's (1993 and 2004) which were both negative for any abnormalities.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Neurology Community

Top Neurology Answerers
620923 tn?1452915648
Allentown, PA
5265383 tn?1669040108
ON
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
1780921 tn?1499301793
Queen Creek, AZ
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease