No car crash.
Sorry Sally, Craig was saying that there is a differance between a person who gets a MRI because they where in a car crash, verses a person who has symptoms of MS. And that a person who is getting a MRI for MS should have a contrasting one done.

I was under the impression just a regular MRI would show spinal lesion/scars, am I wrong?
And that after 6 plus years something should have shown up, if it was MS, is that right?
Just tired of drs and not getting anywhere, thanks, Patricia

Patricia, I was under the same impression...that lesions in the spinal canal would show up in MRI's. But, my docs are giving me a lumbar puncture, since the "brain" MRI showed leisions. I am also getting a new MRI of my spine...but, I don't think it is to find lesions. I think it is to see what progression there may be.

Good question: Can lesions in the spinal canal be picked up in an MRI?????

Sallyb,

I would say yes, lesions on the spinal column would be able to be seen if large enough and that is what they're looking for. Again, the use of doing and MRI without contrast and then doing it with contrast will show any active lesions by lighting up like a star on the black backgroun.

Radiologist are the ones who review the films initially. They are under pressure to see so many films a day and therefore only tend to look for what was on the MRI order. Why do you think so many women have missed breast lesions. I think it's because the radiologist is moving too fast and tends to miss what isn't obvious. I had this happen to my wife.

Ok, so I guess the answer is still probable MS ?? I still need to get a proper MRI, one with contrast.

I have had all the "other" test to rule out "other" things.......

I don't know of any other disease or syndrom that cause a person to to have frequent set backs "crashes" and that take sometimes weeks to recover from, also they always leave residule effects. ie more weaker, more fatique, more everything.

For example if it was just say vit B12 I would just have the neuro effects but not the crashing. Is that right ????

I do suspect that I have some form of MG, I take Mestinon when I really have to, and it works great, just hate the side effects. It doesn't stop the crashes though. The neuro that perscribed it says that I don't have MG......

Any ideas would be most greatful, thanks, Patricia

Hi Turner. The old saying goes..that if they can't find anything else, it's MS. There are lots of PwMS, who have had clear MRIs and Clear LPs.

When you have "crashes", what are your symptoms? Numbness, paralisis, tingling, double vision, extreme weakness, vertigo, fever..etc?

Hang in there, Patricia. Lots of people are waiting for a definate DX, even though, they have a lot of the symtoms of MS, there really isn't one test that will prove it.

I'm glad that your Neuro or PCP is, at least, treating your symptoms. There are many helpful meds out there for symptom relief. Don't be afraid to ask for them, while he/she is making up their minds about your DX.

Good luck and let us know how it's going, OK.

Well when I crash it usually starts out with some sort of pain.

This last time it started in my shoulder, neck, then wrist, by the time it hit my wrist I was consumed with fatigue.
Its the kind of fatigue that even breathing and chewing is too much work. Bed rest is all I can do.

The neuro problems then start in with thick tongue, tingle and numbness in my left foot, spasms in the lower back, but they come and go every where.

Last year I had bladder spasms, that left me with a weak bladder now.

Achy neck, cause of bulging disks. This can last for a few days, to up to a few weeks, then I gradually get better, sorta,

Just seems a little scary sometimes, don't know whats happening with my body. I would like to feel normal, would like a life, and it seems that no dr seems to want to dx anything.

Oh well carry on, I think I will remind my gp that some people have clear MRI and LP, maybe I can find some articals about that.

Really picks me that I have to educate drs

Thanks, Patricia