New diagnosed with MS

[Nicole]

I received MRI results that show -

"T2 signal is seen in the subcortical white matter of the anterior superior right frontal lobe and interior left frontal lobe. Several small T2 signal hyperintensities noted in the deep parietal white matter bilaterally with a 7mm, well-defined T2 signal hyperintensity perpendicular to the margin of the left ventricular atrium. Small T2 signal hyperintensity adjacent to the temporal horn of the left lateral ventricle is seen. Small 4mm oblong T2 signal hyperintensity is seen near the genu of the internal capsule on the right at the inferior margin. Another oblong, well-defined subcentimeter T2 signal hyperintensity is seen at the junction of the left cerebral peduncle and posterior limb of the internal capsule on the left."

IMPRESSION: Supratentorial white matter T2 signal hyperintensities are seen, most suggestive of demyelinating plaques.

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My doctor was kind but not very good at explaining much. He simpy gave me the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (last week) and then gave me a copy of the MRI report on the way out of the door. He told me I could still live a normal life but online research suggest differently.

I am only 31 with a great career and I am terrified.

My question is what are T2 signal hyperintensities? Are they the same as actual lesions? Seems like I have numerous ones (T2 signal hyperintensities).. and have had continous second attack symptoms (including memory issues, slurring, numbness, tingling, tremors) with no substantial break for the last 5 mos - does that mean the MS is possibly progressive? My intial symptoms began in 12/06-05/07 with occassional numbness and tingling (during physical activity only) in the legs and feet. I became pregnant and suffered no further issues until 12/07. The leg tingling then resumed along with new symptoms of cognitive issues, arm and facial tingling, tremors and slurring and these symptoms continue still, occuring intermittently throughout each week.

I have always had a not-so-great memory (since my early-twenties) but now, within the last five mos I have began experiencing "word finding" problems and short term memory issues like forgetting why I walked into a room or occassionally forgetting how to spell a complex word when typing. In short, does having mild cognitive dysfunction indicate the beginnings of brain atrophy? Unfortunately I have only had insurance coverage for 3 mos and I am afraid they will deny all claims related to this diagnosis since my symptoms begin 1.5 years ago. If that happens, are there programs available to cover the tremendous costs of the medication? Is Avonex best for treating cognitive dysfunction because my doctor recommended copaxone? Should I really seek a second opinion or would it just be a waste of my money (given my MRI results)? Any advice would be deeply appreciated.

[MG (Admin)]

Do you have the MRI in electronic form to attach some of the FLAIR pictures?

Have you had a lumbar puncture?

Please detail what exactly constituted an "attack"..how many have you had and when exactly?

You many want to look at the diagnostic criteria for MS published in annals of neurology.