ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: JeWeL41 on February 25, 2008, 01:10:06 pm
-
Hi all,
I finally had a contrast mri today that I paid for privately. It lasted just over an hour and I was given the disc which I eventually managed to work and now I am really, really scared. The neuroradiologist was not there so will not see it and write his report til thursday. I've posted the pics on my frappr - I can definately see something in the right area but doesn't seem to be tiny or quite classis shape/position for AN.
Again I know that you are not medics or radiologists but this is something to worry about isn't it? I would be grateful to anyone who taked the time to look and comment. Thanks x
http://www.frappr.com/?a=myphotos&id=4872740
-
Hi Jewel41,
Try not to get too excited about looking at your MRI images. Let the professionals do their thing and interpret it for you. About all we can say for sure is that, yes, you have a brain :) . There are some enhancing (light colored) things on the MRI, which may or may not indicate some kind of problem. The cranial nerves themselves can also enhance with contrast. And the image "slices" are often slightly off kilter, meaning that the slice is not exactly across the head at a right angle, so you may see more of some nerve or other body on one side of the image than the other. I know it may be hard to do, but wait for the doctor's report on the MRI. Here's hoping for a good report.
Regards,
Rob
-
Thanks, I do appreciate your reassurance.
I'd still be grateful for any other views though.
-
Also, MRI images are extremely magnified. Please keep us posted.
-
JeWeL41:
Unfortunately, I cannot tell you one way or the other as to what your MRI scan is showing. Only a trained, licensed medical profession can do that. I know that isn't what you wanted to read, but it remains the reality. We could all take guesses, but that would simply muddy the waters, as it were, leaving you even more confused and apprehensive than ever. What's the good of that?
I suggest you try to relax a bit, don't entertain dark thoughts and simply wait until you have the neuroradiologist's report, which you should ask (demand, if necessary) be faxed to you or pick it up in person, to expedite the process. If there are any words in the report that you don't understand there are medical dictionary's available (for free) on the internet that can greatly assist you in understanding the wording in the report that may read like gibberish, in some instances. It isn't, really. If the MRI facility will only release the report to your physician, he can tell you over the telephone whether you have what medical professions usually call a vestibular schwannoma or what is usually called an AN (for acoustic neuroma).
In any case, I don't see any realistic way of accurately learning what the MRI actually showed unless you can locate a medical professional (radiologist, neurosurgeon) to read the scan and offer you a professional opinion. I really regret that we cannot do that. I wish we could, just to ease your mind or at least help you deal with the situation, should you actually have an AN tumor. I pray that you don't. Meanwhile, try to stay strong until Thursday and please stay connected with us. :)
Jim
-
Jewel please try not to worry there are many reason you could be seeing the enhanced images that you are. I in no way am qualified to give you an opinion one way or another. With this being said I had an MRI for some problems I have had lately and mine lite up all over the place which gave me the same sort of anxiety that you are having. As my son reminded me there is no need to worry until you have something to worry about. Out of the mouth of babes. I will be waiting to hear from you how you MRI is read by the neuroradiologist.
Just a thought who ordered the MRI and could they read it for you. I hope and pray everthing turns out fine. If this is not the case please do let us help you. That is what we are here for. Hundred of kisses to forehead. :-* :-* :-* 16
-
Thank you all. I know you are right, it is pointless worrying until i know. I'll contact the imaging centre again today to see if they can speed up the report. My mothers GP referred me for the scan so I'll call him too but I doubt he can read it as he's not a radiologist.
Your support is great :D
-
Something as simple as a sinus problem will show in an MRI. Hang in there for the official word.
-
Hi all,
well I have the scan report and it says 'There is no patholoigical enhancement following intravenous contrast' and everything appears normal so I guess I'm not in your club!!!!!!
There is no explanation of the obvious enhanced area on my scan, it is not even mentioned in the four-sentence report. I can't believe this bright white area in my left ear is not significant. I have asked to speak to the radiologist for a full explanation so hopefully that will be more illuminating.
I should feel reassured but I just want an explanation for my symptoms which are still really bad.
Good luck to you all and thanks for your support x
-
JeWeL,
I'm glad you got this news and wishing you continued wellness... and hoping you find the answers you seek sooner than later. Be well :)
Phyl
-
For your peace of mind, you might want to have a neurologist who's an expert at least in base skull tumors, if not acoustic neuromas, look at your DISK. I know that my AN team wants to look at my follow-up MRI DISK (...that is, not just the REPORT) because they see subtleties etc that a general radiologist might not see. I didn't say that very well -- radiologists will I think always notice something that's not right, but for your peace of mind, if it continues to bother you despite the radiologist's report, it might be worth getting a "second opinion" of the disk.
I notice you do have unilateral hearing loss. I asked the ENT before my first MRI, "What if no acoustic neuroma shows up; then what's the cause of my hearing loss?" And he said, "We probably would never figure it out." !! Just so you know that it can be unexplainable...
I had lots of what I thought were funny white spots ... and "holes" in my brain (!!) on my disk images ... that no one else has worried about .... Just so you know you're not alone!
Dana
-
I am so happy for you that it has not turned out to be an AN!!
Will you still take up your consultant appointment to find out what is making your symptoms worse?
It was very interesting looking at your brain!! How we connect on this site eh!
x
-
There is a definate disease entity known as sudden unexplained hearing loss. You did the correct thing in ruling out a AN
-
Thanks to you all.
Sam - Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss has been my diagnosis since November 2006 but I have symptoms that are getting worse, that are the same as AN and now a large bright spot on my MRI in that area which apparently means nothing. And still no appointment to see any specialist. I'm glad that it seems I don't have an AN of course but I am desperate to know what I do have.
I simply can't accept that there is no explanation and I don't want to have to live with this hearing loss, tinnitus, imbalance and constant discomfort for the rest of my life.
moan...moan...etc x
-
Did the Neuroradiologist read your MRI? You haven't post that it had been read so I was just wondering. Hang in there. 16
-
It has been read and reported by a Neuroradiologist but i have not spoken to him or anyone this is the WHOLE report...
'No focal intraparenchymal mass lesion identified. The brain appears structurally normal. An Acoustic Shwannoma has been excluded. No other cerebello-potine angle lesion demonstrated. The mastoid air cells and middle ear clefts appear normally aerated bilaterally. No skull base abnormality identified. There is no pathological enhancement following intravenous contrast.'
-
My initial response... YAY!!! NO AN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am also a firm believer in 2nd opinions... but this report sounds pretty definative and a neuroradiolist read...... I'm betting no AN...
we want you healthy. I know you need to conquer the issues that are affecting you... but when I saw your MRI.. and based on this report... FWIW.... my op.... no AN... that is fab news! :)
Waves of healthy wishes to you,
Phyl
-
Thanks Phyl I am feeling more reassured by the minute but why didn't he say what the bright area is? I want an answer and I would love it to be something along the lines of ...scar tissue due to viral infection then I could marry this with the hearing loss etc but for him not to even mention it is soooo frustrating. If the scan had enhanced the same on both sides I wouldn't still be worrying but it didn't.
Hopefully I will get to speak to him soon so he can tell me what that area actually is. If not I will pay a neuroradiologist to sit down with me and go through the scan...that just doesn't happen in the UK .A patient is not a person just a statistic on a conveyor belt.
-
booking our tix now for the UK.. .heck, I'll come read your films! :)
Hang tough!
Phyl
-
Phyl - you are a wonderful person x
-
nah, I'm just me!
Cheers hun! :) Save me some Jaffa Cakes, Cadbury Fruit/Nut and save me a slice of Mince pie! :)
Phyl and her cheeky bloke! :)
-
yummy!!! Well it's late here (11.22.p.m.) so goodnight and God bless, I think I'll sleep better tonight :D
-
night JeWeL... and be well.... sleep peacefully now....
(bugger, forgot to give her address so I can get my Cadbury!) ;)
Phyl
-
Jewel,
Congrats on not having an AN. You might like to hear a few phrases from the radiologist report on my MRI (from a well respected radiologist), regarding things other than the AN:
"There are one or two focal areas of white matter hyperintensity involving the subcortical and deep white matter of the cerebral hemispheres bilaterally. There
is an area of high signal within the white matter of the external capsule on the right."
Leading to the following conclusion:
"2. Minimal nonspecific white matter changes."
There is bound to be some of this sort of thing on any MRI. It takes training and practice to recognize the meaningful stuff. There is quite an effort, for instance, to find ways to reduce high signals in MRIs from fat deposits. You may just have some marbling. :)
I don't think you have exhausted the medical books just yet. Meniere's Disease, maybe? I just met someone with that, it has some similar symptoms, and shows nothing on an MRI. Or something else that might explain the balance issue, if not all the symptoms. There is bound to be some medication or treatment that will at least provide some relief, it will just take some patience and perseverance to find it.
Best wishes,
Steve
-
Menieres has been ruled out apparently but I don't know why.
I do hear what you are saying about the high signal areas but on my scan there is only one large high signal area through several slices in the inner audiditory canal on the left (correct) side just below the auditory nerves. There are no other areas of high signal and it has not been commented on. While it's not an AN it must surely be what was responsible for my Sudden Hearing Loss and the other symptoms - I just want to know what it is and the radiologist should have known that. However, he was only looking for AN and there wasn't one so no need for any more detail!!!!
-
Jewel41,
Congrates on not having an AN. We can all attest that you really don't want one :). Keep trying to find out what may be causing your symptoms. We can also attest that it can sometimes take some time to have a rare condition properly diagnosed. AN is often misdiagnosed for years or decades. Here's hoping that your symptoms go away soon. Or you at least find out the cause.
And thanks for being a science teacher :-* I get a kick out of sparking children's imaginations with science, whenever I get the chance.
Regards,
Rob
-
Phyl, as nice as Cadbury chocolate is we really are spoilt for choice on lovely choccie over here now!
J, again hope you don't have to wait too long for the specialist appt. or to speak to the Radio. person. Also, how did you get your MRI images off the disc - can't figure it out!
Thanks,
x
-
Phyl, as nice as Cadbury chocolate is we really are spoilt for choice on lovely choccie over here now!
Oh, trust me... I'll take the Thorntons as well! :) Phyl
-
Phyl, pm me your address and choccies may follow x
Esperenza, I opened the image and then was able to click file and save as. On the last set of scans the programme was dfferent and I could just right click on the image and then copy and paste - trial and error is the key. Older teenage kids are useful too!
The imaging centre called this morning and have said that the neuroradiologist does not speak to patients as he is too busy with court cases! (he is a paediatric neuroradiologist and does a lot of baby-shaking cases!)but a more specialised neuoradiologist will review my scan again next thursday and will try to explain the bright area. I've also found an old school friend is a radiologist (but not neuro) and she's going to have a look too.
Tinnitus, ache and 'golf ball' in my ear driving me bonkers today, but at least it's friday.
-
Jewel:
Slightly belated congratulations regarding the absence of an acoustic neuroma being evident on your MRI scan. I'm almost as curious as you are to learn what the 'bright area'(on the MRI scan) represents.
I'm truly sorry you're still suffering from AN-like symptoms. I trust that you'll soon find a physician who will be able to locate the real source and find a way to address it, so that you can be relieved of the tinnitus, aches and pains that bedevil you, which may actually be ear-related, and thus, quite treatable.
We appreciate your updates...keep them coming. :)
Jim
-
Thanks Jim, no doubt about the ear-related bit I've had the hearing loss for 16months now and use a hearing aid which helps to mask the tinnitus. Problem is that because I've been diagnosed as 'Idiopathic' I've been rather written off and assured that nothing can be done to treat me. I do take betahistine for dizziness and tinnitus and cocodamol for pain.
Incidentally, the reason I don't have Menieres is to do with the shape of my audiogram which slopes down from left to right (typical of AN) and not the other way which is typical for Menieres.
I must take this opportunity to thank everyone so much for your support, reassurance and kind words when I am feeling so low :)
-
Good for you for making sure someone explains the MRI to you. I think you deserve at least that. We will all be waiting for word on news of exactly what the bright spot is. I hope you have a great weekend! Hang in there and kisses to you forehead. :-* 16
-
Phyl, as nice as Cadbury chocolate is we really are spoilt for choice on lovely choccie over here now!
Oh, trust me... I'll take the Thorntons as well! :) Phyl
I am hopefully expecting a rather large box of Continentals for Mothers' Day tommorow - can I chuck you a couple over?!!
J, not sure what programme my MRI is on but I will have a play later... hope you are feeling bit better today - I have gradually felt worse too over the last couple of weeks, earache on and off, pressure's got worse and my hearing ear not too comfortable either at times - tinnitus seems to 'hiss' over to that side as well which is freaking me out! leaving me with generally feeling not quite well... it really is interfering with my life grr!
Hope you get some answers soon..
x
-
Hi Esperenza, forgot it was Mothers day tomorrow until my daughter told me to make sure I was home when she finished work. best get a card for my mum too! I'm trying to be really good and keep off the chocolates but after the gym last night I ate a family size bar of cadburys fruit and nut x ;D
-
I'm still waiting to see a consultant, hoping my GP will speed this up as I am now in my eigth day of spinning vertigo on top of everything else. The radiologist wrote to me yesterday to confirm that the white spot on my scan is a normal variant of the sigmoid and transvers sinus and not related to my problems. Looking through the CD again I was disappointed to find that there are only 2 slices through the auditory nerve on the enhanced scan. I've sent the scan to a specialist in France to look at too.
Any tips to reduce vertigo?, I'm on Stemitil having been on Betahistine since onset 17 months ago.
Happy easter to all. :)
-
jEwEl, did you try the vestibular movement/exercise I shared with you? Honestly, it may help! Hang tough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Phyl
-
yes I did thanks and it helped me to be able to lie down to sleep when I was really spinning. The rest of the time though I have more of a listing from side to side than actual spinning.
-
I was just wondering if you have had a blood count lately. Severe anemia can cause some of these symptoms.
-
Hi, no I haven't had a blood count since my sudden hearing loss but it was fine then. I don't think that I am anaemic but I suppose it is worth mentioning to ENT. I'm still waiting for the balance tests test and am just recovering from a week long bout of vertigo which made me drained and confused. I even had to walk with a stick this time and could not drive for several days. I've found a Menieres forum and I seem to fit in quite well there too!
-
Hi Jewel,
I don't know what you've got, but it sounds to me like they should just take out the balance nerve on that side anyway. I think you have had enough trouble with it.
Nice to hear from you. We don't mind if you defect over to the Menieres forum; we will still take you back when you realize that our forum is way better. ;)
Steve
-
Blimey, I'm light years from considering anything so radical! ;) I'll always check in with this forum because you have all helped me so much and you are all such an inspiration. Should be called up for my balance tests soon so I'll keep you posted. Best wishes to you all, Julie x