Could I have AN or just vestibular neuritis?

[Worriedandconfused]

I was diagnosed with Vestibular Neuritis about a month ago. Every sign and symptom I had pointed to vestibular neuritis and nothing else. My doctor ordered an MRI just to be sure. After I had a consultation with an ENT specialist who agreed with the diagnosis I was told I could cancel the MRI. Out of fear, anxiety and a questionable family history of a pituitary tumour, I decided to do it anyway.
It showed a normal brain but ' slight prominence of the nerve root complex in the IAC' and it was recommended to repeat with gadolinium contrast. One doctor told me this was showing resolving vestibular neuritis and it was not necessary to repeat, another told me just to be " it's most likely nothing, but just to be absolutely sure, you should repeat it". I really don't want have the contrast injection, I worry about an allergy and possible side effects. I have no hearing loss and no other signs of an AN. Just wondering some of your thoughts on the issue? Has anyone had a reaction to the gadolinium? Is it worth repeating?

[CHD63]

Hi Worriedandconfused and welcome to this forum .....

You need to know that the people on this forum are not medically trained professionals.  We do, however, have many collective experiences to share regarding our AN journeys.

You do not say what your signs and symptoms are right now that led to the diagnosis of vestibular neuritis.  I suspect it was at least some balance issues.

Regarding MRIs and AN diagnosis:  the really definitive way to diagnose an AN is with an MRI with contrast.  Small ANs do not always show with CT scans or MRIs done without contrast.  However, large ones will usually show at least as a shadow.

I can understand your angst/worry about the gadolinium dye.  If you have multiple allergies to many things, it is worth discussing with your doctor.  If you have poor kidney function, that is a concern with the dye, as well.  In fact, most imaging centers require normal current kidney function studies, before administering the dye.  In any event, you need to discuss your concerns with your doctor if you decide to go ahead with an MRI with contrast.

All that being said, an allergic reaction to gadolinium is considered rare if you have normal kidney function.

I have had numerous MRIs with contrast with no adverse reactions, but I have normal kidney function studies.

The decision whether to go forward with this is yours and yours alone.  None of us can tell you if it is worth repeating or not.

Many thoughts and prayers for answers.  Let us know what you decide to do and why.  Thanks.

Clarice

[Worriedandconfused]

Hi Clarice,

Thank you so much for your reply!

Just over a month ago I woke in the middle of the night, felt extremely nauseous and got out of bed to go to the washroom. as soon as I stood up I fell into the wall, the whole room was swaying and I could barely walk. After stumbling to the washroom I vomited numerous times. I couldn't even pick myself up off the floor, and when I tried I would throw up again. Im not sure how long I layed on the floor before decided to call my husband for help. He carried me to the couch, where I stayed for a week, except for my ER visit the next evening. The Doctor said I absolutely was experiencing Vestibular Neuritis. I had extreme nystagmus but nothing to indicate a central problem. I returned to work after a  week where the doctor I work for suggested an MRI, as well as an ENT referral. As I said I was told I didn't need the MRI but had it done anyway.

Im feeling almost completely back to normal now, which is why I think I'm so confused. I never had any hearing loss or other symptoms of an Acoustic Neuroma.

The MRI without contrast showed "slight prominence of the nerve root in the IAC, which may be normal but an intracanalicular lesion cannot be excluded"

I'm just wondering if anyone else has experienced symptoms or MRI reading similar to this before their diagnosis..?

I really appreciate you taking the time to write me back, and anyone else who does too. Thank you!