If you're asymptomatic, will lesions still show on MRI?

[kdlalib]

I'm waiting for the hospital to schedule my MRI. I've had MS-like symptoms for about 3 weeks, including tingling, numbness, burning in finger tips, electric shock feeling in fingertips, altered sensation during neuro exam, and a positive l'hermittes sign. Let's say my symptoms subside before they schedule the MRI, will the lesions still show up even if the "attack" is over?

I've had 1 attack before and evidence of lesions on the MRI. They repeated the MRI several times after the attack when I still had lingering symptoms, but no more lesions appeared so they call it Clinically Isolated Syndrome. I'm now waiting for more lesions to show on the MRI to be diagnosed with full-blown MS.

[sllowe]

Oh. I'm sorry to hear about the passing of that neuro - I hope too it doesn't delay any progress for you.

Early treatment is an MSers (or CIS in your case) is playing the best odds.  Early treatment with disease modifiers can, and has shown to increase that 30% "average" by 15 - 20% in cases.  Definitely a gamble worth knowing, and taking.

Looking forward to you getting that appt. and moving on from here. It still is early - and with only one attack, hopefully you will be on your way toward treatment soon :) Wishing you a good next appt.
-shell

[COBOB]

Even with the DMDs, you may have still had another attack.  They are the best bet, bit only reduce the attacks by about 30% for CRABs.

Bob

[kdlalib]

They didn't offer to treat it with medicine. The doctor waffled a  bit, but in the end, chose not to. Perhaps this is why 2 years later, I'm having another attack. The neuro who was in charge of my case and was the head of our local MS center actually passed away, so I'm in starting with a new neuro in the practice. I hope that doesn't hinder the diagnostic process.

[sllowe]

kd,

Hi there. Welcome to the forum. It's good they are keeping an eye on you. Did they offer to treat your CIS with a disease modifier? If not, they should have. Clinically definite MS can be delayed, or even halted once disease modifiers are started.

Thanks for joining us,
-shell

[COBOB]

Yes.  Some folks have no symptoms and when an MRI of the brain is performed for some other reason, that is when Radiologically Isolated Syndrome (RIS) is diagnosed.

Bob