Calcification

Hello,

  I'm a 54 years old woman, and in a brain TC it was written that I've a non-specific calcification next to the fourth ventricle. I don't have headackes, lost of counsienc, convulsions, eyes problems, but since last month I've some vertigo when I spin in the bed and when i awakw up and put up from the bed in the morning. In the rest of the day I don't have any kind of vertigo. I've already gone to a otorhino. Now I'm waiting for a neurologist but, can you please tell me if this is dangerous, or what can this be?

  Kind regards,
  Thank you

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

Intracranial calcification is a may be seen in normal brain as well as in pathologic conditions. It is usually asymptomatic but, may be lead to symptoms. Intracranial calcification is due to calcium deposition in the blood vessels at several sites in brain. It is a normal finding in elderly persons who are otherwise normal. It is only very early in life or a high degree, when it must always be regarded abnormal. Management of underlying disorder sometimes leads to resolution of calcifications.

Dizziness/ vertigo on lying or on change of posture on bed can be most likely due to inner ear problems. The cause for your vertigo may be a condition known as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). It commonly causes dizziness in older people. The most common cause is degeneration of the vestibular system of the inner ear. However, in majority of the cases the cause remains unknown.

The symptoms include dizziness or vertigo, lightheadedness, imbalance and nausea. Symptoms are almost always precipitated by a change of position of the head with respect to gravity (in the direction of the affected ear). The vertigo is brief in duration — 5 seconds to 30 seconds.

The condition is usually self limiting. However, you should consult your physician who can make a definitive diagnosis based on your history, physical examination, and vestibular and auditory tests.

The Dix-Hallpike maneuver is diagnostic for the condition.  The treatment of choice for this condition is the “Epley repositional maneuver” can be performed during a clinic visit by specially trained otolaryngologists, neurologists or audiologists. Surgical treatments are generally reserved for severe and persistent cases.

http://pearl.sums.ac.ir/semj/vol4/apr2003/ICC.htm


Take care!