What is going on?

[julie4470]

So.... I'll try to be brief. My PCP is convinced I have MS. Sent me to neuro. So far I've had an EMG (normal) and a c spine MRI. I haven't discussed results with my doc yet but it seems I have spinal stenosis, spondylitis, some "uncovering", a bulging disk etc. Also, an enlarged thyroid with multiple cysts. I guess my question is, does this rule out ms? I've read that some people have all of the above. Do doctors see things in MRI films that radiologists don't? All my spinal issues say LEFT side but most of my symptoms are on my right??? I'm just hurting, exhausted and frustrated.

[HVAC]

The stenosis, disks , etc. are pretty normal and may have no symptoms.  I have all of the above except thyroid and they are only incidental findings. Everytime I have a CT they mention a lesion on my kidney which means nothing.The thyroid is unusual. You might have to see an endocrinologist. You might have MS you might not. It depends on what symptoms you have.

You can have MS and other conditions. A brain MRI is the first test a neurologist does for MS. It has to be with and with out contrast and under MS protocol. Neurologists specialize and not all know about MS. I went to one who was a headache specialist and she missed classic MS.  She fired me and I then went to a MS specialist.

Alex

[julie4470]

Thanks guys! I really shouldn't be in this forum but wanted to update. Saw the neuro and he is stumped. All my issues are on my left side but all my pain, numbness etc is on my right. He has ordered a lumbar and thoracic MRI. Guess I'll head on over to the spinal forum!

[aspen2]

I'm curious, if your gp sent you to a neuro for possible ms, why a brain mri wasn't done?  Lesions in the brain can cause unilateral issues.  Yes, your trouble could be completely caused by your spinal changes, and if you have no lesions in your brain as well, I imagine this is the problem.  

The enlarge thyroid with multiple cysts may or may not be meaningful.  I have the same, however the thyroid is functioning perfectly despite the nodules.  Have you had thyroid levels checked?  Thyroid function test?

I am so sorry for your lack of answers.  I expect you will now have to have a full thyroid function workup, and a conversation with the neuro about the severity of the spinal issues. I would also request a brain mri as well -- if the neuro is convinced it's all spinal changes, you could ask your gp for a referral.  Since he is "convinced" it's ms, he may be willing (but please know, a gp can't diagnose.  It's a very complicated diagnosis.)

Have you had a neuro exam?  Balance, reflexes, etc.?

Radiololgists and neuros often don't see the same thing on MR imaging -- in my case, the neurologist  minimized the lesions the radiologist suggested met McDonald criteria for ms.  I've heard of other cases where radiologist said no lesions, and the neuro identified areas.  However, this is more likely to occur on a brain mri since there are so many potential causes of brain lesions and tiny, non-specific lesions happen frequently.

If there had been lesions on the spinal cord, I'm certain even a general radiologist would have picked it up.

I'm so sorry you are exhausted and in pain.  I was in limbo for three very long years, and I understand.

[julie4470]

Thanks you guys! I have an appointment tomorrow so I'll update afterwards!

[supermum_ms]

Hi julie and welcome back,

The answer is that it should theoretically rules out MS if you don't have any MS suggestive or consistent diagnostic test evidence.....multiple structural spinal issues along with the thyroid issues could be the explanation to what you've been experiencing, none of what you've mentioned are related to MS though. An MSer can also have other medical issues because MS doesn't make your immune to anything so it's possible for an MSer to have all those issues but it's definitely not the norm...

Hope that helps....JJ