MRI brain and neck results

[legendary50]

Hello all,
I had my 2nd MRI w/wo contrast of the brain and neck.  Impression of brain MRI states, small lacunar infarcts involving the deep white matter of both cerebral hemispheres which are periventricular in nature. No acute strokes are seen. No evidence of brain tumor or othe brain pathology. does mention as previous MRI soft tissue density within left maxillary sinus..which I have been given iv rocephin, round of oral antibiotics and recently another round of 750mg Levaquin. The neck states, mild to moderat borad based posterior disc buldge present c5-c6 which causes mild to moderate spinal stenosis at this level.  

Ok,  with all of that my neuro doc appt is next Tues, 9th.  I have gotten a little better or so I thought. I've been trying to go for short walks which exhaust me..and I am thinking that is due to I've been out of work and sleeping most of the time for almost a month now. Tried to drive yesterday...won't be doing that again. Ever since instead of having that drunk or medicated feeling I feel as though I've been on our boat forever!!  Swaying..especially when I'm on the computer or really concentrating. My speech had gotten much better but the consistent symptoms are the exteme fatigue, pinching of muscles and spasms, EYES feel like they are getting weaker and weaker..feelsl like I'm straining even with my glasses on and of course the swaying...

I'm hoping that Quix will respond..I respect all of your opinions and look forward to what your thoughts are..Could this be related to my neck?? are the symptoms relating to my eyes indicate anything??  Had a pity party yesterday, snapped out of it...with the help of my bible and God..
I've been writing everything down to share with the neuro doc..but is there any specific questions I should have for him??

Thanks againg to all of you here in this fabulous forum..I have been reading some previous postings and my thoughts and prayers go out to each of you..

Swaying in Texas,
Jerrie

[legendary50]

Don't be sorry...are you kidding me?? you are so helpful...I didn't have a clue what to say on Tuesday..now I have something to go on??  I was going to google lacunar infarcts to see what the heck that meant.. Thank you so much for your advice and knowledge. Now I'm off to google land..
hope that your weekend is a relaxing one..

Jerrie

[Quixotic1]

Hi, there!  The main thing I notice when I seen the interpretation of your MRI is the term "lacunar infarcts".  As I understand the term, these mean "mini strokes."  You need to ask your neurologist if you have had a full work up for Huges syndrome, also known as "Sticky Blood" or Anti-phospholipid Syndrome and all of it's variations.  However, I am not sure at all if the stokes caused by these syndromes cause lacunar infarcts.

I would also have you ask if the lesions that were called "lacunar Infarcts" could possibly have been mistaken for demyelinating lesions.

Yes, all of your symptoms can be explain by mini-strokes.

The eyes, speech, dizziness CANNOT be explained by the C5-C6 cervical stenosis.  Not in any reach of the imagination.  That far down in the neck could give you sensations in your arms, or problems in your trunk or legs, but absolutely not in your head.

I had the swaying, seasick, drunk feeling for several years non-stop and I really feel for you about it.  It is miserable!

Lacunar infarcts can be caused by other things than the usual stoke suspects (like high blood pressure).  These include Lyme disease, syphillis, vasculitis, other infections and I'm sure things I don't know about.

So, if the lesions are lacunar infarcts, you are not looking at MS, but another problem causing problems with small arteries in the brain.  I was not aware that lacunar infarcts could/would be periventricular.  But, then remember I was not and AM NOT a neurologist and my knowledge of stokes and stroke syndromes is very small.  

That's about as much as I can tell you.  Sorry,

Quix

[legendary50]

Thanks so much and I will be sure and take someone with me. Good advice. Let me know how it goes today with your LP.. I'll be praying for you.

Hugs back at ya,
Jerrie

[Shellshack]

Just wanted to say a quick Hello and introduce myself.  I'm Shelley.  I'm not sure about questions you should ask your nuero, but I do know there is a wonderful article on the health pages (a  link up on the rt. hand corner) about how to prepare for a dr's apt., that was very helpful to me on my last nuero. apt.  I've been to two different nuero's and I've found that with each one there were things I couldn't remember to ask, or forget to tell him.  I would suggest writing your questions down and your symptoms and a timeline if possible.  I'm sure other members will have advice as well, and I do know the health pages article about doctor's apt's was very good!  It helped me focus and get organized for my apt.  And one thing I wasn't able to do with either was take someone with me, which I believe is VERY important.  I wish I had someone that could have gone and been an extra set of ears for me.  And will make sure I do from now on.

Good luck with your apt.!  And glad you're feeling better today.  Amazing how prayer and God can lift our spirits back up.   We just have to remember that when we're down and out and have faith.  

Hugs,
Shelley