MRI/ LP results

[alixjo]

This is my MRI report from Oct 09:
MRA Head, MRI Spine Cervical.
History: Right Optic Atrophy.
Multiple, small high signal lesions in the deep white matter, several subcortical. Most prominent lesions adjacent to the posterior horns lateral ventricles bilaterally. No mass lesions. Basal cisterns, ventricles, sulci and posterior fossa appear unremarkable.
Further focus of high signal within cervical cord at C1. No mass effect associated with this. No other cervical cord lesions.
Summary: Given the history, demyelinating plaques are most likely. Other pathologies, to include vascular and granulomatouscauses should also be considered.

Lumbar Puncture Feb 10
CSF Oligoclonal Bands: Positive
Comments: Oligoclonal IgG present in CSF but not in serum, suggests intrathecal synthesis. Commonly seen in MS and SSPE - occassionally in other CNS inflammation/infection (pattern 2).

Blood Tests
ANA negative
ANCA negative

On general biochemistry report the following are marked as high:
Chloride 108 (95-105)
Calcium 2.62 (2.10-2.60)
Adjusted Calcium 2.64 (2.10-2.60)

I have my first Neuro appt on Sunday (yeah Sunday, they are having to do weekend clinics for the backlog, my 12 week window from being referred is actually up tomorrow). Can anyone give me a clue as to what to expect. I have never had any other tests done (eg evoked potentials) apart from field visions tests to check on my progress after having ON last April.

Thanks in advance

Alixjo

[alixjo]

Hi Shell.

I had ON last April and during one of my follow up appts it was suggested that I have an MRI, didn't hear anything about it and forgot about it until at the end of august/ beginning of september when I started to get pins and needles when I was having a shower, GP said wait and see what the MRI says, so called the dept and they had no record of a referral. Contacted the eye clinic and they said it must've been "lost in the post"! Got that sorted and actually had the MRI less than two weeks later as there was no waiting list for that at least.

GP (general practitioner) said I would be better (quicker) getting referred by the eye clinic but when I had my next appt there the guy wasn't interested and said my GP would refer me if he thought it was necessary. GP referred me but by this time is was the start of December and a few weeks later my right leg started to go numb but when the GP did a pinprick test it was the left leg that had no feeling, he asked me if I wanted to be referred to a medical consultant at my local hospital as he had an interest in MS and thought I'd maybe get in to see the Neuro quicker.

The medical appt didn't come about until the 1st Feb, he said he would chase the Neuro appt, then he called back 2 days later and asked me to come in the next day for a lumbar puncture followed by IV steroids (by this time I was getting burning sensations on my legs). Got the Lumbar puncture, had to stay in overnight and get IV fluids for 6hrs after the LP, that just seems to be normal practice for that hospital. Got my letter last week for the Neuro on Sunday and found out the results of the LP today.

Sorry, that turned into a bit of a saga didn't it.

Alixjo

[sllowe]

Hi there,

Welcome, Alixjo. Thanks for joining us.

What brought you to the Dr. for this workup?

-Shell

[alixjo]

Thanks for replying Lulu,

I am at the yoyo stage, sure it MS one minute and then thinking it must be something else.

Alixjo

[Lulu54]

Greetings.  A Sunday appt. must be quite the rarity, but I am glad your waiting is almost over.

Our health pages have a good piece on meeting with your neuro for the first time - you can read it at

https://www.inspire.com/groups/womenheart/discussion/things-i-wish-my-doctor-had-told-me/?page=1#replies

ON is often the first symptoms for people with MS.  Your MRI results list lesions in all of the classic spots for MS and you have unique O-bands in your CSF.  These pieces of evidence are really stacking up and hopefully the neuro will be able to give you clear answers on Sunday.

I'll watch for more from you - I'm sure the next few days will be anxious and know we are here for you if you need support or answers.

my best,
Lulu