got my brain spect results back and it reads "mildly decreased activity in the right temporal lobe. there is question of a tiny right front-parietal perfusion defect. no other perfusion defects are detected"
goes on to read "IMPRESSION - mild right temporal hyperperfusion with a probable tiny focal right front-parietal perfusion defect".
i have been on abx for 5 weeks and just had the spect scan done. I was feeling better since beginning treatment but after getting this result I am very concerned and confused.
is this a common finding for chronic lyme patients and can it be reversed? I'm hoping for some positive/encouraging comments.
thanks
Posted by riversinger (Member # 4851) on :
It sounds like this is a fairly small amount of damage. It is common to have hypoperfusion (low levels of blood flow) in many areas of the brain. It is typical of Lyme to have what they call global hypoperfusion. Global means it is everywhere.
You only have two areas, so this IS good news.
My well known LLMD told me that he expects to see changes in the SPECT six months after treating. It takes time for the brain to heal. So five weeks of treatment just isn't enough time to show the full healing that could happen.
Posted by Michelle M (Member # 7200) on :
Dr. D., who writes and researches and does much for Lyme, estimates that 75% of lyme patients have demonstrable hypoperfusion on SPECT.
This is an impressive statistic since the number with positive MRI's is much smaller.
However, take heart -- much of it is reversible with treatment and tenacity!
Those brain cobwebs will clear!
Michelle
Michelle
Posted by Mo (Member # 2863) on :
If it makes ya feel any better, mine was moderate-severe and more wide spread -
My son's was off the charts severe - one of the worst documented in LL experience..
Like any other organ, the brain can heal but it takes time to regenerate cells, caplilaries and blood flow..