ANA Discussion Forum

General Category => AN Issues => Topic started by: clr on December 02, 2009, 07:35:19 pm

Title: Significantly deformed brainstem
Post by: clr on December 02, 2009, 07:35:19 pm

I was looking at my daughters cd's from the hospital. On her first MRI cd it says, "significant deformity of the brainstem and 4th ventricle."  I understand that her tumor was pressing on the brainstem. Does the brainstem correct itself back to normal once the tumor is removed or is it always going to be deformed?

Thanks,
Cindy

Title: Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
Post by: 4cm in Pacific Northwest on December 02, 2009, 08:07:06 pm

Quote from: clr on December 02, 2009, 07:35:19 pm

Does the brainstem correct itself back to normal once the tumor is removed or is it always going to be deformed?

YES! :)

My brain stem was in a letter "S" shape  before surgery ... a little straighter directly after the tumor removal... now 2+ year perfectly straight.  :)

It takes a while for the brain and brain stem to resume their regular shape after the tumor is removed ... but yes it does happen. In the 1st year I had all sorts of weird pings, snaps and whole body jolts going on ... maybe related to going back to shape. These hardly ever happen to me now.

Healing happens. It just takes a while with the brain and neurological stuff.

Happy healing wishes to your daughter!

DHM

Title: Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
Post by: clr on December 03, 2009, 05:27:50 am

Great! Thanks, DHM

Cindy

Title: Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
Post by: Jim Scott on December 03, 2009, 05:15:17 pm

Cindy ~

Although DHM positively responded to your query, I thought it might further encourage you to know that I also had a significantly deformed brainstem due to the size of my AN and I recovered from the surgery with no real deficits.  I've had numerous MRI scans since my surgery in 2006 and my neurosurgeon, who is both experienced and conservative in his approach to ANs, has never mentioned my brainstem placement.  As far as I know, everything is where it should be.  I'm confident that your daughter will be fine and her barinstem perfectly normal in no time at all.  :)

Jim

Title: Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
Post by: lori67 on December 04, 2009, 08:22:36 am

Yes for me, too.

Mine looked like a cents sign on my first MRI - looks like a nice straight line now though!   ;D

Lori

Title: Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
Post by: DR on December 05, 2009, 11:39:59 am

This is amazing.  I never knew the brain was so pliable (if that is the right word) and would go back to its original position.

The things I learn on this forum...  ;D

Title: Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
Post by: lori67 on December 05, 2009, 03:25:50 pm

Like a big blob of silly putty.  And some days it feels that way too!   :D

Lori