diagnostics

[Karensm33]

Hello-
I have had many ms symptoms or episodes over the years, and the tingling/numbness moved to my feet, so I thought I better get checked.  I had an MRI and it showed two non -enhancing white oval lesions in the left frontal lobe, but my doc says that it isn't ms?? He said its probably from headaches, but I only get sinus headaches from time to time, I do not suffer from migraines, nor do I have high blood pressure.  Any suggestions besides getting a different neurologist?  Thanks
Karen

[immisceo]

*at liberty to ASK (it should have read)

[immisceo]

It's quite common for a neurologist to order follow-up MRIs in comparatively (less than a year) quick succession. Comparing one with another can help indicate what's going on more clearly than a single MRI in isolation. He will have wanted to look at potential changes between the two and then move on to a more specific approach/diagnosis or perhaps referred you to a different type of specialist if it didn't look like your issues were purely neurological in nature.

Headache-type pain is only one of several ways migraines can manifest. It's possible to have had them with little or none of the intense discomfort traditionally associated with the them.

However, if he wasn't able to express his reasoning for recommending a follow-up MRI or if you did not feel at liberty to, it may be time for another set of eyes. The good news is, you can obtain copies of these images  for use with other medical professionals if you so chose.

[kwarendorf]

I think you should seriously consider finding a new neurologist. He doesn't sound like he's listening to you. First with the migraines and then with the high blood pressure, he is ascribing your symptoms to conditions you do not have.

Yes, the follow up MRI would be to see if you develop new lesions. A doctor should be more concerned with providing full information than with alarming you.

Kyle

[Karensm33]

I did have a c spine mri and it showed some stenosis but neuro said that is not the source of my symptoms just incidental degeneration. He also said the lesions could be from high blood pressure wich i dont have. He wants to do a follow up mri in 3-6 months.  Do u think he might be watching for new lesions even though hes not saying that?  Im sure he doesnt want to alarm me. But in the same sense im not stupid. Not sure what to think

[kwarendorf]

Hi Karen -

Most MS symptoms can also be caused by other things. This is what can make diagnosing MS tricky.

That your lesions were non-enhancing means that they are older than 30-45 days. It does not tell you how much older. If your neuro says it's not MS, and you say, you have never had migraines, what does he think caused the lesions? Did you have a c-spine MRI?

As you said, may be well served by getting a second opinion.

Kyle