3 brain lesions and still no diagnosis

Hi, first time posting but I was wondering how much time should be left between MRI’s to check for lesions?

I had 3 massive virus attacks within 6 months back in 1990 which left me incredibly ill and was eventually diagnosed M.E. In 1992 my MRI was clear but in 1995 my MRI showed an ‘area of damage’ and there was a debate between the Docs as to whether it was ME or MS but my lead Consultant stuck with ME.

Roll on to present day where I am severely disabled with massive neurological damage generally following a relapse and remit pattern but basically deteriorating all of the time.

I had an MRI in December and after waiting for 3 months for a report the Consultant rang me this week to say I have 3 lesions. She presumes one is historical but has asked if I want YET another MRI … her words… she is so snide! The Radiologist has suggested to repeat the MRI with dye but she believes they are caused by viral damage (bearing in mind the viruses were in 1990 and the 1992 scan was clear!). After I told her I would not have another scan if there was no value to it she finally admitted repeating the scan would be of some value as they could establish if there was any change. She has put me back on the waiting list for another scan with dye but 3 months seems to be a very short period to be able to assess this.

Is a 3 month waiting period normal?

Many thanks!

Hi Jilly, How frustrating for you I bet you just want to scream. I had 2 MRIs in a short space of time - 3 months sounds about right. I was diagnosed with MS due to the changes in the second one. Hope it all works out well for you. Min xx

I am in a similar situation to you. I became ill in 2000 and was told it was a virus but i continued with symptoms and had a brain scan which was clear so i got a diagnosis of m.e too. I had a bad attack again 2009 and had another brain scan which was clear so it was put down as m.e again. 18 months ago i woke with bad vertigo etc so had another brain scan which showed about 5 lesions. I have had a lumbar puncture and evoke potential tests in the last 6 months which have came back normal so the neurologist doesnt want to see me for 12 months.