Has anyone heard of rheumatoid arthritis putting lesions on your brain I am newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and currently taking methotrexate however a brain scan has shown lesions on my brain consistent with MS although I am being told rheumatoid arthritis could be responsible as well. Have issues with falling and my body going numb any kind of help would be greatly appreciated thank you
Hello Barb,
I'm sorry I have not heard of this before, but I'm sure someone will be able to help.
I also have issues with falling due to the arthritis and it's very scary when it happens so I really feel for you. Take care and I hope you get some answers soon. x
Hi Barb, so sorry to hear this, I am thinking as RA is an inflammatory condition if the inflammation is not under control then it could affect any synovial or connective tissue, maybe even the meninges of the brain. You should ask for some clarification of this with your rheumatologist sometimes numbness and falling issues can be drug related so its worth pursuing all of these possibilities. Thinking of you and hoping for the very best outcome.
People with RA can develop cerebral vasculitis which will cause typical lesions in the brain - but I don't know if they are similar to the ones caused by MS. And it usually only happens in patients who have had severe RA for a lomg time.
Really is something to discuss with your doctors.
Never read anything linking RA with brain- are you being referre to a neurologist? They can test for ms.
This is been a year-long quest to find out. I do talk to my doctors however they leave me confused every time. I'm currently going to Cleveland Clinic hospital to be diagnosed they are performing 3rd MRI of my brain along with nerve test and some tests on my brain they put it out there that it could be seizures. I have the falling issue I have problems with my speech, along with other issues. I don't have severe RA. I really don't have too many problems with it so I'm not sure where they're coming up with this. I know the spinal tap seems to be the last thing they want to do. I'm just ready for this to be over and for somebody to tell me what's wrong with me.
Yes I'm seeing my 3rd neurologist two of them just dismissed everything saying I had other issues but would not test me for MS now I'm going to the Cleveland Clinic in West Palm Beach Florida hoping to get a diagnosis finally but even there the lumbar puncture for the test seems to be the last thing they want to do. I just feel like I'm being treated like I don't know what I'm talking about or that I'm making things up and it bothers me because every time I tell them I fall and I can't feel my body they're trying to tell me it's because I get dizzy light headed and I fall and that's not at all what happens. I feel like nobody is listening to me.
That's just it I have not seen a rheumatologist yet that doesn't seem to have been the most important thing these doctors are making me stressed and not knowing what is going on with me like I said it's been a year I'm ready for this to be over and I'm not scheduled to see rheumatologist until March 2017. At this point I am willing to accept anything they tell me I do not want to have MS I do not want to have rheumatoid arthritis although I do I just want to know what's going on and if I'm having a nerve issue will that also explain the speech and the tremors And the pins and needles in my arms and legs my legs feel like they weigh 500 pounds so I'm just looking for some answers. The medication issue has been addressed we have changed my medication several times. Injections in my spine to make sure there is no inflammation and yet still I'm having the following issues. Thank you so much for the comments I really appreciate them it's nice knowing people still care about people.
Hang on - you are told it is RA you have but you haven't seen a rheumatologist? No - that's not right. It is rheumatologists who deal with vasculitis too usually, wherever it is.
I don't really know what to suggest though - unless you have someone who will go with you as an advocate to get them to listen to your concerns.
There is also an elecrical malfunction of the heart that causes fainting, as also does A fib. Low blood sugar and low potassium levels do as well. I have many white spots in my brain that I assume were from the many terrible headaches I'd have over the years. Getting the inflammation in your body under control should help with all this. Enbrel and Humera can have the side effect of developing ms but it resolves after stopping that medication. Currently I am on Orencia and rarely have headaches now. Sorry for the troubles and if the spinal tap shows nothing, get a full physical to rule out the other causes I listed above.
Are you seeing a neurologist? You definitely need to be seeing a neurologist.
Hi Barb
You have gotten some good advice here. Hang in there---that certainly is not easy. Cleveland clinics have a very good reputation so that is a big positive. Hope you can take someone with you to also listen to the medical advice You could also ask if you could record the doctor's comments on your phone. Bring your questions and a note pad for sure.
It is difficult with some doctors but try and get your point across about your signs/ symptoms and tell them you don't believe it is just the dizziness causing it
My thoughts and prayers are with you. It is especially difficult when you don't even know what the diagnosis is that they are trying to treat. Neuro certainly should be able to do correct testing to tell you if in fact you do have MS athough as with RA diagnosis can take time. You have been waiting a long time so I understand your frustration. Bless you!