Hi All,
I'm new here and had a couple of questions about Spinal Hemangiomas.
One was discovered on my T9 while having an MRI for other reasons and I was wondering if anyone had experienced symptoms indicative of MS because of it? 3 Neuros have stated that they dont cause damage like that, though it hasn't been looked into further. I was told I didn't have MS, then I did, now unsure until next MRI of brain and spine. I have 4 lesions on my brain which is why I was diagnosed with MS. Though my new neuro says he isn't sure, he thinks it could just be aging.....I'm 32!

I know the hemangioma wouldn't cause lesions on the brain, though what are the chances of one growing to the point it would grow that large to push on the nerves in my spine and cause my symptoms?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

You've got a couple of issues here. A hemangioma is a benign "tumor" of blood vessels so evidently it's grown to the point of causing pressure on the nerves.

As far as the lesions, I guess I'd wait until the next MRI and see what they think. There has to be SOME reason for them. I don't think I've EVER heard of aging causing lesions on the brain. Me thinks he's picking at straws!!

Keep us posted, will you? I'll be curious as to what they come up with. God bless and you'll be in my prayers. Hugs, Lee

I had a cavernous hemangioma on the instep of my left foot ..I was born with it.

It didn't "grow" except for keeping up with my growing during childhood. My parents had it removed because it used to bleed from shoe frictions (tying and straps aggravated it).

It had tendrils going down into the tendons and was horrible to work on.

I believe that the reason that doctors do not remove them, is that they BLEED terribly and are a risk for hemorrhage and perhaps damage to the spine. They are hard to get all of out too, but with lasers today it might be better, in that regard. In all the years I've read health boards, no one has come on to say the doctor recommended removing these.

Also I don't think they "grow" like other tumors do. They are static. They grew with you and stopped when you stopped.

It is important to know they are present however, should you need a procedure in that location...so the doctor does not strike one doing anesthetic or epidurals. You can bleed into the spinal cord and even die that way. I know a woman who had a neck procedure and the doctor didn't know a hemangioma was there and she almost was paralyzed from the hemorrhage of it. She was left with lifelong severe chronic pain, and ended up getting a spinal cord stimulator.

I've often wondered if I have more of these things, myself, since I had the one. I still suffer from the side effects of having that removed, as the nerves grew back my foot and I have a painful scar there now. Took a long time to grow those nerves back and now they are painful!

Thanks for the reply Leesa! My MRI says "there appears to be a benign hemangioma on what appears to be the T9." When you look at my MRI it is in the bone and rather big. Im just concerned about the two "appears" because they don't sound too certain! LOL

I have heard of people having ischemic spots in their brain due to age, though generally over the age of 60. Like I said, Im 32...so how is that possible? LOL

The strange thing is, the spot where the hemangioma is supposed to be only started being painful after I had my spinal tap and then a blood patch for the horrid headache they can cause.

I will definately keep you posted. Im curious also, and looking forward to them giving me a definate answer.

Thanks for your reply mrsD! I also have one on my head, its really small but has been there for as long as I can remember.

It doesn't really bother me, though at times if I get my hair done at the hairdresser they may catch on it and it makes me jump! LOL

After my spinal tap, Im really against having any type of surgery done to my back. I don't really get bothered by any type of procedure, though that one has made me never want anything done to my back ever again! LOL

Im not bothered if it stays there, I would just like to know if it could be causing some of my issues considering they are questioning my diagnosis.

I for sure dont want happening what you say could happen! LOL

Thanks again for replying, I will let you know what happens.