Dr. Frazee at UCLA took one look at my scan and was 100% certain that I had an AN. I mentioned the proposed "vestibular inflammation" by the other doctor I saw (Dr. Duma at Hoag) and he was thoroughly baffled by that diagnosis.
Anyway, it's been awhile since I've been here but you know, I've been riding a roller coaster. Dr. Frazee DID agree that my presenting symptoms were not the typical AN symptoms and that it could be possible that I was experiencing this dizziness and vertigo because of something else. He didn't want to just cut my head open to remove the AN asap if it was necessary to find another culprit. Obviously, the AN would have to be dealt with at some point but not so urgently if my symptoms were from MAV for instance, or even Meneiers disease (though even more rare for someone my age).
Long story short, I did the hearing test, the balance test, the medications for someone who would have MAV and the conclusive answer is that the AN is causing my symptoms! That little biotch knocked me into a wall the other day and left me with an egg sized bruise on my head.
My hearing in the right ear is at the highest end of the normal range and the hearing in my left ear is at the lowest end of the normal range. Therefore, not much hearing loss and technically normal!
My balance test confirmed a severely weakened left vestibular system.
The medication they gave me to try (in case I had MAV) did absolutely nothing, therefore proving MAV was not the issue.
So, my retrosigmoid endoscopic resection is scheduled at UCLA for November 2, 2012. Can't wait to get this "mutha" out!
J
