And what does it mean really if there are lesions on your spine ? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

twink65 · 08-21-2007, 01:15 PM

Hi Everyone

After four frustrating years I finally went to another neurologist. This last flare has been really bad and Im no longer in ( denial ) that I need to do something about it.

The new neuro wants a skan of the c-spine I have never had this done before can anyone tell me what they are looking for exactally ? I do have small leisions on my brain skan but now why my spine ? will this tell them how progressed the disease is? in other words the worse your MS becomes do leisions start forming on your spine?

I would so appreciate any thoughts Im so discouraged right now. More tests More tests story of my life.

Twink

MSNik · 08-21-2007, 02:01 PM

hi Twink.
No, doing your spine has absolutely nothing to do with the progression of the legions on your brain; however it does have to do with the progression of the disease in general. NOrmally, when MS is first diagnosed, they do both Brain and C-SPine MRIs, so what they are doing for you, is NOT ABNORMAL AT ALL.

Where the legions are tells the doctors whether the MS is more in your balance, gait (walk), whether you are at risk for eye problems or bladder issues..they can tell alot by where the legions show up. THey have to check your spine to see if any legions there, might be causing you your issues...

Many people have ONLY brain legions or ONLY spinal legions. Some people have both, and a very VERY few, show neither....its not uncommon to have both, in both areas...it means nothing other than what the docs need to be checking in the future...for instance, you say you only have a few in your brain. I dont know how long ago that was told to you, but its more than likely that if a year has gone by, they will repeat that to see if any more legions have formed....same with the spine. Youve never had the spinal MRI before, so this time, they'll do it, see what it shows, and probably not repeat it for at least another year...this monitors the disease from a radiographical standpoint, not JUST an evaluation by being seen by a doctor....its the surest way to monitor the progression of the overall disease.

Hope this helps.
Nikki

unclesam612 · 08-22-2007, 10:06 AM

more tests is seems to always be the story doesn't it. the tests aren't so bad most of the time.they are looking at your spine because ms is a central nervous system disaster. think of your spine as an extension of your brain if there are lesions in the brain then there could be lesions in the spine they just want to be sure. it may be nothing and then agin there may be a few there. better to know what is there than not know. it is just a MRI if you'r like me you have had a few.don't worry too much about it it will only make you worce.good luck.

snoozyowl · 08-22-2007, 02:40 PM

Hey everyone, I'm usually on the fibro boards as that is the firm dx I have, although my doc is insisting I have 'probable' MS, I've had a MRI scan that showed lesions on my c spine and white matter in brain, I have other symptoms like 'girdelling', my right leg drags, co-ordination and balance probs, tremors and tingling, although they could be the fibro

The neuro doc, who is also the MS specialist says there is not enough clinical evidence and wanted to do a LP just so he could say he'd done it

I declined the LP as it had been over a year of other tests and waiting to see what else cropped up, he called it 'observing me' and to top it all admitted that the LP was to enable him to 'tick the next box'

Sorry to sound as if I'm venting, I guess I am a wee bit, but after reading the other posts on this thread, it seems there is enough clinical evidence, but for some reason he won't firmly dx me, it felt like I'd failed some sort of test, LOL, I would appreciate your opinion on this, thank you, take care keep well hugs Snoozyowl

MSNik · 08-22-2007, 02:58 PM

H snoozy, Id start a new thread on this if I were you. Youll get alot more response. But, I did want to say that an LP can be a most important diagnostic tool for MS. There really isnt much probable about MS, you either have it or dont, however some docs are more cautious about saying you DO have it, and he probably wants to see what shows up in your spinal fluid before saying yes or no. There are also brain infections which can show up in spinal fluid, which mimic MS, and they need to ruled out, and lastly LYME can be detected from spinal fluid when it doesnt show up in blood work....these are all good reasons to have the Spinal Tap done. Although, I understand your hesitation.

Your lucky in a sense that your doctor is cautious and willing to do the tests. SOme, arent so cautious, and others want to rule out MS before doing anything...sounds like you have a good Neuro.
Wishing you well.
N