MS vs Lesions

[joomka]

Hi there. Great site! I have been recently diagnosed with MS. I'm a 40 year old female. Healthy otherwise with no family history of MS. That diagnosis came with the MRI which showed spots in certain areas of the brain. 3 months later (and more symptoms ie: weak leg, hyperflexibility, eye pain, spastic muscles, urgency in bladder/bowel movements and foot drop) I went for another MRI. That MRI still showed the same lesions but new ones weren't found. However my symptoms for sure have increased in the last three months. My doc is still going to sign me up at the Hospitals MS Clinic (waiting for appt). However it leaves me with this question. Do I have MS or don't I? Because the search for lesions automatically equals MS. So if new lesions weren't found does it change the diagnosis? Thanx appreicate your feedback!

[jujuminx]

Well, the good news is that no new lesions means your disease is stable but the bad news is the disease is still MS.  Everyone who has MS wants to not have any new lesions when they have a follow up MRI, but that doesn't change the diagnosis.

Just came from my 8 month f/up visit with my neuro.  I am symptomless and copaxone isn't causing me any problems. No new MRI for me until August unless I start w/ symptoms.

My neuro doesn't think a 3T is necessarily "better" after dx for MS unless you want a new baseline and 3T is what you will be imaged on from now on. He says 3T will definately show more lesions but that doesn't mean that they weren't there w lesser strength MRI. Most lesser strength MRI's for head images are plenty good to see what they need to see. Sometimes more strength needed for spine b/c smaller area to image.

Also, lesions can image smaller or not show up on subsequent MRI's due to myelin repair. Still means dx is MS but body is doing good job of repairing self.

Good luck!

Julie

[Wobbly]

Hi there, are you from Ont?  I'm from BC.. Sorry to hear your Dx.  It took me about 4 years of testing to get my Dx.  I had symptoms for many years, but didn't feel or realize they might mean something.  

I hope thing go well, welcome to the forum and let us know how things progress with your new appts at the MS clinic.

take care
wobbly

[joomka]

Hi Lulu54 and Jensequitur: Many thanks for tips and guidance. Yes I've had MRIs of Spine, Head and cervical area so those areas have always been on the radar. Initially it was thought that there was a serynx (sp?) that was causing the pain but it was so small that ruled it out. Then after my 3rd MRIs (of head, neck, spine and cervical area) that is when they notices lesions (spots) in my brain MRI. However in my 4th (taken 3.5 months later) no new lesions appeared. But doc does feel it is MS and is working on getting me into their MS Clinic. The waiting list for the MS clinic is 3-6 months (I'm in Canada) so he is going to try to put me on an urgent basis. But we shall see. But thanx so much again for your responses/feedback and guidance! oxh

[jensequitur]

Hey, and sometimes we can have damage without visible lesions, because the axons are breaking!  Good news, I know.  Take a look at the OCT post I bumped up for somebody else - I think it would be a good test for you, as well.

You know, your symptoms indicate spine lesions.  See if they'll schedule you for an MRI of the spine (3T if possible.)

[Lulu54]

Hi joomka and welcome.

No, lesions do not equal MS.  The lack of more visible lesions on MRI do not equal a different diagnosis.

Lesions are not always visible with the technology we have in use for now- we know even teeny, tiny lesions can cause major problems if they occur in the wrong spot.  

I'm sorry you've been dx'd with MS  - it can really rock your world.  Take some time to figure it out, remember that you are going to be on this roller coaster for a long time.  I still have times I doubt my dx, too.  

You didn't  say what sent you for an MRI to begin with -mine was a numb leg.  Other than that and that I had a heart attack, I felt fine, too.  :-)

I hope you get in to the clinic soon so you can put the questions to rest. In the meantime we are here to answer your quesitons.

be well, Lulu