A couple of questions - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

JaysWife80 · 08-25-2007, 10:13 PM

My first question is since my last MRI showed no changes (No new lesions) why do I feel like I am getting worse? It has been quite a while since my last MRI which was my second, and it showed no change but I am feeling more worsening symptoms. I am confused. Also, I have this new symptom I've never heard of and wonder if its the MS or something else. When I am walking, if I look to the side or turn my head, I get dizzy. Has anyone experienced this or know anything about it? Thanks in advance for the help.

shumogy · 08-26-2007, 09:59 AM

What I believe to be my first flair was called an inner ear infection. Since that time, my balance has not been normal and when I turn my head left, right or up/down, by balance goes askew. Like a quick spell of dizzyness. That has to do with where I have a plauque. Not sure but I believe that indicates the Pons area of the brain. May I suggest you speak with your neuro. Perhaps it's time for another MRI. My neuro has one done on me every two years. shumogy

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaysWife80

My first question is since my last MRI showed no changes (No new lesions) why do I feel like I am getting worse? It has been quite a while since my last MRI which was my second, and it showed no change but I am feeling more worsening symptoms. I am confused. Also, I have this new symptom I've never heard of and wonder if its the MS or something else. When I am walking, if I look to the side or turn my head, I get dizzy. Has anyone experienced this or know anything about it? Thanks in advance for the help.

iluvsiamese · 08-26-2007, 01:59 PM

you can have damage and the lesions may be too small to show on the MRI.. for example, some people never show plaques and some people myelin regenerates itself and they improve, that's why it's so frustrating. It sounds to me like vertigo, which is very common in MS. First thing to rule out though would be a simple ear infection that can definately throw off your balance.

Bearygood · 08-26-2007, 03:03 PM

Jayswife, did they do the MRI with and without contrast? It is my understanding that sometimes things show up with contrast that don't without. Also, it is possible to symptoms without lesions because the disease activity causes lesions, not the other way around. There just doesn't seem to be an exact science to this -- I know it seems reasonable to think that if your symptomatic, that more lesions would be found and that IS the "scientific" way that doctors evaluate if the disease is progressing. Also, did they do just a brain MRI? It is also possible to have lesions on the c-spine and t-spine.

Hard to say about the new symptom -- it doesn't seem like classic vertigo but that's not to say that MS isn't causing what you're experiencing.

moore170 · 08-28-2007, 01:26 PM

My worst exacerbation involved vertigo.
I have felt like my disease is worsening at times and my MRI did not reflect anything. My neurologist was quick to tell me that an MRI is not always reflective of the course the disease is taking.
Candy