Diabetes and now possibly MS?

I usually spend most of my time on the lyme disease forum about myself, but today I have concern about my 26yr old daughter. She's been trying to determine what's going on with her lately and today received her brain MRI results:

"a few non-specific foci of white matter signal alteration . . . one subcortically measuring a few millimeters in the anterior left frontal lobe"

"a slightly linear area is also seen in the right front white matter near the callosal septal interface at the level of the body of the ventricle" - "seen on FLAIR but not axial . . .likely related to volume averaging effects"

and finally "the one which is linear and perpendicular to the callosal septal interface as can be sometimes seen in early demyelination. Clinical correlation suggested."

She has had Type 1 diabetes since age 8 - now 26. Lately she has been having her blood sugars go out of control and bi-lateral, whole body like symptoms:

- knee pain in both knees
- skin stiffness feelings on her hands, feet and face
- hands turning purple
- perceived facial numbness
- trembling in both hands
- headaches for months
- low grade fevers
- frequent urination
- vision issues with eyes / tunnel-like - like things don't look right she explains)

These symptoms come on all at once, last for a day or less and then go away for a day or two. The frequency seems to be increasing of late. We thought for sure most of this was anxiety-related, as on one of her worst days she took a 1/2 valium given her and magically a lot of her symptoms cleared. She had a couple good days after that. She has historically suffered from anxiety and self-esteem issues, and did self-harm by banging her head. about one year ago, the final time she hit her head, she actually gave herself a concussion.

So we were thinking anxiety or maybe she damaged her head from the previous traumas, but the MRI shows nothing like that. I would not suspect MS due to the bilateral presentation of symptoms and the multiple areas that are simultaneously involved, but I think her doctor mentioned it as a possibility. She is being referred to a neurologist.

Does this makes sense to anyone on this forum, rule anything in or out, and should we be worried she has another chronic illness to deal with on top of diabetes?

Thanks for any feedback.

Hi mudshark.

The MRI and report is a diagnostic tool but not a diagnosis, that is why the report says "Clinical correlation suggested."

Blood work is to rule in/out other conditions that can mimic Multiple Sclerosis. There is no blood test that would indicate MS including a positive ANA. A Rheumatologist could be a specialist a Dr. might refer her to. Some of the conditions Rheumatologist's treat can cause brain lesions and the ANA blood test helps in diagnosing some of them.

There is no symptom exclusive to MS, many other conditions, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, some medications and mental health issues can cause symptoms similar to MS.

It is very possible to have bilateral symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis but usually this is due to spinal cord involvement. When she took valium and alot of her symptoms resolved it's very possible those symptoms are anxiety based, however, Valium can help with symptoms that have nothing to do with anxiety.

If your daughter has not seen a Ophthalmologist for an eye exam and to discuss the vision problem I would suggest she do so.

I hope her Neurology appointment goes well. Take care.

Type 1 Diabetes and celiac disease are strongly linked. The symptoms you described could easily be attributed to celiac disease. Celiac disease is systemic. It does not always cause GI symptoms. It can wreak havoc with your brain and nervous system. It can produce white matter in MRI’s. Celiac disease can cause severe anxiety as well, not to mention maintains good glucose levels. Please consider a simple blood test to check for antibodies. Ask for the entire panel and the screening TTG test does not catch all celiacs but is easier on the insurance company’s pocketbook.

http://www.cureceliacdisease.org/screening/

https://beyondtype1.org/celiac-disease/

https://celiac.org/about-the-foundation/featured-news/2012/09/brain-abnormalities-common-in-celiac-disease-patients/

I hope this helps!