posted
I had a neuro appointment yesterday for a follow up on an MRI of the brain and spinal cord. The neurologist is saying that I have possible MS because of an enhanced lesion on C-5 and wanted me to start on 2 years of MS treatment. I told him No because I thought it was related to Lyme meaning all my tick bites plus the Lyme vaccine on top of it.
Has anyone else had MRI scans that showed lesions? He was concerned because one enhanced and I had numbness in both my legs.
I told him that a SPECT scan would probably show Lyme better than an MRI. MRI's as well as other tests can be very subjective, it really depends on the person reading the picture.
He said he would monitor me closely for the next 3 months and repeat MRI films and possibly consider a SPECT scan. He is not ruling out Lyme he said he just does not know of any proven literature or proof that MS type lesions can be found on the brain and spinal cord.
Anybody have any past experiences with this or any information that would be helpful to me.
posted
Mam, I am so sorry to hear of your situation. Let me assist you. Yes, the answer to your question "Has anyone else had MRI scans that showed lesions?" is YES! Let me tell you that many of us are on here and it seems at least that the neurologist is open minded; this my dear is rare. I am serogenitive for Lyme. Let me share with you what I have as far as lesions:
BRAIN: Multiple round to ovoid foci in both cerebral hemispheres and in the corpus collasum. 5 or more are enhanced. (as of Feb).
SPINE: (Cervical) Multiple lesions, non ehanced.
IMPRESSION OF THE RADIOLOGIST: These are non-specific but are suspicious of MS plaques. Could be produced also by Lyme disease or CNS Vasculitis. CLINICAL CORRELATION ADVISED!
So, my friend, it is a matter of education. The radiologist knew though usually a neurologist would not.
Have you been tested for LD? Let me help you.
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cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
I live in southeastern PA....so many have lyme here.
its sad really.
I have severly herniated disc in C5-6 ...no lesions....also have no disc signal in L3-4(i think thats the right spot, my lower back)
Lyme often attacks the spinal cord.
Have you been tested for lyme?
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
Yes, I have tested positive for Lyme in the past and was treated with DOXY 200mg PO BID for 2 1/2 years. I also had the Lyme vaccine that was pulled off the market. The radiologist in my first MRI said that it could be vasculitis, MS or Lyme Disease but given my age MS is highly suspicious. Subsequently every radiologist now "sees" MS.
The neurologist says because I have multiple lesions from C1-T1 and some on the brain with the most being C5 with an area of enhancement. I called my LLMD today but she has not called me back.
I don't feel that it is MS and don't want to satrt any MS types of treatment. I am off all ATBX at this point as well.
Not sure what my LLMD will say she has been wonderful in the past but wants to see my MRI films before she makes a decision and my appointment is not until July.
Not sure of any LLMD neuro in the Pennsylvania area. I live about 20 minutes from the Philadelphia airport. I really don't want to travel out of state if possible. I already travel to NJ for my LLMD and Boston for my eye problems. It is just too costly to keep traveling out of state. Although I would if I totally had too.
cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
Im pretty sure heatherkiss knows of an LL neurologist in NJ....since you go there for your LLMD maybe you could have 2 appts in one day?
you may want to post under the seeking dr section.
I live about 20 min from the airport too maybe we are neighbors?
its possible that doxy wansnt strong enough or that the lyme was triggered again. or coinfections....were they treated?
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
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LostCityAgent
Unregistered
posted
Hello, You and I have the same age issue. But, what about your pathology? If you can think back to your childhood can you remember and slight neuro situations. I could. If I went to a neuro, which I will not so far, I would be dx with MS hands down. You tested pos for LD, you have LD. There is a LD friendly Neuro in CT, call Dr. P's office. In the mean time try contacting DMC (on here) for more advice. She is great.
Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
My LLMD has succesfully treated multiple patients who came to her with an MS diagnosis and she discovered Lyme.
MS is one of those disorders that have no known cause. More and more, doctors are thinking the cause is an infection. For some reason, they usually lean towards a virus.
I have an inkling that multiple infections can cause the body to react by triggering MS and other disorders like Lupus and RA. One of those infections is most definitely Lyme.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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