MRI Results concern

Symptoms and treatments
1

Hello everyone :blush:

I had a diagnosis of RIS Feb this year following incidental finding on MRI scan due to hearing loss (not related to MS). My neurologist was reassured after seeing me, however said the brain lesions (nothing on spine) were likely due to RIS., and advised me to register with local neurology team after I move areas. I have no real symptoms; some feet tingling and a bit in my hand that she wasn’t concerned about as likely to be nerve damage following an injury (shoulder) and I cross my legs a lot! She arranged a further MRI with contrast and I had this end of July this year. I’ve just had my results back that said ‘I’m pleased to advise your scan shows no changes and it’s stable . I am very reassured’ she advised me to register with a GP when I move and speak to them if ‘you have concerns’. While I am super relieved I still feel a bit confused. I have undiagnosed ADHD most likely and severe anxiety. I have recently lost my sense of smell and taste following a chest infection that my GP thinks could have been COVID.. I know loss of smell is a symptom of MS and I am back to worrying and hyper focusing on this despite the positive letter.

Sorry for her waffle. Any thoughts would be very welcome :folded_hands: I have emailed neurologist to ask if the diagnosis is still RIS or could lesions be due to migraine I’ve had for 30 Years

Thank you Becky x

2

Hi Becky @rebeccamckenna2 . I think I would take the letter as good news. I know it’s hard not to worry but from what I know and have been able to read loss of smell can be a symptom of MS but it’s usually something that develops later on - i.e not an early symptom nor one that occurs in the absence of other symptoms!

Try not to worry and ‘hyper focus’ on every unexplained symptom- colds, flu and especially Covid all result in temporary loss or changes in the sense of smell and taste.

Quite coincidental but I’m currently reading ‘The Chimp Paradox’ by Professor Steve Peters which is basically about managing that part of our brain that drives basic emotions (the chimp- animal drives including fear and insecurity) and which can/ often swamps out the more rational ‘human part of us’ . Worth having a look at

2 Likes
3

Hello & thank you for taking the time to respond, most kind :blush:

You’re right of course, I do tend to hyper focus and mostly on unhealthy things.

That sounds like an interesting read, thanks, I’ll take a look.

I’ve since received a letter from my neurologist in response to my million questions.. :sweat_smile: she’s reassured me, advising to try not to worry and get on with my life, really. Saying the diagnosis is still RIS, however as no changes since last scan, it’s positive. All that I can hope for I guess. I am also looking at being a part of some trials relating to RIS; this might just be them looking at my scans or drug trials. We’ll see.

thank you again

Becky :laughing: