Possible AN. MRI in 2 weeks

[joey1434]

Hi Everyone - sorry this is long winded. Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

A week and ahalf ago I had started walking to the left in the shopping centre -( thank goodness there was a wall that stopped me falling over completely) I stood there for awhile and felt quite disorientated - I cant be sure if my hearing was impaired or if it was a shock thing - everthing sounded slightly muffled and it almost felt as if my legs werent mine for the rest of the day. One side of my face felt heavy and strange. I was pretty dizzy,  the floor for the next few hours seemed to slope downwards and I felt very washed out. I have been dizzy on and off since then usually worse as the day goes on. .

Went to the dr who sent me for a CT scan (my mum died at 48 of a stroke) no indication of infarct howerver the rest of the scan says 'on bone windows through the posterior fossa, there is a slight asymmetry in the appearance of the internal auditory canal on the left compared to the right, the left measuring 6 compared to 3.5mm on the right. I suspect this simply represents asymmentry of the internal auditory canals, but in this context this does raise the possibility of a small intracanalicular tumour. MRI recommended'. My dr has referred me to an ENT specialist which I couldnt get an appt for 4 weeks and 3 weeks for the MRI.

The other symptoms I experience is headaches (mainly on the back of my head), tinnitis both sided(manageable), slightly nauseas- much like travel sickness (as the day goes on), fairly fatigued by lunchtime, and tingling feeling ontop of my head and face. I also experience floaters in my eyes which drives me nuts. The ENT specialist is only going on the stroke history - does anyone think its necessary to give him a call to discuss these other symptoms?

My hearing seems fine.

Thanks for 'listening' - it certainly is all a bit overwhelming atm

[PaulW]

It could be lots of things, other than an AN, and the chances are it won't be an AN.
There are lots of things like an infection or virus, that can cause similar symptoms too.
The most common first symptom is single sided hearing loss.
My AN was first suspected by a CT Scan, through slight thickening of the wall of the IAC. It was proven by the MRI.
The good news is if you do have an AN it is still small, which gives you lots of time and options.
Good luck with the ENT and MRI.
Certainly worth talking about all of your symptoms with your ENT as they could be related..
He probably won't be able to help you with the floaters though...
Many floaters do go away with time..

[Jim Scott]

Hi, Joey ~

I'm sorry you're experiencing these problems but as Paul stated, although many of them mirror AN symptoms, the fact that your hearing is unaffected makes an AN diagnosis less likely, although not out of the question as some AN patients do not lose significant hearing, pre-diagnosis.  However, it's pretty obvious that something is wrong.  The scheduled MRI scan will rule an acoustic neuroma in or out - and it should be definitive.  Until then, I would try not to fret and yes, I would suggest mentioning the possibility of an AN when you have your next consultation with your doctor.  Please try to return and let us know what the MRI says.  Thanks.

Jim

[joey1434]

Thank you for your replies. Fingers crossed its nothing major.... 
I was just talking to Dad on the phone and he reminded me that about 8-9 years ago was when the headaches began (I've somehow come to tolerate them) I had an MRI and he seems to remember a diagnosis of a small benign tumor - All I remember was being told it was nothing to worry about but it should be monitored every few years. I am kicking myself for not remembering something so important. I have torn the place apart and of course the MRI is the ONLY medical report I cant find. It was just after my mum died suddenly of a massive stroke at 48yrs... maybe I just had too much other stuff on my mind....
I am also having problems with concentration and memory loss... Really kicking myself now! I am too frightened to drive and wont go anywhere on my own.
All these syptoms seemed to minor to worry about until after the acute vertigo episode nearly 2 weeks ago, now I feel like an instant hypochondriac!!

[Lou]

good luck and fingers crossed. keep us updated with your outcome

[joey1434]

I had my MRI today. So.... I know I am probably being super paranoid, but they said the MRI would take 25 minutes. I went in with the referral which said 'Brain MRI'. (didnt say anything about contrast) I was rolled into the machine and 40 minutes later (they had a clock on the wall) they rolled me out and said 'we are just going to inject some dye to see what is going on up there'....... ok! He told me it would be 8 minutes, however 20 minutes later I am rolled out and told to pick up my scans on my way to the dr in 2 days time.
Probably normal procedure but you can all probably understand my anxiousnous (is that a word???)
Thursday can't come quick enough!

[CHD63]

So glad you did not have to wait for the MRI appointment.  The waiting and not knowing is one of the most difficult parts of any medical problem.

MRIs with contrast typically take at least 45 minutes (20 minutes without contrast, inject dye, 20 minutes with contrast) ..... at least all of mine have been that way.

Try to relax, breathe deeply, and Thursday will be here before you know it.

Many thoughts and prayers.

Clarice

[Jim Scott]

Joey ~

Your MRI scanning experience seems pretty normal, just as Clarice stated.  Please try not to get too stressed worrying about the results.  They are whatever they are and you'll know all within 48 hours.  Until then, try to relax a bit because worrying won't change a thing.

FYI: Anxiousness is a proper word, a noun (refers to a state of being). 

Jim