UPDATE AFTER MRA/MRI

[Amkoffee]

My last post was about my rheumatologist thinking that I might now have GCA. Well the results of the MRA/MRI did not indicate GCA however it does indicate vasculitis. But the scary part is that they also found multiple white mater lesions on my brain. Several of them have occurred since my last MRI done in January looking to see if I had had a stroke. From what I've Googled the lessons could be nothing more then age related or migraines on one end and cancer on the other end. I have an appointment with a neurologist in February. That's a long time away, to wonder. The radiologist that read the MRI suggested a spinal tap be done. I've seen this on TV and that's the last thing I want.

[yogabonnie]

Good that you are having this all checked out!! where are you in the States? And lets pick the age related choice and run with it!!! Hope you dont spend the next 2 months worried. It is great your Rhumatologist is keeping a close eye on it. I read your other post and those are the same symptoms I am having now. Need to get in and get myself checked for GCA too. I will be thinking about you. !!

[SheffieldJane in reply to yogabonnie]

Let us know yogabonnie. Hugs!

[Amkoffee in reply to yogabonnie]

I live in Kansas.

[yogabonnie in reply to Amkoffee]

Minnesota here.

[SheffieldJane]

I am sorry that you have this ordeal to face ( The lumbar puncture) and that you have to wait and worry for several weeks, otherwise. They will anaesthetise the area and sedate you if you prefer . I have had two epidurals which probably feel similar, but as they are to give you relief from extreme pain they are probably psychologically easier. The white matter lesions may just be age related/ migraine/ diabetes but they can also indicate more serious conditions like MS as you probably know. I wish you well and a good result and a brave determined mood on the day. You need to know and get the appropriate treatment, obviously.

[whitefishbay]

There is always something. Sorry to hear this. I hope you have some nice friends&familyto lean on.

[Jackoh]

Just to say Amkoffee that I have had a lumbar puncture done when I had my thunderclap headache. I was expecting the worst but I can only relate my own experience in so much that it wasn’t bad at all. All best wishes. 💐

[Amkoffee in reply to Jackoh]

Thank you. Honestly I'm hoping the neurologist decides I don't need it.

[Asbeck]

I have just posted a question about these "white spots" or abnormalities on the brain. My neuro type of MDs don't address these. Some of the stuff I've tried to read about the brain, talks about diseases but not GCA. Some articles focus on GCA and a rare side effect of a stroke. Some of the brain areas discussed from the two different view points coincide. I probably won't find out too much more for a while, maybe a year. But good luck. Mine are non specific periventricular, subcortical and corona radiata T2 FLAIR signal abnormalities. If you think that there is any similarity, please don't hesitate to post. But I'm no expert and very, very far away from understanding any of this. I am sending all good wishes your way.

[Amkoffee in reply to Asbeck]

Mine says... multiple focal, patchy and mildly confluent areas of high T2 signal white matter changes seen throughout the subcortical deep white matter, pons and periventricular regions of both cerebral hemispheres. And that is quite a mouthful. Like you it's way over my head trying to understand what it all means. I guess that's why neurologist get the big bucks. LOL! Actually I'm wondering if I'm having silent strokes which will cause these lesions. I have a history of 2 strokes already so it wouldn't be surprising if that's what's causing these lesions.

[Nextoneplease]

I’m sorry you have this worry Amkoffee and hope you can get some good advice soon xx