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What Does This MRI Report Indicate?
Question: Seriously worried about MS. I have attached an MRI report of my lower spine.
After an MRI of my head which showed no abnormalities (aside from sinus polyps and severe allergies) I have been continuing to suffer symptoms, specifically dizziness when walking and (in recent months) significant urinary symptoms which are currently under investigation by a urologist. I had a urine flow study which showed a reduced urine flow and am due to have a cystoscope procedure to see what is causing the lower pelvic pain and reduced flow of urine (with leakage).
I had an MRI of my lower back which showed degeneration (see attached) could this cause these problems???
I want a lumbar puncture as after some research this seems like a good option to enable me to see if there is an underlying cause of see symptoms which are now making me quite anxious as they have gone on for a significant length of Time. My neurologist doesnt think i should have one.
Could the allergies cause dizziness? Can Ms be causing the pelvic pain and reduced urine flow. I feel like I have so many symptoms and I know it's MS but I've had two brain MRIs in three years showing no lesions or any sign of MS. Should i demand a cervical spine MRI and lumbar puncture?
After an MRI of my head which showed no abnormalities (aside from sinus polyps and severe allergies) I have been continuing to suffer symptoms, specifically dizziness when walking and (in recent months) significant urinary symptoms which are currently under investigation by a urologist. I had a urine flow study which showed a reduced urine flow and am due to have a cystoscope procedure to see what is causing the lower pelvic pain and reduced flow of urine (with leakage).
I had an MRI of my lower back which showed degeneration (see attached) could this cause these problems???
I want a lumbar puncture as after some research this seems like a good option to enable me to see if there is an underlying cause of see symptoms which are now making me quite anxious as they have gone on for a significant length of Time. My neurologist doesnt think i should have one.
Could the allergies cause dizziness? Can Ms be causing the pelvic pain and reduced urine flow. I feel like I have so many symptoms and I know it's MS but I've had two brain MRIs in three years showing no lesions or any sign of MS. Should i demand a cervical spine MRI and lumbar puncture?
Brief Answer:
MS unlikely, you should wait for Urologist results.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
I examinated the MRI report too.
Multiple sclerosis seems to be not the condition that is causing your symptoms.
This for two reasons:
1. symptoms you refer you are experiencing are not the typical MS symptoms. MS symptoms include numbness or weakness in one limb or in one side of the body, vision problems, coordination problems and gait difficulties, fatigue, dizziness, speech problems, bowel and bladder problems.
Those symptoms show a relapsing/remitting character in time.
2. MRI findings do not support this condition (MS). In the actual MRI report is specified that there was done a whole spine MRI that, I assume, included cervical spine, so, there is no need to rush for a new one.
In my opinion, you should wait first for the results of Urologist evaluation about the urinary symptoms.
Dizziness can be related to several conditions besides MS that include middle and inner ear disfunction, anemia, stress and anxiety disorder, sinusitis, etc.
In conclusion, if your Urologist after the evaluation doubts about urinary problems to be related to neurologic conditions and didn't found a urinary system or pelvic condition, after that could be discussed further neurologic investigations.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
MS unlikely, you should wait for Urologist results.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your query and understand your concerns.
I examinated the MRI report too.
Multiple sclerosis seems to be not the condition that is causing your symptoms.
This for two reasons:
1. symptoms you refer you are experiencing are not the typical MS symptoms. MS symptoms include numbness or weakness in one limb or in one side of the body, vision problems, coordination problems and gait difficulties, fatigue, dizziness, speech problems, bowel and bladder problems.
Those symptoms show a relapsing/remitting character in time.
2. MRI findings do not support this condition (MS). In the actual MRI report is specified that there was done a whole spine MRI that, I assume, included cervical spine, so, there is no need to rush for a new one.
In my opinion, you should wait first for the results of Urologist evaluation about the urinary symptoms.
Dizziness can be related to several conditions besides MS that include middle and inner ear disfunction, anemia, stress and anxiety disorder, sinusitis, etc.
In conclusion, if your Urologist after the evaluation doubts about urinary problems to be related to neurologic conditions and didn't found a urinary system or pelvic condition, after that could be discussed further neurologic investigations.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
The whole spine MRI was completed in 2012. Would that need repeating or should I wait? I am specifically concerned about primary progressive MS. You are very helpful
Brief Answer:
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
Only a small number of people experience primary MS progression, or gradual and steady onset.
However, symptoms are those mentioned before, not only dizziness and urinary problems.
I still think you should wait for Urologist conclusions, if there will be raised doubts about neurologic bladder disfunction, after that could be discussed about further evaluation.
MRI findings of the lumbosacral spine don't justify the urinary and pelvic problems.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Follow up.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXXXXX
Only a small number of people experience primary MS progression, or gradual and steady onset.
However, symptoms are those mentioned before, not only dizziness and urinary problems.
I still think you should wait for Urologist conclusions, if there will be raised doubts about neurologic bladder disfunction, after that could be discussed about further evaluation.
MRI findings of the lumbosacral spine don't justify the urinary and pelvic problems.
Hope this helps.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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