New here...need help with MRI until I see the Neuro

[Starlyght24]

Hello everyone,

So I have had a history of migraines that were never medically diagnosed. I just had similar symptoms that my dad had. So a few weeks ago I developed a blurry spot with a squiggly line in my right eye. It last about 15 minutes and went away. No headache developed which has never happened before. About 30 minutes later I got the same spot in my left eye that lasted about 15 minutes went away and still no headache. I went to the Dr to have it checked out. He suggested that I have a CT scan. My CT came back saying there was a vague hypodensity in the left periventricular white matter, an abnormal find for my age (31 years old).

My Dr. then put in for a MRI. I had my MRI of my brain/brain stem done last Friday evening. The next morning I woke up with the worst vertigo ever!! It was so bad I had to stay in bed. At one point it made me throw up. This lasted about 4 hours. I called the imaging center and asked them if this was normal (i never had an MRI before). The tech stated that if it was a result from the MRI I would of had symptoms immediately not the next morning. I then found out my MRI results yesterday.

Here are the findings: Areas of hyperintense T2 and FLAIR signal are present in the left periventricular white matter which correspond to the abnormality seen on the comparison CT examination. In addition, similar appearing lesions are present in the right periventricular white matter, the corpus callosum, and in the left subcortical white matter. The corresponding areas on T1 weighted images are hypointense. These lesions do not enhance after contrast administration. No abnormal T2* signal is present in these foci.

Impression:
Multiple corpus callosum, periventricular, and subcortical foci of abnormal T2 and FLAIR signal without contrast enhancement concerning for a demyelinating disorder such as multiple sclerosis.

My doctor is referring me to a MS treatment center. I am waiting for an appointment. In the meantime I have millions of questions since I thought I was going in to diagnose migraines and now they are talking about possible MS. With these MRI results does any one think it could be just migraine related or something other than MS? Just not quite sure what I am in for.......thought this would be a great place to look for info.

Thank you!!

[hunterd]

We are not drs. here, but someone will probably have a similiar story and advice. The best thing to do is follow the advice of your dr.

[Starlyght24]

Thank you

I wasn't sure if anyone else had similar MRI's results when they were diagnosed. My PCP is working on getting me an appt at a MS treatment center....not sure how long it will take to get in......never been in this situation before so no clue what to expect.

[22cyclist]

Starlyght:

Your radiologist reads your MRI and bases the results on the most possible reason for the picture he/she is seeing. When you see the MS specialist, he/she will go over your symptoms and do an exam as well as go over your MRI in depth with you. At that point, the physician will determine your diagnosis. Your lesions are in places that are typical of MS.

This does not mean that you absolutely have it, but you might. At the same time, all MS is not created equal. You have had very few symptoms. Your doctor will work with you to determine your diagnosis and treatment.

Best of luck to you and please continue to ask questions, it doesn't hurt to be informed.

Lisa
RN with MS for 8 years.

[JerryD]

Starlyght,
I understood about 25 words of your post. And hunter said a mouthful ! However, we all have some lesions show up, with or without enhancement on our MRI's. And if you do get a 'real' dx of MS, all you can do is hope and pray.
The MS neurologist is a MS specialist who knows which tests to do. So don't be surprised if s/he hammers your knees and ankles for your reflexes. S /He may watch your eyes track his finger from right to left, like s/he is checking for concussion. S/he may watch and time your gait around the office. But most of all , s/he will ask a lot of questions about your physical condition and things you have noticed that seem odd to you about your health. Poking and prodding and a couple hundred dollars later, you will have an opinion. Good luck

[Starlyght24]

Thank you

Still waiting for an appt to be set up at the MS treatment center...My doctor had to send over my records so now just waiting for them to review them I guess....Pretty much what I got from the MRI is that I have multiple lesions in my corpus callsum, right and left periventricular white matter, and in my subcortical white matter


So now I guess I just sit and wait.....which of course is hard to do. I am picking up copies of my MRI and CT results tomorrow....gonna see if I can see the lesions and maybe how many they are talking about. Thanks again everyone!!

[Alicious]

Waiting is brutal, especially in times like these. Keep us posted.

[amy_onward]

I understand

I'm sorry about what you are going through and can relate so well. Earlier this year, I went to the ER for a seriously droopy eyelid that had me so scared I started to wonder if I'd had a mini stroke. After a full work-up including CT scan, MRI/MRA, etc., I was admitted to the neurology department of the hospital where they did a spinal tap and chest xray and loads of blood work.

Turns out the eyelid thing was due to Grave's disease. Found that out three days later at an appointment I had already scheduled with my ophthalmologist. He recognized it immediately.

Meanwhile before that appointment, the MRIs, like yours, showed up with lesions. And a similar sounding and, at least to me, frighteningly incomprehensible narrative.

I never had any symptoms of MS. Fatigue perhaps... maybe overlooked? I just received a confirmed diagnosis last week after a follow-up MRI which was totally clean.

I totally understand your frustration and am trying to now wrap my head around a second auto-immune diagnosis within the space of 7 months.

I'll keep you in my thoughts.
Be strong and stay positive.

Much love,
Amy