6 year MRI update after CK

[mwatto]

Hi all given that I feel I know some of you here I thought I would share my 6th MRI (non-contrast) - all stable no change (shrank by half two years ago) also my hearing is still the same as last year around 87% according to latest audiology report. I still however get deep stabbing ear pain, eye pain, neck pain on that side which wakes me up, however the MRI showed no compression. It might be  TMJ and teeth clenching so I wear a dental guard. Consulted yesterday with specialist who told me that I will need yearly MRIs for rest of life as mine was 2cms which puts me at risk of regrowth down the line. I guess I can see this positively as at 64 it also gives me insight into my ageing brain. He also said if regrowth they can zap those non responsive cells.

[JmLgrace]

Hey mwatto,
I'm so glad your MRI was stable!  You said that it was without contrast.  Did your doctor do it without contrast on his own initiative or did you have to request it be done that way?  If you requested it, any tips on getting your doctor to agree to do it that way?

[mwatto]

Hi there! Because it is simply monitoring and not diagnostic now I insisted on this because contrast is inflammatory. I always say if something is flagged then sure I will reconsider it. My specialist agrees this is reasonable. We know that AN growth is an inflammatory related response. I also understand from my deeper reading that contrast accumulates even in the brain. Healthy renal function and the glymphatic system helps elimination somewhat but not completely. I just insisted - my body after all. The reports I get are detailed (I have asked eg for info on the trigeminal nerve, facial nerve to check if compression) and really there is enough to go on.