MS and lesions on the brain Posted: 02-08-08 13:53pm
I went in because of the migraines but
also some occasional pressure in the back
of my skull and dizzy spells. I have lost
my vision twice for just a few seconds and
the episodes were at least a year apart. I
have a strong family history of MS but no
real symptoms. Because of the spinal
results and lack of findings in CTA the
doctor is leaning towards and MS
diagnosis. I know migraines can cause
lesions on the brain so maybe they aren't
MS lesions. I am wondering if the fungal
infection and/or herpes could have
affected the results of my spinal tap or
blood work. My doctor seems to be at a
loss of what to do or where to go with
this. We haven't found a cause for the
symtoms I went in with and I don't want to
be quick to write this off as possible MS
if there is a chance something is being
overlooked. My doctor never mentioned the
fungus or herpes so I really don't know
what to think about the affect they have
on anything. HELP please.
Current medical status: MRI head w/
contrast found a few lesions, MRI neck,
mild degenerative change in mid cervical
spine and focal small left disc protrusion
3. CTA negative for vasculitis 4. spinal
tap- oligoclonal bands high at 11, IgG
syntheses rate elevated, 18.78, IgG index
indicated at 1.27. melin basic protein
normal at 0.6. Pressure mildly elvevated
at 22 cm of water. 5. blood work- AST-low,
WBC-high, Abs. Neutrophil-high, ESR-high,
FANA-slightly elevated at 1.2. VDRL
negative. Nail fungus on 2 tonails and
positive genital herpes
Current medical treatment: Topomax 50 mg
twice daily for migraines, imitrex as
needed. wellbutrin 150 mg, twice daily and
multi vitamin. I see a chiropractor for
help with migraines.
Migraines don't cause brain lesions. The
causes of a migraine are unknown. Brain
lesions are not present in cases of
migraines. Fungi and herpes can cause a
brain infection but only in people with a
compromised immune system (such as during
case of AIDS, leukemia etc.).
Further, blood vessel inflammation
(vasculitis) is not present during
multiple sclerosis (MS); rather,
inflammation of the nerve tracts in the
white substance of the brain occur. The
myelin coverings of the nerves and nerve
tracts’ in the brain and spine are
attacked in a process called
demyelinisation. Glial cells or neuroglia
accumulate in the places with nerve
damage, also called plaques. Plaques can
be seen using a CT-scan or MRI.
According to your positive MRI-report,
positive serological reports (high
oligoclonal band and elevated
IgG-production in the liquor) and strong
family history of MS you could be
experiencing multiple sclerosis (MS).
Symptoms of the disease can vary, so we
can’t always rely on them. You can
consult a neurologist for further help.
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