False negative MRI readings?

[aphotica]

Hello. I'm sorry to jump in without introducing myself at all, but I'm overwhelmed and worried and don't know where to find the answer to my questions. If anyone could help, I would be so grateful.

My husband has so many of the symptoms  of MS and his doctor ordered an MRI, the results of which showed a few small white spots that concerned her. He was referred to a neurologist who pretty much scoffed at the suggestion that these insignificant marks could be MS and told my husband that  his headaches are probably due to stress or tension and that his tremors can be attributed to his medications (one of the side effects of his meds is indeed tremors, but he is also taking another medication that should supposedly control them.) The neurologist did not address the episodes of imbalance, the numbness and pins/needles feelings in my husband's hands, the odd inconsistencies in his vision, the fatigue and dizziness. It's possible that many of these could be contributed to his celiac disease (but none of them have abated after 9 months on a gluten-free diet) or to fibromyalgia (which itself could be an erroneous diagnosis if MS really were the cause).

We are seeking a second opinion, but I am curious if anyone has found that symptoms of MS CAN occur in the absence of brain lesions?

[aphotica]

I want to thank all of you for your helpful comments and suggestions. It's reassuring to know that I'm not just being "difficult" about the diagnosis (or lack of). I finally heard back from his primary, and she is setting up an appointment with another neurologist for a second opinion.

I'm going to research the other suggested possibilities that mimic MS so that I can be  prepared when we meet with the next physician.

Thank you again. I wish you all well :)

[kwarendorf]

I think neuros who jump too quickly to Tension/Stress, medications etc. as the cause of symptoms need to be second guessed and or replaced.

MS, like other neurological diseases, can be a very difficult diagnosis. You really need a doc you is willing to try.

Kyle

[geneticstuffup]

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vascular_myelopathy

I am being tested for this, which mimics ms but is more congenital and vascular related. Other things could be postural orthostatic intolerance, this causes many of the symptoms you mention. So does dysautonomic conditions. I have many Marfan type symptoms, gradually turning neurological. I'm have a spine mri Monday. I hope your hubby works it all out.  

[MommyofNatTyZach]

I think it is great that you are getting a second opinion. I switched and really like my new neurologist. I am sorry your husband is having these problems. It is wonderful that he has you to care!

~B

[Sailorsong]

The short answer is YES you can have MS without having any lesions seen in your brain.

There are some people with MS that only have lesion in their spine and also not all lesions show up in a MRI. This is especially true if the MRI was done not using the MS protocol or in a open MRI of low power. The following link to one of our health pages will give you more information about this.

http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/How-Can-a-Person-with-MS-Have-a-Negative-MRI/show/161?cid=36

Dennis