Do MS patients often develop osteoporosis?

Question:
I have 2 questions after receiving results of my yearly MRI's and my first Dexa Scan. 

Question #1 Is it often seen that MS patients develop pretty severe Osteoporosis? I recently had the first Dexa Scan I've done and the findings show Lumbar Spine T-Score -1.9 and 0.0838 gm/cm Bone mineral density, and Left Femoral Neck T-Score of -3.4 and 0.473 gm/cm Bone Mineral Density results showing Osteoporosis which I was given Fosamax to treat. 

Question #2 Are hemangioma and meningioma the same issues?  Are they considered "not a concern, an incidental finding?" When would they be a concern?  Is this something that neurology follows?  In the MRI Cervical Spine w/without contrast they found:Enhancing Hemangioma @ T1 Vertebral Body and Broad Based Protrusion at C6-C7. In the brain MRI findings: small area of developmental venous anomaly or capillary telangiectasia. I have often been told I have a Meningioma in the R Front Lobe that is very small and appears calcified. 

Answer:
Osteoporosis is seen in MS and may be related to several indirect causes of the disease.  Bone strength and density is responsive to stress (ie, weight bearing) as well as adequate calcium intake and vitamin D.  MS can lead to less physical activity (ie, less weight bearing) and spending more time indoors and out of the sunlight (resulting in deficient vitamin D).  Moreover, some medications used
for symptomatic treatment of MS can also lead to thinning of the bones.  Simple ways to help mitigate those possible effects is to supplement with vitamin D3, calcium, and exercise (under your
physician's supervision).  

Fosamax, as you have been treated with, can also be used in the right circumstances.  Of course, there are other medical reasons for osteoporosis, and this is best investigated/treated by your primary care physician.

For your second question, vertebral body hemangiomas are benign and not uncommonly seen on imaging for MS.  Also, a develop venous anomaly is an incidental congenital finding.  Meningiomas are most commonly benign growths of the meninges (or covering of the brain).  Small meningiomas are typically asymptomatic and are monitored over time using MRI.  Most of the time, nothing needs to be done about them.

Your neurologist can monitor this (if it is even necessary based on your circumstances).
Hope this helps.

A. Scott Nielsen MD MMSc
Virginia Mason Multiple Sclerosis Center