Brain MRI, Small White Lesions, Help?

Question

A few years back, I suffered Bell's Palsy after an operation and thus got an MRI. I was told I had a ministroke. Though the Bell's Palsy went away on it's own, I recently went persistantly numb on one side of my body, so I got another MRI. I now live in a different area, more of a 'country' area, and I'm uncertain what to think now. The hospital sent a report (author unknown) to my clinic saying I had several small white leasions from an "old trauma." Nothing "acute." It made NO mention of my prior mini-stroke, which I find odd. (At the first hospital, I was shown the MRI and saw the line myself.)

My doctor is a GP, not a radiologist or a neurologist. I've suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia since I had the mini-stroke -- although the conditions may have been triggered by the operation. CFS/FM have many symptoms in common with MS. Should I be worried?

Answer 1

In multiple sclerosis, small white matter abnormalities are found in the measurement of lesion loads which results in identifying and measuring small lesions in the brain to evaluate treatment.
Carbon monoxide poisoning, migraines, alzheimers, spasms from head trauma, lasik surgery for correction of myopia (nearsightedness) can also cause small white lesions in the brain.
You should see a specialist (neurologist).

Answer 2

Get tested for MS, if it is positive and steroids help, then you have MS. BUT if the tests are negative then that is about as far as most doctors can take you, and you will have to do the rest of the work yourself.
I know someone who was recently very ill indeed, and was told that the scan showed a mini-stroke. They now say she definitely didn't have a stroke but can't explain her illness, which she is recovering from after lots of rest. I suspect Lyme disease, which I also suffer from, and it could be your problem too.
LD is nearly always diagnosed as CFS as the blood test is hopeless - any GP will tell you LD is rare, which it will be when they don't even look for it, because blood tests only find about 10% of cases, generally those who have recovered! Later on, if the body cannot fight it effectively, it looks identical to MS, but all MS tests are negative. These tests pick up true MS very early, but not "Lyme disease MS", which again, most specialists are not looking for (because it's rare!). Also, you will improve on steriods if you have MS, but worsen badly if you have LD. Infection is generally by tick bite, but can also be by blood transfusion.
If you need treatment for (suspected) LD, you will need much more than the standard NHS recommendation, which is based on theory and is now understood to apply only to cases where treatment is given within one month of infection (but they still don't update the guidelines). I can put you in touch with experienced doctors if and when you wish, just get in touch via email.

Answer 3

it should be numerous issues. i'm particular you're being worked up for MS? Demylelinating lesions are often linked with MS, yet should be brought about via numerous diverse ailments. dangle in there; save operating which includes your neurologist, and save a log of at the same time as your indications worsen, what makes them better effective/worse, if any element helps, etc.

Answer 4

If i were you I would call the place you had your previous MRI or CT head and have them send the films so they can compare the most recent with the old. How long before the MRI did you have the mini stroke....i believe over time it gets healed. But definately call the place and have them send you the films so they can be compared....Good luck

Answer 5

White lesions in the brain usually means plaque consistant with MS. You must have further testing or a final diagnosis to be sure. But your symptoms seem to be in line with MS.