abnormal MRI/extreme fatigue/allopeciaareata

[Verytired94]

I have a 21 year old daughter who at 16 became extremely fatigued and couldn't go to school..Got depressed and within a few months lost all her hair..Was diagnosed with allopecia areata which is considered auto immune.Her fatigue and depression perssists intently.  She has anxiety and some OCD.  She responds minutely to medications including adderall amongt others.  Her MRI of the brain yearly over the last 5 years have not changed but show many scattered white matter lesions with no enhancement. Spinal tap negative, bloods have always been fine including lymes.  Her father had sarcoidosis. No neurological signs of MS.  Seen by 2 MS specialists who agree she does not have the clinical appearance of MS.On disablility and developmentally is at least 5 years behind in terms of maturity and making logical healthy choices for herself.Was an active but very quiet young lady prior to age 16 and was a straight A student.  Cannot get to college now.  Where can I take her as I have exhausted all ideas given to me.  She presently is cared by a psychiatrist for 3 years now.


This discussion is related to White matter on the brain.

[Verytired94]

Thanks for the input.  Unfortunately the doctors we trust over the years have no more clues and the tests get repeated every 6 months or so.  She has no life and it is hard to watch.   Thanks again.

[ampky]

Yes, Lupus ia an autimmune disease.  Blood tests, like ANA (which is neg in thosewho don't have Lupus), can sometimes change.  You might want to ask for this test again, aswell as an anti-DNA test.  You may also have her Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count checked for aniemia (which can cause fatigue).

"Big Ceters" can have knowledgeable docs, but I think it's more impotant to have a regular doc, who is up on research, that you trust.

You're doing the right thing in being proactive.  Keep up the research and stay strong!

[Verytired94]

Thanks  She has been checked for Lupus through bloodwork... It too is autoimmune. I wonder what big center like NIH or Mayo Clinic or John Hopkins?  Neurology?  Immunology?

[ampky]

I have a freind who has alopecia areta.  It can really be a tough thing to go through.  It's good she's seeing a psychiatrist, but maybe you can also find some support groups for her or someone she truly thinks she can talk to.  Alopacia is a BIG indicator of SLE (lupus).  You may want to do some research on that condition.

I wish all of you the best!!