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Author Topic: Significantly deformed brainstem  (Read 2483 times)

clr

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Significantly deformed brainstem
« 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
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I do not have an AN, my 23 yo daughter does. Her username here is Bets.
4.6cm x 3.6cm x 4.4cm  UPMC Retrosigmoid 12/29/2009, 01/19/2009, 06/22/2009 
CK Oct 2009, Dr. Hirsch
SSD before & after surgery
After 3 surgeries, some facial paralysis, but will come back

4cm in Pacific Northwest

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Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
« Reply #1 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
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4cm Left, 08/22/07 R/S 11+ hr surgery Stanford U, Dr. Robert Jackler, Dr. Griffith Harsh, Canadian fellow Assist. Dr. Sumit Agrawal. SSD, 3/6 on HB facial scale, stick-on-eyeweight worked, 95% eye function@ 6 months. In neuromuscular facial retraining. Balance regained! Recent MRI -tumor receded!

clr

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Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2009, 05:27:50 am »
Great! Thanks, DHM

Cindy
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I do not have an AN, my 23 yo daughter does. Her username here is Bets.
4.6cm x 3.6cm x 4.4cm  UPMC Retrosigmoid 12/29/2009, 01/19/2009, 06/22/2009 
CK Oct 2009, Dr. Hirsch
SSD before & after surgery
After 3 surgeries, some facial paralysis, but will come back

Jim Scott

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Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
« Reply #3 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
« Last Edit: December 04, 2009, 05:14:23 pm by Jim Scott »
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4.5 cm AN diagnosed 5/06.  Retrosigmoid surgery 6/06.  Follow-up FSR completed 10/06.  Tumor shrinkage & necrosis noted on last MRI.  Life is good. 

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is.  The way we cope with it is what makes the difference.

lori67

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Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
« Reply #4 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
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Right 3cm AN diagnosed 1/2007.  Translab resection 2/20/07 by Dr. David Kaylie and Dr. Karl Hampf at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.  R side deafness, facial nerve paralysis.  Tarsorraphy and tear duct cauterization 5/2007.  BAHA implant 11/8/07. 7-12 nerve jump 9/26/08.

DR

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Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
« Reply #5 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
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AN right side 12mm x 9mm x 9mm
Middle fossa surgery 11/4/09 at House (Dr. Brackmann/Dr. Schwartz)
Tumor removed, no facial issues, hearing intact!
http://denvstumor.blogspot.com/

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist."

lori67

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Re: Significantly deformed brainstem
« Reply #6 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
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Right 3cm AN diagnosed 1/2007.  Translab resection 2/20/07 by Dr. David Kaylie and Dr. Karl Hampf at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.  R side deafness, facial nerve paralysis.  Tarsorraphy and tear duct cauterization 5/2007.  BAHA implant 11/8/07. 7-12 nerve jump 9/26/08.
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