White matter lesions?

[nat2006]

My current neuro saw small white matter sub cortical lesions on an MRI from a couple years ago. I am 26, is this normal? And how does he rule out MS if there are lesions? Can lesions heal? Or become invisible on other mri's?

I have sharp stabbing pains in random places that last for seconds, muscle burning in one area at a time, muscle twitches all day and night, vertigo, delayed muscle relaxation especially in neck,  ribs, hands and ankles, muscle will feel like it's about to fall asleep even though I am not in a position that would cause it to fall asleep( with pins and needles), occasional skin prickling, very small translucent "target" shaped circle in my left center vision, cheekbone/eyebrow/jaw/behind ear stabs which I believe are called Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Recent EEG cleared epilepsy (which he was concerned about), Visual evoked potentials was normal, all my blood work was normal, and this last MRI in September the neuro did not say if the original hyper intensities were still visible, but he said he didn't believe it was MS. He said for me to read about Ion Channelopathies....

Has anybody been in a situation similar to this? Any input would be appreciated

[justjane37]

You should have a spinal tap. Even if your neuro isn't worried maybe you should be. All of these things can go away but they can come back and come back worse

[nat2006]

My neuro said the plaques are "not indicative of a demyelination disease" so we will be starting from scratch. I haven't heard from him as to what we will try next. The next available appt I could make was March. It is so strange, my muscle pain has almost seized these passed two weeks, but it'll be back! ... still a lot of twitching.  I will try the expert forum and keep updating. Thank you for responding, you're right, hopefully my story can lead someone in the right direction.

[nancy99n]

Sorry to hear all you are dealing with.

I have MS and TN. From what I've read, white matter lesions can be caused by by things other than MS.

Do a search here on this site, there are lots of great info about MS, and especially about other diseases that mimic MS.

There are also Expert Forums where you can post your questions to doctors.

Diagnosis of things like MS and TN are done by running lots of tests and ruling everything else out.

Wishing you the best with your search for answers. Let us know how you're doing. Your story may help someone else.