As far as I have ever heard, Myalgia is properly viewed as a symptom description for muscle pain, not a disease entity in itself. This is one of the difficulties in terminology for Fibromyalgia sufferers and for others told they have some form of "polymyalgia". I think whoever used the term "trigeminal myalgia" probably meant "trigeminal neuralgia" which is a more discrete and defined process of nerve sensitization and inflammation.
Regards and best,
Red
This is great. But where can you find 7T scanners for clinical imaging? The highest I've worked with on patients is 3T. Did I miss something in the article or will 7Ts be around more? No matter what, it's great that there is some hope.
My impression is that the 7T scanner is a specialized piece of equipment not yet in general use outside research facilities. The following link confirms that impression. There were 35 of these scanners in the world at the time the link was published.
http://ocm.auburn.edu/featured_story/mri_dedication.html
Regards, Red
Oh my, I thought my neurotologist did surgery, no, if there is a finding he sends you to a neurosurgeon because it is brain surgery. I did get a finding on 3-D MRI for a blood vessel but not sure which nerve it is compressing. I see him again, and now I need to ask for a 3-D FIESTA for geniculate neuralgia. I do have problems with my hearing, some mild vertigo, tinnitus and I believe that is all he is concerned about, going for more testing for those issues. But my primary complaint is ear pain and he does not know where that is coming from. I will post this on the GN page too. The first specialist I saw was my neurosurgeon but he did not even want to do a brain MRI...I am in left field again, this is frustrating, how do I prove I think it is GN? I doubt my insurance will cover another MRI. Sharon
i just recently had spinal fusion c3 thru c6 and now i cant have an mri on my head and neck but i had a maligram done of my neck following the fusion can that be done for tn or is there another type of imaging that can better show the tn nerve region for me? my dr says that after 2 mvds and gamma knife that im now left with atypical facial pain but it feels the same to me. also the tn started and was treated on the right side but now is on the left side but isnt as bad as the right side...yet. advise please.
Ouchie... I think you may mean a "myelogram" If you have metal in your neck then I'd agree that MRI is generally not indicated. CAT scan may not have the resolution needed. Generally, however, I doubt that any form of imaging is terribly pertinent in making this type of decision after two MVD operations and a gamma knife. I'd say you are down to either some form of electro-stimulation or medications as your options. Dr Ken Casey, co-president of the TN Association Medical Advisory Board has had experience with stimulators (a couple of different varieties, I believe). He practices in Michigan and can be contacted by email at "Casey, Kenneth" <■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■>
Regards, Red
First I just want to state that I am NOT an expert nor can I give any medical diagnosis. Having said that, I am a registered MRI/CT Radiological Technologist with over 30 years of experience. I am also suffering from ATN and GPN. If anyone has any questions about the different test or how a MRI test is done; just post your questions.
Only a few teaching/research hospitals have a 7T MRI scanner. They are not very many across the country yet. The problem with 7T scanners are they produce so much heat for the patient.So people are unable to tolerate it. But he higher the Tesla the more detailed the image. If possible have your Brain MRI done on a 3T and never on a open MRI. Open MRI's are not detailed enough. It is used for patients with severe claustrophobia and doctors look at the test as better than nothing. Same your money, it will not diagnosis TN.
T1-, T2-, diffusion and PD weighted sequences are normal for any MRI scan, no matter what area is imaged.
FIESTA sequences is just a name brand. Like a Chevy or a Ford, their still cars.
A 3-D sequence is called an MRA and is for the arterial imaging of the brain. It is always done from the Circle of Willis to the 2nd cervical vertebra. That is the middle of the brain, through the base of the skull. It is a routine sequence. It is specifically ordered by a neurologist/neurosurgeon for evaluating strokes, brain aneurysm or any skull based vascular problems.
Bump for an interesting thread.