MRI- Headache/ Migraines/ parathesis

[candy808]

Hi, I had a MRI on 6/24/2008 because I have been having sever headaches and numbness in my face, and arms and legs that come in go except for my face which has been constant and seem to be getting worst. The results are as follows, there are 4 very faint punctate foci of increased signal intensity on the T2, WI, And FLAIR pulse sequences. They are located in the deep white matter tracks as follows, the anterior aspect of the right ventricular level, and two are seen in the anterior aspect of the left centrum semiovale. None of these legions enhance Otherwise, there is no evidence of hemorrage, acute infarction, mass effect, or extra- axial fluid collection. Normal flow voids are present within the internal carotiod and basilar arteries, and within the dural sinuses. Following the administration of contrast media, there is no pathologic enhancement within the brain. Impression: four white foci of increased signal intensity within deep white matter tracks as described above. They likely represent foci of chronic white matter ischemic change. They may also be  the result of a previous viral infection or inoculation.  A minority of headache patients with a history of migraine headaches have developed similar small foci, although they are usually limited to one or two legions. The foci on today's examination do not have an appearance typical of widespread demyelinating process such as MS.... I have an MRI that was done in 2003 and it was un remarkable and no problems were found. My doctor said that I should not be concerned, but I am worried that this could still be MS since I also have a + ANA, high sed rate, and numbeness in my face as well as body twitches and a tremor that comes and goes. I would like to  know if I should seek a second opinion in regards to this MRI. If It was a mini stroke, should I be concerned that I can have more? your assistance is greatly appreciated.

[atee]

We talked on this forum in April, about your breast concerns.  Did you ever get that resolved?  Since now you are having headaches, and if the breast issue is still present, has anyone put the two together in a diagnosis?  

Patti
www.eraseibc.com

[yakubkarim]

I have severe unbearable headache, i am suffering from trigeminal neuralgia and taking medicine tegretol200mg three times a day and neurontin300mg twice a day.  could my headache be cause of mecation that i am taking.

i am suffering from neuralgia for thelast 30 years and am on tegretol off and on as there is remission from pain during which time i dont need to take tegretol, this time the pain has come after remission of nearly two years but there was no headache before at the most i felt dizzy and drowsy but no headache

please some one who is on tegretol have this symptoms i would like to know.

yakub karim .

[candy808]

Thank you so much for responding to my concerns, have a great day.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
MS is a very difficult disease to diagnose since it can be confused with so many other conditions and there is no specific test.
Positive ANA test is seen in autoimmune diseases like Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome. It can be positive however without any underlying autoimmune disease. More specific tests are needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
ANA test is not a diagnostic test for MS.
It is quite possible that your symptoms were due to a small stroke since you have ischemic changes in the brain.
However I would suggest you to seek a second opinion. Take care!