Normal MRI?

[Redilma]

'Normal' MRI; what does this suggest?
by Redilma, 7 hours ago
I've been having neurological symptoms for the past year, it started with vertigo, sleep apnea and difficulty urinating that lasted 2 weeks. 2 months later I had similar, and 2 months after that again, though my symptoms became more severe and included problems with balance, burning/tingling/painful hands, difficulty chewing and swallowing, slurred speech, breathlessness, visual discomfort, euphoria (hysterical laughing) and numbness down one side. I had all sorts of tests and was told I was B12 deficient and now need injections for life. Anyway the injections didn't make me better and I was told to be patient. Eventually I got better and then 6 weeks later, it happened again. This time I was ill for about a month, with the old and a few new symptoms, mainly shooting pains and twitching limbs (especially left arm).

I thought I must be B12 deficient again so asked for an injection, but when my levels were checked they were still high. My doctor examined me and said my reflexes were abnormal (brisk or absent) and said this could indicate a problem with the brain or spinal cord. I'll also note that I have completely lost my gag reflex, which I find pretty scary as it was always powerful. GP sent me off for an MRI and referred me to a neurologist. I had my MRI a few weeks ago, and recently got the results. I was unable to see my GP and had to see a different doctor; he told me my MRI was normal and there is nothing wrong with structure of my brain. MS was not mentioned though this doctor suggested migraines. I guess my question is, does this rule out MS? My symptoms certainly mimic MS but I'm aware there are plenty of other conditions it could be. I have had ALL blood work done, nothing there.

I did have strange migraine type symptoms a couple of times as I was recovering from my 'relapse'. I lost the ability to speak for a few hours, had sharp stabbing pain in my head, and my balance was off, this happened three times in a week. No nausea or throbbing pain, pain was barely an issue, the other symptoms were the problem. I was left stuttering for days. I won't see a neurologist until January now, and to be honest I'm terrified of a 'relapse' happening again, especially as it seems to become more severe each time. I was convinced the MRI would provide answers but now I am baffled and depressed, especially as family and friends are beginning to suggest this is stress/psychological. Does anyone know of anything that could be causing this?? or any advice to make me feel less insane?

[drsdonthelp]

I have the same symptoms as you !! I am curious about what you said regarding your gag reflex?? I have such a powerful one, I gag over everything, even when brushing my teeth, or if a piece of my own hair has brushed along the side of my face, I start to gag just thinking it is going to enter my mouth! I know it sounds crazy LOL.
Hope to hear back from you
Pamela

[COBOB]

Your MRI is normal because there are no visible lesions.  That doesn't mean there are not lesions.  So there is noting in the labs or in the MRIs.  No one can tell you that there is nothing wrong from an MRI.  They can't see an issue from the MRI.  MRI is not very good at seeing grey matter changes in the brain.  Have they ruled out Lyme's and the other mimics? What about the physical exam?  There are abnormal findings that they need to explain.  Have they done an EEG when you are having symptoms? I'm not sure that they have exhausted the diagnostic tests yet.


Bob