Wednesday, July 18, 2012 caren asks

Q: Does ms only affect a certian part of the brain? Or can any part of the brain be affected??

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Answers (2)

Vicki, Health Guide

7/22/12 9:48am

Hi Caren,

As I understand it, a lesion can form in any area of the brain. The number of lesions and which area of the brain they are differs with each MSer. This is the reason each person may have a set of symptoms different from other MSers.

Have a chat with your doctor to gain more insight on this topic. I hope this short answer was helpful.

caren

7/22/12 12:21pm

Thank you. My neuro told me my lesions are in a part of the brain that ms lesions don't occur. I have seen 7 neuros and nobody knows whats wrong with me because all my tests came back negative. the only thing showing up positive are the lesions on my brain and my cervical spine.

Thanks for your answer

Vicki, Health Guide

7/22/12 11:32pm

Any time.

I have had MS about 30 years now, and have been writing about it about half of this century (that's only six years). I started with Disaboom advocating for disabiity, then moved to Health Central as a health guide for multiple Sclerosis.

I have not heard of a section of the brain immune to MS. However, I am not a neurologist. I do know there are many conditions ans diseases that mimic MS. There are so many things that are still unknown, and new discoveries are announced each year. These last two decades have produced so much new information.

AGSerra1

8/ 2/12 4:38pm

You have MS. I don't know who or what tests your doctors are doing aside from MRI's but you have MS.

Educate yourself now. Be your own advocate as I have yet to find any two people who have MS to have had an easy diagnosis or their MS to be exactly the same.

caren

8/ 3/12 3:59am

Hi,

I did do research and everything points to ms. My neuro ruled out all the diseases that mimic ms. They thought 'I was dying from ALS they ruled that out. My neuro says it's not ms cuz I don't have anything else like the eye symptoms of ms and my spinal taps were negative. The only thing I have of ms is lesions. If it is ms I'm really bad. I'm back and forth in and out of the wheelchair. I have episodes where i can't move at all. I even had what they call the ms hug. My drs say thats just muscle spasms. I have seen 7 neuros Only one said we can't rule out ms. My neuro said I don't need a neuro I need an orthopedic surgeon, because of my henriated discs in my neck. I don't know anymore. this has been going on for 6 yrs. I can't get any help. Thanks for your answer. and yes the hot and cold affect me also.

Suz

8/23/12 3:47pm

For some reason I got back on today to look at this site. I'm now seeking my 4th neuro opinion in sept. Your story mimics mine closely. I only have lesions - not a huge load - only 5. one large annoying one on the cerbellum that causes issues with balance and eyesight and worsens my symptons at times. I also have negative spinal and no optic neuritis. 4 years since my 1st MRI. I now have tingling that is worsening in left side of body (leg and arms) and flucuatling symptons and struggling for years now. Pain in my legs at times is unbearable and ice packs are the only thing that truly helps. They have not given me an answer or dx either even tho 'everything' else has been ruled out. My life is completely changed and i have not received any input from any doctor that make any type of logical sense. I'm sorry you're in the same spot - So this new neuro is not a specific MS specialist this time since that got me nowhere. Maybe (praying) this doctor will be able to shed light on my daily struggles. I hope you find help too. Keep going to different doctors until you find the jewel who can help. That's the advise i received. As difficult at times as it can be to keep going to seek new opinions, it's up to us as the patient to seek our help and find the answers we deserve.

caren

8/23/12 4:42pm

Hi!

Thank you for your input. It is rediculous! Dr after Dr and nobdy knows anything.

I am going to a spine surgeon to see if my spine has anything to do with my walking problems. I hate not being able to walk! This is crazy! I was told if you have brain lesions and spine lesions then it is ms. But who knows anymore?? I do have both. I think it's sad people have to suffer because we can't get a diagnosis. I wish you the best! I hope you get your diagnosis. Please fill me in if you have any new info and on your updates. Thanks again

Caren

AGSerra1

8/ 2/12 4:36pm

The answer is it can affect all of the brain .. It was long thought that MS only affected certain areas of the brain but in the last few years my MRI's showed the MS affecting the Gray Matter.

My nuerologist confirmed this by do a Spectroscopy showing that indeed my MS was affecting the gray matter causing brain cells to die. I believe that this is important for MS patients to know and understand.

I have a slow progressive form of MS. Outwardly my gait was slightly affected and with the use of a cane I could walk. It also affected my muscles with much pain causing me to see a rheumotologist back in 2002 as there was no connection then with MS pain.

It also caused me to have memory loss in short term but my long term memory has yet o be affected. In 2011 I finally began treatment with Copaxone. I don't know if it is working. In the 12 years I have my MS I have had 3 relapses.

The third while on Copaxone. It came quicker but also left quicker leaving me with some fatigue and headaches. I believe that none of the medications do slow progression. I believe that MS is going to run it's course.

Those I know with MS have progressed very quickly when on these Meds and that they cannot "trick" this disease and may be more harmful than good. My first relapse came 5 years after I was diagnosed. The second 4.5 years and the third just this past month.

I believe it is heat that causes the flare ups. Stress is a huge factor as well. But the subject of affecting the gray matter for me is of concern. I can strengthen muscles. Eat right. Rest. Take medications for all symptoms BUT the loss of brain cells is yet to be determined. Simply cannot produce more brain cells.

Q: Does ms only affect a certian part of the brain? Or can any part of the brain be affected??

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