posted
I just received the results of my MRI which was done w/out contrast. It states that I have "a subtle focus of T2 weighted hyperintensity at the posterior left frontal subcortical white matter measuring only approximately 3mm (precentral) and a tiny 1mm focus in the left corona radiata and a questionable 1-2 mm focus at the anterior edge of the right external capsule. The etiology of these findings is of unknown significance..." The neurologist said that this is nothing to worry about...it's sometimes seen in people who get migraines. I, of course, don't believe anything he says, because he doesn't even believe that I have Lyme disease. He told me that I would always test positive on WB if I was exposed in the past, and that everyone in the Northeast is exposed. I showed him my positive flow cytometry antigen test, and he still wrote "Lyme?" in my chart! Anyway, I had to see this fool in order to get the insurance to pay for the MRI. I emailed my LLMD, and she believes that these results call for another MRI-this time with contrast, but I'm not sure why. I don't know how I will talk the neurologist into writing me a script, so, any insight into the MRI findings would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks. Angie
Posts: 418 | From NJ | Registered: Sep 2007
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adamm
Unregistered
posted
Yeah, they're lesions, unfortunately. Just out of
curiosity, what are your neuropsychiatric symptoms
CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
WELCOEM*!)*! Yup, sounds like lesions consistent with both MS and/or Lyme disease whuich are indistinguishable on MRI!!
We had one woman in our local group have SEVEN big old brain lesions, white matter lesions consistent with MS and/or Lyme, go away on IV Rocephin*)*!)!
Explains why she can complete a full sentence now- she really couldn't when I first met her!
I am glad you have an LLMD*)!*)! Sincerely,
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
I have those as well, 11 of them, said to be consistent with lyme, or MS, or vasculitis, or even severe migraine headaches. However, the radiologist confided he doubted migraines as the lesions were rather large (to 5 mm) where migraine lesions tended to be smaller; were unlike MS as most were frontal lobe (MS tends to present elsewhere), etc. To his credit, the radiologist had just been to a radiology seminar where lyme was addressed!
Your neurologist is clearly an idiot and knows absolutely nothing about lyme. Regrettable that you need him at all.
These lesions are indicative of, but by no means diagnostic for, lyme disease.
There's a very good chance that with aggressive treatment they can go away. Actually the odds are about 50/50. Odds of neurological improvement are much better than that, of course.
Keep treating with your LLMD and pay no mind to your neurologist. For amusement, hunt up the classic thread on here, "Are all neurologists goofy?" It will give you great enjoyment!!
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
Thanks to all for the replies. I doubt that I will be able to talk this neurologist into any further testing, but, we'll see. BTW, my neurological symptoms are: constant muscle twitches tingling word retrieval problems can't spell as good as I used to, and frequently mix two words together (fuzzy bunny turns to buzzy funny) trembling (Lots of this lately) fatigue headaches (used to be only one-sided, now I've been getting deep central headaches) muscle weakness heart palps. anxiety increased temper/negativity I also have lots of other symptoms, most prominently trigger points/back and joint pain/ hypoglycemia I have been sick for 7 years, starting 1 year after the second dose of Lymerix. Tested + on Igenex WB's and recently on the Central Fla. Research antigen test. Have been treated w/bicillin, orals, and 6 wks. IV Rocephin and Doxy. Probably a total of 2.5 years of treatment--but in spurts. It's been 2 years since treatment, and am getting progressivly worse. Started minocycline about 1 month ago. Anyway, thanks again for your replies.
Posts: 418 | From NJ | Registered: Sep 2007
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david1097
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3662
posted
Contrast on the MRI is used to highlight areas that have a compromized blood brain barrier. These are found primarily in tumors and will cause the tumor to be very bright.
Many people have the small lessions. Their significance is unknown so not much can be infered from the MRI. If you had large ones or lots of them then they would likely investigte further but only 2 small ones and they will discount them as being insignificant.
If you want to do more testing you might ask fr a MRI blood flow study that n=measures bulk blood flow in small volumes int h brain, alternatively a SPECT hypoprofusion study might show some abnormalities that might explain some of your symptoms. Have you been tested to see if you where one of the 30% unlucky ones to be suseptable to immune system activation as a result of Lymerix? I would be worth checking.
good luck
Posts: 1184 | From north america | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
David, I have been tested for the HLA-DR4 gene. I do have it. But, my LLMD does not think that this is the source of my problems because most people have rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms (swelling). Also, am testing positive on lyme tests for more bands than just the Osp A, and positive antigen test. I have joint pain, but no swelling. I had a normal SPECT a few years ago, and she wanted me to have another, but, again, the neuro had to write the script so insurance would pay for it. He wouldn't do it. He said it is an old test that doesn't show anything. Ignorant. Anyway, thanks for your input. I really don't want to get another MRI if it won't tell anything different. I will discuss this with my LLMD.
Posts: 418 | From NJ | Registered: Sep 2007
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tailz
Unregistered
posted
Anybody whose blood-brain barrier is compromised - in other words, all Lymies - might want to consider this as the cause of their chronic Lyme:
"A very recent discovery shows that microwave radiation changes the permeability of the blood brain barrier. Our brain has its own immune system as does our body.
The blood brain barrier keeps everything that is designed to be kept within the brain inside it and protects the brain from any unwanted diseases or chemicals which could harm it. Similarly it allows out of the brain anything dangerous to the brain.
The blood brain barrier is rather like a sieve where only particles of a certain size may go through.
Professor Salford at Lund University in Sweden has shown that such pulsing as from mobile phones can alter the permeability of the blood brain barrier."
I'm also wondering what role, if any, other electromagnetic fields - such as those coming from transformers and electrical distribution wires - have on chronic Lyme.
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