Brain MRI Results

[SoccerGrl]

Hi Everyone, I hope you are all having a nice day.  I picked up my brain MRI report and I think that it is not good. If anyone has anything to offer it would be great, I dont go back to the doctor till next Wed.

Findings: The ventricules and sulci are normal in size and configuration.  There is a 6mm T2 hyperintense lesion within the right frontal lobe centrum semiovale.  There is a 3mm T2 hyperintense lesion within the right parietal lobe centrum semiovale.  There is no other signal abnormatily, mass effect, extra-axil fluid collection, or focus of restricted diffusion.

Impression- Two white matter T2 hyperintense lesions as above without enhancement . These are nonspecific but can be seen in the setting of demyelination considering findings in the cervical spine on recent study.

I guess the next step would be to hve the LP that I am not looking forward to at all.  Is this going to be  painful procedure?  I am very nervous about having this done.

Thank you for all the help and support given here.

:)
Jen

[Erin0313]

Jen,

   It sounds like it's time to get the LP. It really isn't that bad and if you take the meds to calm you, you will be fine and have more answers. Totally worth it! Answers will get you the care and treatment that you need and deserve.

I have had 3 I think and the last one was the easiest because they did it in the radiology dept. so that they could see exactly where in my spine to insert the needle. Maybe when you see your doc next week you can ask if having it done that way is an option. WAY easier than the needle without the x-ray machine method and it doesn't hurt to ask.

I say if you are not taking the anti-anxiety meds that they gave you then have that wine. Maybe it will calm you down a bit so that you won't be constantly thinking about what is wrong.

Keep us posted and try to relax
Hugs,
Erin :)

[SoccerGrl]

Dennis,

Wow you are brave.  I am very afraid of the LP, I know I will probably be ok, but I have read about all the things that could go wrong and that makes me scared. I have some anxiety meds to take before hand so maybe that will help! I hope it goes ok!

Jen

[Sailorsong]

I have had 2 LP in my life with absolutely no problems.  I never felt anything during the procedure and they had me drink a 20 oz bottle of sprite afterwards ( lots of caffeine ). The worst part was that I had to visit the bathroom and had to hold it for 20 minutes before they would let me get up. In fact after the last one I was out mowing my lawn that same afternoon.

It does sound like you could probably get your DX without the LP though.

Dennis

[PastorDan]

No, in fact, the LP must be accompanied by a simultaneous blood test in order to compare the number of oligoclonal bands in the CSF with the number in the serum, if any.

I'd agree, though, that there's no need if the other evidence is sufficient.  The LP is conclusive neither for ruling in nor ruling out MS; it is only one more piece of a very patchy puzzle.

I suspect one of our Health Pages would have more on this, if you want to peruse those.

[SoccerGrl]

PastorDan,

I think I might, just thinking about it I really dont want to go through the procedure and if I have all the other evidence then why do it? Is there a blood test that I can have to take the LPs place?

Thanks,
Jen

[PastorDan]

Agreed.  I was told just to keep up fluid intake before & after & I'd have no problem.  Proved to be true.  The only thing I regret is that it told us nothing, but for many, it helps.  Might sound, though, like you have enough for a dx without it.  I'd ask the doc if I were in your shoes.

[SoccerGrl]

Thanks Paula for all the info, it is very helpful!

Jen

[figuerpa]

Jen,

Of course it is ok to have a glass of wine. Everyone is entitled to endulge :)

Dont' worry about the needle in your back they know what they are doing, the doc who did mine did hit a couple of nerves but nothing permanant.

To feel ok afterwards, lay flat on your back for a day or two, I would reccommend two days. You may get a headache and have some pain where they stick you but you will be ok if you keep hydrated. Someone on here says to drink lots of caffiene after the LP to help. I just drank water and stayed on my back for a day or so.

Good Luck,
Paula

[SoccerGrl]

Lol, I just meant in general, is it ok at the end of a long day to have a glass of wine. Sorry I guess that came out wrong :)

Jen

[jensequitur]

I wouldn't drink wine before, but if you feel like you need it, the doc will give you a prescription for some mild tranquilizers.

[SoccerGrl]

Just a little scared of the needle in the back and feeling ok after it :) I know I will have to do if I want answers.

Does anyone know if I have a glass of wine or two will that hurt anything?

Jen

[RedFlame]

Paula is right, the LP is not a big deal.  I have had two just recently.  

It doesn't hurt and the fear  you feel beforehand is the worse part of it.  So I suggest going ahead and doing the LP, it could synch your dx..

Red

[figuerpa]

Jen,

The fear of the LP is much greater than what you will experience in pain. I had local anesthetic when they did mine and all I felt was a couple twinges in my hip, guessing he hit some nerves, but I didn't feel anything where he put the needle.

Make sure you do lay flat after the LP and drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated.

I can't say much about your MRI results except there are two lesions that are visibal without contrast so I am pretty certain your next step will be the LP unless your neuro decides that your symptoms and the MRI show enough evidence to dx you without the LP.

Good luck and keep us informed.

Paula