MRI shows white spots..MS? - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

tagger · 06-25-2003, 10:48 AM

Afriend of mine went for a routine MRI to check for aneurism as her mother had had that problem at about her age. (47yrs) No aneurism but they id see "white fascial (sp?) spots on her brain. The doc mentioned this could be the harbinger of MS. She is distraught and can't see the neurologist for a month. Can anybody cast any light on the subject?....Tagger

Mom_of_two · 06-25-2003, 01:08 PM

Unfortunately, waiting to see a neuro is fairly common. After my MRI back in March, I had to wait to see the neurologist for 2.5 months. Even then, he didn't have the actual MRI film in his office! Now I have to wait again to actually have him see it and comment. He did say, however, that white lesions were found and that he is pretty positive I have MS (from the MRI notes).

Your friend is probably going through a lot of emotions about now. I know I did, and waiting to get it confirmed doesn't help matters any. White spots could mean other things besides MS, too. Does your friend have any other symptoms of MS that you know of? Good luck to this person, let us know how it turns out.

jinglebts · 06-25-2003, 08:43 PM

when my stroke was diagnosed, there were also what my neuro called spots of 'white matter' on the scans, which meant nothing -- just something one accumulates as one ages ... since your friend's mri was only to ensure that she had NOT had an aneurism, and there were apparently no other symptoms, i'd get a second opinion ...

just a suggestion, but i know what waiting for a DX is like, and if your friend had no other symptoms ... and on rereading your post -- i say a second opinion is definitely warranted ...

tagger · 06-26-2003, 07:30 AM

She has no symptoms of MS at all. The doc simply said these spots might be an early sign of MS. I guess when she finally sees the neurologist and sees what he has to say she can then decide whether she needs a second opinion. I'm glad to know that the spots may be harmless. I think the waiting is the hardest part for her right now...thanks for the replies...Tagger

JJerzak · 07-02-2003, 02:17 PM

If they feel that this could be MS, and the MRI shows these spots, generally by the time there are several spots on the MRI scan, IF it is MS they will be able to detect what is known as Oligoclonal banding, which is indicative of the broken down Myelin protien in the spinal fluid. This would require a spinal tap, but should only be done at the suggestion of the neurologist.

Since there are no symptoms of MS at this point it is tough to say either way, but as always, a neurologist will help evaluate the situation.