MRI scan without checking brain?

[farranccc]

Hi everyone, first post for me in this forum so apologies if I get anything wrong!

I have not been diagnosed with ms but have had some strange symptoms (dizziness, twitches, strange feeling in foot) for about 7 years. There is no pattern to it but some of the symptoms are generally there most of the time.

I saw a neurologist about 4 years ago for an MRI scan which came back all clear but I seem to remember now that they only did a spinal and cervical scan. Would this be possible as from what I have read the lesions are most likely to be found in the brain? If this is possible, why on earth would she have not checked everything whilst doing the MRI?

Any thoughts would be very welcome! 😊

[IFwczs]

Always get a second opinion. Did she give you any diagnosis? Sounds to me like she suspected something other than MS. Plus it was 4 years ago. MS is commonly misdiagnosed. Go to a diagnostician, clinics like the Mayo Clinic or the Cleveland Clinic. Good luck!

[Kenu]

I think I would find a neurologist that specializes in MS. That I know of they always do your brain first and then you’re cervical and spine. Next would be a lumbar puncture to help confirm or rule out. Sounds fishy to me, but I am not a doctor. Ken 🐾🐾

[farranccc]

Thanks for your replies, really helpful. The neurologist did specialise in MS and the letter after the scan said that she did not suspect MS so perhaps she did check my brain.

I do wonder what it is causing my weird sensations. Sometimes I think it is just best not to know but then worry that there might be treatment to slow progression. Nothing so far has been severe enough to interfere with life and all seem quite mild but it is scary to think that could change at any moment.

Hope you’re all taking care of yourselves

[jimeka]

If you are worried or concerned, get a second opinion. When I was first dx, they found lesions on my spine, so next day I had my head and neck done. But if they say you don’t have ms, get on with your life, enjoy, and don’t worry about what may be. Blessings Jimeka 🤗

[greaterexp]

You’re doing beautifully on this site!

I think it’s important to find the cause of symptoms like yours. I agree with others here who suggest finding someone who will dig a little deeper and make sure that if you need treatment for something, you get what you need. I hope it’s not MS, but I’d want to know.,

[Hidden]

Try to get a 2nd opinion, it never hurts for peace of mind.

[Msbeauty01]

Hi farrancc

I've only had MS for a year. I actually had white spots in my brain and Also gray spots. They said it was a sign of MS. I had to have a spinal tap for them to find out I had MS. If you're concerned ask them to do that procedure. I hope you don't have it. Good Luck

[Frances_B]

Was your Vitamin B12 checked - either 4 years ago when you saw that neurologist, or since then? B12 deficiency is a common MS mimic and it can cause neurological symptoms.

[RoyceNewton]

Second opinion.

[tombouy46]

I have 3 MRI's a year. Since about the late 80s after being diagnosed with m.s. the brain is always one of them. Also to confirm the diagnosis. They did a few spinal taps and evoked response tests. We're any of these done. Or just the 2 MRIS. Have to remember. Every Doc is different and have there own way of doing things. If it were I. And wasn't happy with outcome. Get another opinion. I've seen several Nuerologists over the yrs. I was diagnosed back in the early 80s. But the treatments have come so far over the yrs. You need a doc who keeps up with all the new treatment's and stays involved with all the research going on these days. Don't get stuck with doc who's living in the past. If your not comfortable with the results of your MRIS. Do yourself a huge favor and go talk with some other Nuerologists. You owe that to yourself and your loved ones. Good Luck.