MRI of Brain

[sophie0910]

Hi.  I am new to the forum.  About 2 months ago, following a migraine that lasted for 12 days straight, I started having extreme dizziness, forgetfulness, coordination problems. I also started having a ringing in my ears that last on average about 6 hours per day. By mid-afternoon, there is EXTREME fatigue.  I was referred to a neurologist who ordered an MRI of the brain. I also have numbness in my feet and hands.

The MRI report stated that are numerous patchy foci of increased T2/Flair signal in the bilateral cerebral hemispheres, demonstrating subcortical, and to a lesser extent, deep white matter distribution.Some of the lesions appear to demonstrate perivascular distribution. There is mild periventricular T2/flair hypersensitivity....Enlarged for age pituitary gland, demonstrating a convex superior margin.

My neurologist order several auto-immune tests, all of which were negative.  She told me that all my symptoms were probably stress related but then proceeded to order an MRI of the spine and neck.  Don't know the results yet as it was only 1 day ago.  With all the dizziness, ringing, numbness, I don't feel normal at all.  

I am 43 and a professional violinist (which makes the ringing in the years very problematic!)  I really need to get to the bottom of what is going on since I have 4 little girls to take care of and I think that she thinks that I am just overworked.

Appreciate any insights anyone could provide.

Thanks,
Sophie0910

[jensequitur]

Oh, one more thing - do you know what strength the MRI was done at?  Until I insisted upon a 3T MRI, nobody had ever seen the lesions in my spine.  I'd had one at 1.5T, one at .7T, and the radiologist didn't find anything.  (That's not to say that a really good radiologist wouldn't find something - I looked at a few of my films recently and found indications of lesion activity, even though the radiologist said there was nothing there.)

With your weak and numb legs, I suspect there's something going on.  I have right leg weakness and numbness, and I have several lesions in my spine.

[jensequitur]

Heads up, folks - if the MRI shows increased signal in the subcortical and deep white matter areas, it's probably not fibromyalgia or thyroid.  An enlarged pituitary will not cause lesion formation.

In my opinion, you need to be evaluated further with an eye toward possible MS.  What sorts of auto-immune tests did your neuro order for you?  There's no blood test for MS.  The only 'fluid' that they use for diagnosing MS is spinal fluid, which they get from a spinal tap.  

Don't be afraid to get a second opinion from another neuro, too.  It sounds as if this is really affecting your ability to work.  If the first neuro wants to write it off to stress, you don't need to waste your time with her - you need somebody who will look at your symptoms instead of blowing you off.

Good luck!  Let us know how things go.

[hjordis729]

You might also want to explore Fibromyalgia Syndrome and/or adrenal fatigue with your doctor, especially if this continues long term. It took me over 3 years of having similar problems and several doctors (including a hospital stay) to figure it all out, and NOT taking "it's normal", "it's stress", or "it's depression" for an answer.

Best of luck to you, and so happy that your second MRI came back normal.

[sophie0910]

Thank you so much! My MRI of the neck/spine came back normal. While I was of course thankful, I want to get to the bottom of this.  While at the mall today with the girls, my legs were so numb and I was so dizzy I could barely make it to the car.  I will see my GP and circle back from there. She has not seen the first MRI report with the brain lesions and enlarged pituitary.

Appreciate your help and insight.

Best,
Sophie

[supermum_ms]

Hi Sophie,

I did a bit of googling and www.wisegeek.com states "An enlarged pituitary gland can cause multiple symptoms throughout the body. Several medical conditions can be responsible for the pituitary gland becoming enlarged. Once an enlarged pituitary gland is suspected, the patient is typically referred to an endocrinologist for evaluation and treatment. Treatments can include anything from medication to surgery.

The pituitary gland regulates hormones throughout the body. Symptoms of an enlarged gland include frequent headaches, disturbances in vision, excessive sweating, and blood pressure irregularities. In addition, the pituitary gland can interfere with thyroid functioning. Drooping eyelids, nausea, and vomiting are also indicators of an enlarged pituitary gland...."

Thyroid dysfunction is also known to be one cause of ringing in the ears and some of the other sx you mention so i think the underlying cause of the 'enlarged pituitary gland' maybe a good place to start looking for an explanation to whats going on with you.

Please dont accept being 'overworked' as causation for an enlarged pituitary gland. I'd let your GP know whats going on and if its not offered ask for a referal to an endocrinologist whilst your waiting for the neuro follow up appt.

Cheers...........JJ

PS i'm not suprised you dont feel normal - HUGS!