I have read that TN is often caused by an artery pressing on the nerve . Is this easily seen on an MRI? I got a copy of my MRI report to take withme, along with the disc of the MRI itself, to the new neurologist I will see in June. The report says everything is normal. I don’ t have a lot of faith in the radiologist who wrote the report though. He states that all my cervical vertebrae are intact. The back of my first two vertebrae were removed in 2003 during decompression surgery for a Chiari Malformation.
Thanks
Christine
Compressions easily seen? No, not always. You may need a special MRI called FIESTA, or an Angiogram. And even with this type of imaging, a lot of compressions are still missed until revealed during the exploratory stages of an MVD.
From the errors you note in the report you have, getting a second opinion was definitely a good idea. Do let us know what you learn in June.
Regards, Red
Christine, empathy on this. The radiologist sounds suspect to say the least. I have read so many profiles of members here and can tell you that so many other members say just the same thing as you. For some it’s an open and shut case, for others like you and me it is not so obvious.
Agree with Richard. In 30% of cases it doesn't show any compressions, when they actually are. As one of the surgeons told me : "You can only see it, when you cut it open".
Thank you all for your replies. I will let you know how it goes with the appoint ment in June.
Annable, if you have a particular literature reference for the 30% figure, I'd like to read it. I've heard various estimates, most of them a little lower. But I can well believe the 30%, if I can just find an authoritative source for it.
Regards, Red
annable said:
Agree with Richard. In 30% of cases it doesn't show any compressions, when they actually are. As one of the surgeons told me : "You can only see it, when you cut it open".
Hi Richard. I'll try to find where did I read that. But I can remember exactly whose quote it was. This belongs to him