Why would I need a repeat brain MRI with contrast?

[kazza79]

Diagnosed with fibro 6 years ago, symptoms such as a numb foot for 3 months, numb/pins & needles in groin, hand & feet. Severe lower back pain, fatigue, loss of balance, burnt feeling finger tips, headaches, night sweats.. Physio noted severe right leg weakness & with symptoms sent me to nuero who referred me for Brain & spine MRI.
Diagnosed with osteoarthritis in neck & lower spine after MRI & have to go for a repeat brain scan with contrast dye due to "changes of uncertain significance"... Any idea what this could mean? MS was suspected but would they not have said lesions on brain rather than changes?
Thank you in advance for any replies.
I'm a 39 year old female.

[supermum_ms]

Hi and welcome,

Structural spinal conditions could definitely explain what you've mentioned...

"Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when a nerve root in the lower back is compressed. A person may experience tingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the low back into the buttocks, thighs, or groin. These symptoms are often referred to as sciatica, which describe symptoms that travel along the sciatic nerve in the back of the leg.

Cervical spinal stenosis occurs when a nerve root in the neck is compressed. A person may experience tingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates to the arm or hand." https://www.arthritis-health.com/types/osteoarthritis/spinal-osteoarthritis-symptoms

Incidental findings on brain MRI in the general population are common, with out specifying what the 'changes of uncertain significance' actually is you'd only be guessing....the most common type of lesions are vascular related and typically micro (1-3mm) but there are other possible changes besides lesions the radiologist might be meaning so you're honestly better off being patient a little while longer and trying not to work this unknown out and potentially worrying about something that may turn out to be nothing at all like your thinking....

Hope that helps.....JJ  

[kazza79]

Hi there, thank you for replying, much appreciated. I should have said the letter said the OA was not causing any significant neurological compression...I think that means that is not the reason for my numbness etc?
I know I'm driving myself crazy googling & thinking about what it "could" be! Its not easy not to stress!
Thank you again for your response