My exam was normal

[Terrillwilliams]

I went to a neurologist because of an MRI that had stated "numerous lesions, the largest measuring 1 cm". The neurologist said my exam was negative and mentioned something about depression. Ordered an EEG, prob due to the vast amount of strokes in the family. My son, at age 27, was diagnosed with MS (about 3 years ago). I asked him about the tingling, numbness, fatigue, cold sensation in my lower limbs, etc and he said, "yes, mom, I have all that and it sounds like you do too" Every new symptom I get, I look it up on the computer and it always mentions MS. Eye pain now, headaches, on and on. Thoughts? :( Depression? I am not thinking so.....

[calamfred]

I am sorry but I haven't heard "we all get lesions as we age.". And "Too old for MS". Really?? I don't think there is a "too old".. a "usual age range", sure. My husband was 47 at time of diagnosis. He did have some vague symptoms for a while prior to the diagnosis, and he has an aunt who has MS. Husband also has Addison's disease.
Agree with PastorDan, never have heard where depression causes lesions. Now lesions causing depression, so to speak...probably so, as getting a life changing diagnosis, can and often does cause depression to some extent.
Last but not least, I think Laura gave excellent advice! I would find another Neurologist.
Regards,
C

[Terrillwilliams]

The neuro said we develop lesions as we age. But, "numerous" and "the largest being 1cm"?

[Terrillwilliams]

Thank you so much for responding! I had leg weakness and tingling, urinary retention  and hx of family MS (just my son, that we know. My daughter had ulcerative colitis) I Had labs done to r/o Lupus, Lyme, etc. All negative. When the MRI came back to the PCP with the lesions showing, he referred me out. Oh, I also forgot that there was a lot of mental confusion that started two years ago which I attributed to menopause, and a loss of words. The neuro said I was too old for MS, mentioned an outside chance of early onset Alzheimer's. I couldn't recite five numbers he gave me backwards. Not one. I got misty eyed because it was upsetting and that's when he said I was emotional.  The unknown is the upsetting part, which I am sure you both know.  The headaches are daily now, right sided. Cold feet, warm to the touch though. Just a mess :( a Thank you both! Onto a new neuro.

[PastorDan]

Oh, what led you to have the MRI in the first place?

[PastorDan]

Depression does not cause brain lesions, according to anything I've ever read.  Thus, LauraLu is not over reacting when she describes your neuro in such terms.  Find someone who will listen and investigate.

[Lulu54]

Hi and welcome -it sounds like you have your head full, thanks to your son's MS, the MRI readings, and the computer.    :-)  Let's tackle one at a time.

I'm sorry your son has MS - that is a situation none of us moms every want to find ourselves in.  Having a sick child is the worst feeling in the world.  

Depression is more common than you might imagine.  It's tough these days in so many ways and it can creep into our lives in so many ways.  You may not be depressed, but I sure would be if my child were dxd with MS and I also had unidentified symptoms.  Stay open to the idea of maybe getting treatment if there is at all a possibility you need it.

Dr. Google is one of the best and worst medical counselors around.  As you find  in your search, every symptom you put in says 'MS,' but it could also be Lyme, or Lupus or a number of other mimics.  Even a virus can cause our central nervous system to go wacko and cause these types of symptoms for a long time.  Use Google to understand more about MS, but don't jump to the worst case scenario, yet.

As for the neurologist - I saved the best/worst for last - he sounds like a condescending pompous a$$ and you need to find a different doctor.  You may not have MS, but there is something going on.  Even if it is something benign (not going to cause you long term medical complications),  you need it identified.  For his dismissive comment, I would give him the boot and find a different doctor who will take your concerns seriously.  Did he at least give you an explanation for the MRI findings or does he think those are phantom too?

I do know the more I focus on my MS, the more aware I am of other noises, aches and pains in my body.  It's hard to turn down the hypersensitivity and ignore all the bells and whistles going off.  It might be that you are noticing more because you are listening closer.  I hope that makes sense.

Please do find a different doctor and start fresh in looking for an answer/treatment.

best, Laura