f/u from neuro

Well I am back from the neurologist.  He increased the elavil from 20 to 30mg at night.  We talked about topamax, and I expressed my concern about the se of forgetfulness.  For now I am not going to try it.  He dx this episode as migraine.  Ordered MRI and MRA of head and blood work.  I let him know that I have applied to TCI and will keep him informed of the trip.  He said that he could refer me to local neurosurgeon, but I let him know that I just wanted an eval and not surgery.  He's nice, and I can talk to him about things and he doesn't make me feel stupid.
I also asked for the dictations from my previous mri's and noticed something on the Tspine one from 2007
""There is a thin linear high signal density structure along the central aspect of the thoracic cord that I believe most likely represents a prominent central canal rather than syrinx."  Hmm guess I'll go with the "most likely" clinical picture for the moment, ugh.  Can't wait to go to TCI now, especially after this whole week of feeling bad and being down and out.  The receptionist was concerned about me, she said I didn't look well.  I know I dont and its so embarassing.  Oh and I lost 8 pounds over the past week d/t the nausea.  I force myself to eat, but do have an appetite for dinner but just soup and grill cheese (have had it the past 4 nights) its all I want.
Thanks for listening.  I'll keep you updated and please send me comments/advice or anything.  It helps knowing I am not alone.
Take care all
~Julie

[selmaS]

Hi Julie,

Glad u have the tests ordered...when do u go for them?

It is good to have  a dr u can talk to...I hope he also understands chiari.

Try and eat and keep up ur strenght.....


"selma"

[jpurple]

Hi Selma,
   I don't have my appointment yet, need to get prior auth from insurance.  Once MD office gets that then I will go for the tests. I haven't researched MRA much, but will now, not sure about that and chiari what it would show.

[selmaS]

Julie...I never had an MRA either.....I will see what I can find out for u.

I am sure it must be like an MRI with contrast...just a closer look at the veins and such.

"selma"

below is copied and pasted from the web
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=angiomr
What is MR Angiography?
Angiography is a minimally invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Angiography uses one of three imaging technologies and, in some cases, a contrast material to produce pictures of major blood vessels throughout the body.

Angiography is performed using:

x-rays with catheters
computed tomography (CT)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
In magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer produce the detailed images. MR angiography does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays).

MR angiography may be performed with or without contrast material. If needed, the contrast material is usually injected using a vein in the arm.

What are some common uses of the procedure?
MR angiography is used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body, including the:

brain
kidneys
pelvis
legs
lungs
heart
neck
abdomen
Physicians use the procedure to:

identify disease and aneurysms in the aorta, both in the chest and abdomen, or in other major blood vessels
detect atherosclerosis disease in the carotid artery of the neck, which may limit blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke
identify a small aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation inside the brain
detect atherosclerotic disease that has narrowed the arteries to the legs and help prepare for endovascular intervention or surgery
indicate disease in the renal artery or visualize blood flow to help prepare for a kidney transplant
guide surgeons making repairs to diseased blood vessels, such as implanting or evaluating a stent
detect injury to one of more arteries in the neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis or extremities in trauma patients
evaluate the details of arteries feeding a tumor prior to surgery or other procedures such as chemoembolization or selective internal radiation therapy
identify dissection or splitting in the aorta in the chest or abdomen or its major branches
show the extent and severity of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries
plan for a surgical operation, such as coronary bypass
sample blood from specific veins in the body to detect any endocrine disease
examine pulmonary arteries in the lungs to detect pulmonary embolism (blood clots from leg veins)
screen individuals for arterial disease, especially patients with a family history of arterial disease or disorders