MRI Results

[aleyce]

Okay, I got an MRI and the brain was done with contrast and came back essenitally normal.  I have to follow up with my doctor but I am assuming no MS if no lesions found on brain??  My MRI of the cervical spine came back c5-c6 disk bulge with mild left neural foraminal narrowing whatever that means.  I am still confused as ever...my Rheumatologist states that it has to be autoimmune since Prednisone helps my symptoms of headaches, right side of body tingles, neck pain, cold sensations on shoulder...I feel sick a lot, I have flare ups on my skin...tested negative for lupus....I drop things a lot, inbalanced...does anyone know if bulging disks would also cause these symptoms like MS?  I feel crazy again trying to figure this out....anyone have any suggestions?

[aleyce]

Yeah, it did say left side...that was confusing to me as well.  All my symptoms are on the right side.  I have flare ups on my skin so they were leaning torwads Lupus but I tested negative to those test. They are similar to hives but the Prednisone keeps them controlled.  I have weird breakthrough bleeding through my skin as well.  Now, the clumsiness of hands is also on right side.  I really do not have left side symptoms.  I have had right side head aches for many years...feels like numbness on right side of head and face.  I think my reflexes are normal, both of my hands pinky area has weird sensations, my right knee is very weak...when climbing stairs and when I go to sleep I have strange like jerks in various parts of body.  So, various symptoms..I really appreciate your information, it really helps me a lot and gives me some direction.  Great support here.

[aleyce]

To be honest the MRI was ordered my my primary doctor cause I have been having these problems for a long time.  I have not seen a Neurologist yet but I will definitely do that next.  I have been seeing a Rhuem. doctor.  He seems to think autoimmune but no definite dx yet.  I have had several blood test, urine test, EMG, xrays galore...nice to meet you and thanks for your help.

[Quixotic1]

Hi, and welcome to the forum from me.  A normal MRI does NOT mean there is no MS, but it may very well mean that you won't get a diagnosis of MS.  A small percentage of people who later are shown to have definite MS do have normal MRIs.  The MS Society states that this number is about 5%.  Other studies have documented normal MRIs in 5 up to 10% of people who present with their first episode of demyelination.

A minority of people with MS have spinal lesions only, but the bulging you describe is not a spinal cord lesion.  It is a narrowing, usually caused by osteoarthritis, that can pinch the peripheral nerve as it leaves the spine.

It is unclear to me how extensive the symptoms can be from a low cervical compression of the cord.  But what you are describing is a mild narrowing of the opening where the nerve exits the spinal column on the left side.  This would not cause right-sided anything.  It conceivably could cause clumsiness of the left hand if the nerve was pressed on.

I would like to know what abnormalities you have on the neuro exam.  Are your reflexes normal?

What do you mean "flare ups on the skin?"  MS does not ever cause abnormal skin conditions or rashes.  That would point toward a systemic disease, like lupus, Sjogren's, etc.


Don't feel like the lone stranger trying to figure all this out.  When things don't present classically or have clear lesions on the MRI, it can be a long haul toward getting a diagnosis.  Many of us have been there.

We're here for the support and morale even if we can't provide the answers.

Good luck,

Quix

[goofysmom1]

Hi! Not sure if we've met - but welcome!  You can have MS and have a normal MRI.  That said, it is important to have a knowledgeable person interpreting the MRI.  I had 2 neurologists tell me that my MRI of the Brain was "normal", yet my new MS Neuro showed me a lesion.....

Are you seeing a neurologist?  One that specializes in MS?  What other tests have they done?  There are other tests that can help them rule out other diseases that can mimic MS.  At the same time, those same tests can point them to MS as a diagnosis.


Chrisy