What is a negative MRI?

[sonic7173]

OK so what realy is a NEGATIVE MRI? I am not trying to be an arm chair DR but no one has explained my MRI to me and I have since switched Neuros to an MS specialist.  I guess from what I can read is for the most part it is "Normal"   But my main question is does anyone know what this means:

FLAIR sequence shows a couple of areas of slight increased signal intensity, and continues to go on tosay from the Radiologist: But I believe these are probably deep sulcal markings and not representing definite deep white matter disease.

Now I know what sulcal markings are, how do they show up as slight increased signal intensity?

I don't know what type of machine It was done on 1.5T or 3T and it doesn't specify where the sulcal markings that show the signal are as I know there are obviously several.  

Goes on to say in IMPRESSION: Areas noted high in the deep white matter thought to represent sulci markings at least benign findings.

This was my first MRI both with and without contrast so I have nothing to compare and the Dr that ordered it never even read the findings etc...among other things he did not do. I found out later.  Which is why I am now seeing a new Neuro.  Anyway my symptoms of "maybe MS" are getting worse and I am going in for my LP results today and going to ask about this hopefully. But does anyone have any thoughts and is this a "Definate Negative" MRI?  Thanks to all for your help  
?

[essdipity]

Hi again. It's so good you are being taken seriously. That's half the battle.

Please hang in there and keep us posted.

ess

[sonic7173]

Thanks too  all... I did take my report and I do know my new Neuro hasn't been happy with all that was done by the previous.  He is having my MRI read by someone else, I really am hoping for a more confident reading from a radiologist whatever it is.  Since in the begining I didnt get any explaination on my MRI even though I had asked, He never even looked at the pics with me in the room .  He left the room and came back and said everything looks great after all of 30 seconds within 8 hrs of me having my MRI done to begin with....Not even a report done yet.  Except I did get from the first neuro...Lose weight that would help....I am 5'8 and 135lbs....Ok let me pick up my daughter and put her down that would be about 55lbs oh didn't work....  Anyway he in the end told me to suck it up and deal with it there is nothing wrong with you.. and left me sitting there.  So That is why I am on my second.  Saw him yesterday and LP looks fine but not happy bout the MRI report either (This is only my 3rd visit with him, first for inital, second for LP and then this one)  He did  put me on IV steroids that I started last night to see if it would help, Walking is nearly impossible at this point.  And said I will figure it out, just give me some time"  That was the best thing he could have said at that point, I would even take an I don't know too.  Let's watch and see.   Anyway thanks again

[sllowe]

Hi Sonic,

Wishing you good luck today at your appt. Go ahead and just ask the Dr. about the script saying headache and if this would ensure imaging of what he was looking for. Be sure to ask the front desk for copies of the reports/findings (lp) before you leave.

My original MRI script said "headache" but I did not have a headache at all. The tech at the facility asked me what was going on, and I told her, as I slurred through the explanation.

If something is unclear to the Dr. from the report and images, the Dr. can contact the facility and ask for additional sequences.  Just mentioning that's an option to your Dr. too.

Let us know how you make out,
shell

[jensequitur]

I have looked at my MRIs many times, and it's possible that the areas of enhancement are really just structures of the brain.  It's also possible that your radiologist missed something.  It wouldn't hurt to ask and see if you can get a second reading.  Usually it's just the one trained radiologist per clinic - maybe two if it's large, so don't get your hopes up.

[essdipity]

Well, negative is often in the eye of the beholder. What I suggest is that you have another radiologist look at your MRI. This is not something any layperson can do. MRI interpretation is often an art.

If one or two more capable doctors agree with this assessment, then at that point I'd call it negative.

ess

[sonic7173]

Also I forgot to say I was sent for an MRI for "HEADACHE" not "MS" am I right in my understanding they take different sizes of slices based on what they are looking for?  And the Neuro I was seeing was a generalized one and sent me through the "Clinic" he was with.  (Which is one of those all purpose types)  I don't know I guess I could just ask for another MRI through my new Neuro, and see if it is different.   Suggestions????