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cerebral foci

I have recently had an MRI of the brain, both with and without contrast.  No demyelination, no enhanced lesions were found, however, multiple white matter foci in the cerebral area were found, prompting my physician to refer me to a neurologist.  My appointment is not for several weeks, and I am a "need-to-know" personality, so I must ask for help elsewhere to tie me over.  I am a registered nurse, however, I am not a brain surgeon, nor a neurologist.  Realizing that you cannot "disgnose" me, I would at least like to have some idea at what might possibly be in my future.  I need to prepare myself with all possibilities, for me and my family.  I am 47 years old, have extreme muscle fatigue, muscle pain, dizziness, frequent mild headaches, balance issues, and difficulty with gait at times.  My previous dr. told me I have fibromyalgia, however, that is not a progressive disease and I am clearly progressively getting worse.  Also, I do not have pain with touch, in fact, intense massage is sometimes my only relief from my pain.  Can you please shed some light?
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1056589 tn?1273747102
I can tell you from my own experience that searching on the internet actually made my mental state  worse. Because so many things can cause brain lesions/focci.They can range from normal signs of aging to some pretty nasty things. Also there are so many overlapping symptoms.
In my case I am only 35 and have really only had 2 severe migraines in my life. So the age related changes and the migraine cause took a back seat to MS.
Trust me I know its hard not to let your mind run away and let all these bad scenarios run through your mind. But until you know for sure try to stay as neutral as possible.
From the beginning I have told my family everything about my health. Trust me there was no hiding my symptoms when this all started. I feel they need to be aware so that they are able to prepare for any possible outcome. I have not been diagnosed with definate MS but there is a great possibillity that I will. I would never want to just spring that on them.
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980510 tn?1282010946
Hi, Id suggest you not look too much into one thing, being that these lesions can simply be age related or migraine related. But if you are curious you are going to look. Maybe MS related MS also has some sub catagories.Schilder’s disease broader areas may also be Autoimmune diseases Neuromuscular disease
Brain conditions Demyelinating disorder or Spinal Cord Disorders. As I said a borad spectrum of symptoms.So dont panic just yet

I like to get an idea and grasp the concept a little bit before i know for sure- that way I have an IDEA as to what may be wrong and what direction I am heading BEFORE telling family!  GOOD LUCK!
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1056589 tn?1273747102
Hi ,
I had the same thing show up on my last brain mri. I have 15 of them.I know how you feel.Scared me to death.
I have been dealing with neurological issues since 1/09. Neuro initially dx me with Transverse Myelitis and complicated migraines with aura.But after the focci on the MRI that changed to CIS (clinically isolated syndrom) . The MRI results said they could be caused by chronic angiopathic changes,migraines, and that even though they were not typical MS lesions it could not be ruled out. So I had evoked potentials done and they were all normal. But the neuro and I had the MS talk and the benefits of starting the DMD's for MS. I go back in Feb 10' to see where I am at and if I need to start the MS drugs.


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