Health
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6034
posted
Hi everyone,
I had a brain cat scan done at emergency about 2 years ago, nothing was found. I went back on antibiotics and things started to get better again.
I am in Canada, and my GP, my own General practioner had suggested a MRI. He is not against the LLMD I see, but hs is not all for him either, he would be all for him if he saw more improvements in me.
I am still working with LLMD, and on Rifampin, but if this does not go well, I may have to see another LLMD in the USA.
I would think? the LLMD in the USA would want a MRI? I also was very concerned because I cannot read instructions to play a computer game, I cannot process information if someone
is telling me to do something, and I would never be able to work if my brain STAYS like this.
I was not like this before, in lyme treatment, and I am not sure if my brain could be like this from Bartonella, or maybe I need the IV
for lyme. I know on tetracycline my brain got worse. I am now on Rifampin because of marks on my body that may be the typical Bart Rash.
I am going to ask the LLMD later, but it is the weekend and I thought I would ask you people.
What would a MRI tell me, does it let you know about PERMANENT brain damage? or just areas of the brain that are not functioning?
I have to deal with this, and my brain was getting better actually but now it is not, it is getting worse.
I had a very well functioning brain, and memory about 10 years ago, I want it back. I also have personality changes, I can recognize them, I read things I wrote the day before and
it is not me sometimes. Does this show on MRI? does depression?
Trish
Posts: 1250 | From Canada | Registered: Aug 2004
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I had an MRI two years ago that confirmed 9 white matter lesions - UBOs, after the ER ct was normal. The nuerologists that saw me told me I was fine and sent me to a shrink.
The nuerologist that read the scan did indicate that the UBOs were consistent with lyme disease. About two months later my GP started abx and I started to get better.
My nuero symptoms were bad. I still have some and times that are hard to deal with but not like then. Nearly 2 years of abx later I am certain it is lyme and babesia, at least.
I imagine the lesions still exist but I don't worry much. I still think I am slowly getting better.
Doxy, high dose did wonders but got to hard on my stomach. I would like to do it IV some time but never in the summer.
Rocephin was awesome, six months and I was skipping again. thought about the MRI and having another, but the I moved into coinfection world and haven't thought much about the MRI. I will probably be treating lyme again too.
I am now treating WA1 and that has its up and downs. I have really good days, just wish they were all like that.
As for the MRI, it may not show anything or it may show lesions. It may make them thing about an alternate diagnosis too. Especially if the abx aren't working for you. I hope they are.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.
Mike
Posts: 87 | From Yorktown VA USA | Registered: Jul 2005
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An MRI will not answer your questions. MRI's are used to detect tumors and strokes and possibly MS. Not very good for Lyme diagnosis. Even if you have white matter lesions (many Lymies do -- including hubby) the MRI will not tell you how those lesions are affecting you. With adequate treatment for tick-borne diseases the white matter lesions can go away in Lymies -- there is no way to predict if the lesions are temporary or permanent.
Functional brain problems like you describe would be better diagnosed with a SPECT scan. A SPECT scan is a much better test for Lymies -- will show if there is cerebral vasculitis (brain inflammation) and/or hypoperfusion (low oxygen levels in the brain). With treatment a future repeat SPECT scan should show improvement.
I read somewhere that if someone has brain lesions on an MRI that a SPECT will show an even larger area of dysfunction. Hubby is still arguing with insurance to get approval for a SPECT so can't compare the 2 tests for him.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 773
posted
MRI AND MRA maybe informative as well as a SPECT scan.
The brain can heal itself...it takes time, but it is possible.
posted
I personally would absolutely have it done, and I have. It shows far more than a CAT scan. It shows MS lesions and other things. I think everyone with neuro symptoms should have one. IMO, all bases should be covered.
Patti
Posts: 340 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
There's no radiation in MRI's. I've had a bunch of them without any problem. CAT scans cause a fairy high level of radiation exposure.
Posts: 340 | From Ohio | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
Thanks for info/websites. I wish we could start a "Save the Brain Foundation".
Posts: 233 | From United States | Registered: Oct 2006
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