MRI lesions

[curiosity_did_NOT_kill_the_cat]

I was referred to a neurologist this May because I was getting dizzy spells, was very fatigued, and feeling "out of it" a lot.  He sent me to have an MRI, and it was clear except for one small focus ("which would normal be indicitive of ischemic disease but did not seem to have any clinical significance of a patient this age") - by the way, I am 24 :-) .   I had a small seizure on June first, became ill for a couple of days and had several on July first.  I started see a new (and WONDERFUL) neurologist in September (just 4 months after the first) who sent me for a second MRI.  The results say "Numerous subcortical white matter T2 hyperintense lesions are identified within both cerebral hemispheres." as well as a "small focus of abnormal enhancement in the right frontal lobe white matter likely representing a small developmental venous anamoly."I'm assuming the latter is what showed up in the first one.  I'm curious what the hyperintense lesions are though (?). I went to my (still wonderful) neurologist this week because my vision in my left eye started getting weird last week (the opthamologist said my eye looked fine and I may have a lesion on my optic nerve that he can't see).  I haven't lost vision in it, but light (especially at night or at stores, or any other bright lights) keeps going in and out of focus, and the glare is suddenly so strong in that eye, it almost stretches across my field of vision.  The central field is still in pretty good focus, but the peripheral vision gets blurry. There is no eye pain, but it feels uncomfortable like there is something in it (and there is not). Lately I have also been having random, singular muscle twitches (a hand, an arm, a finger, a chest muscle), probably 5-15 times per day - the more tired I am, the more frequent they are.  My neurologist has sent me for a visual evoked potential, and eeg, and a brain stem auditory evoked potential, and he says I will probably need a spinal tap.  I know what these tests are, but the neurologist has not mentioned anything he supects it is... he just kept saying "Ok", and nodding his head as if he knows already what is going on.  Can anyone give me any medical input on the MRI and on anything else I mentioned? (but mainly the MRI). PS I don't and never have suffered from migraine headaches.  Thank you!!!!

[JulesL5S1]

Some doctors will tell you what they are thinking about dx wise and others won't.  At this point it is a diagnosing phase for your doctor so he/she may not be comfortable throwing ideas out.  

The important thing is that this neuro is taking you seriously and running tests.  That is good.  For the MRIs, and other tests be sure to get copies of the scan and notes for yourself.  You will want to keep those yourself.

The Health Pages are a wonderful source of info (top right).

About MRIs, ask your doctor for a prescription for a mild sedative.  Mine gave me a prescription for 4 pills so I was able to take 1 a few days before to test how I felt on it.  I felt no different but the difference inside the MRI machine was significant.  I usually become scared because of the confined space but with the mild sedative it wasn't a problem.  Also, use the eye mask they offer.  And the ear plugs, and the knee pillow.
I have an MRI "outfit" complete with a "leisure bra" that has no metal.  Therefore I don't have to change into a gown which is very nice.  The MRI place can give you copies of the cd pictures.  Ask for 2 or 3.  You can also ask them to mail you the results.  (I'm assuming you are in the US.)

Good luck.  This forum is a great place to share stories and to know that you are not alone.  Cheers, Jules

[Sarahsmom46]

First of all, let me welcome you to our MS forum.  We are happy that you joined our group and hope you will find that our members are very kind and compassionate as well as helpful with any question you might have.

Your symptoms are significant.  It sounds like your neurologist has an idea what is happening, possibly, but if this were me, I'd be on him about what he is thinking.  You said he did not mention doing more testing.  I would ask if at your next appointment if he plans on doing any further testing.  Have you had blood work yet?  When is your next appointment with him?  

I would recommend that you read the MS Health Pages.  You will find the link in the top right corner of this page under Discussions.  You will find a lot of answers to your lesion questions or other questions about the diagnosis and treatment of MS.

Take care and again welcome.

Julie

[curiosity_did_NOT_kill_the_cat]

I know I wrote a lot already, but there is no edit button! I forgot to mention - when I am sitting in class, my feet go VERY cold, then numb.  When I start moving around again, they feel REALLY hot, then return to normal.  I seem to have a hard time regulating my body temperature in general.  Can anyone relate to this?