Dx: brain stem lesion

I have been diagnosed with a epidermoid on the brain stem.  It is located on the right side, extends from the 7th nerve to the skull base. It is displacing the brain stem, the tonsil & arteries.  

The question is what symptoms are associated with this?  Since the Doctors are tight lipped I don't know what symptoms may be  from this or if something else maybe wrong.

Many thanks, Karen

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Karen:

Sorry to hear about your epidermoid lesion.  This are tenacious lesions, i.e. they will enwrap tightly the structures they surround.  They are usually congenital, and can grow.  If you have no symptoms, that is good.  The location in your case might give you double vision as you look far to the right, maybe some hearing loss, maybe some unsteady gait.  Why are your doctors tight-lipped?  How was the diagnosis made-MRI? symptoms?  If what you have is an epidermoid, look for increasing symptoms and if so, let your neurologist and neurosurgeon know because they might decide to remove what they can of this congital lesion.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Karen]

I don't know who posted about the aneurysm, it wasn't me.  
I have an epidermoid.  I made an appointment w/ a Neurologist on my own as I believed something was wrong. I called, told them what was going on, they got me in the next day & within 4 days had an MRI & found myself sitting in front of a Neurosurgeon.

I did get a 2nd opinion.  This 2nd & highly regarded neuro-surgeon agreed it was an epidermoid but refused to talk to me, said it wasn't what he was there for, his concern was surgery, period.  The 1st Neurosurgeon, the one in this small community, has limited experience so I wasn't sure how much I should rely on his statements.  

The main reasons I called the Neurologist in the first place was I was experiencing:
A new type of headache & pressure, for months
Dizziness
1-sided numbness & weakness of face & arm
Extreme fatique/mental fog
Nausea
Difficulty swallowing (though I didn't think this was related at the time.)

You mentioned in your reply hearing loss, unsteady gait & double vision.  From reading case reports I know these signs are the major ones presenting when they determine it's time for surgery.  But what about other symptoms?  Are they related?

Thanks, Karen

[Joe]

I recently was told, after an MRI. That I had "spots" or lesions
on the brain and back of the neck. Is this anyhow related to tumors or what else could it possibly be? At first my neurologist
thought I might have MS, I did have a spinal tap and the results came back normal. All this started about 8 months ago when I had a real bad cold. While at work, I sneezed and pulled a rib muscle
and the next day, I found I was hurting on what I thought was my tail bone. But 2 doctors have said it is my lower back. Thru MRI's, 1 Neurologist has said a syrnix is present, ever since then I have had pain there and the only thing that seems to provide temp. relief is a messge 2x a week. Now for the interesting part. Shortly after my sneezing episode, my feet started to go numb, this numbness progressed rapidly  to my thighs, my hips and finally to my upper midesction, actually felt like I had an elastic bank around my midsection. I did experience bowels and kidney problems durin this time. My hands also starting a numbness and tingling sensation, which I still have to this day. Suddenly after about 2 months, I was laying on the floor watching TV, happened to move my legs, and the numbness in my feet, legs and upper body quicky went away, go figure. So I still need help with my hands and my lower back. what do you make of it?

[WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A BRAIN ANEURYS]

I would like to know if that is what I might have. My doctors are of no help. Please reply.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear "What are the symptoms of a brain aneurysm":

I thought you said that you had a epidermoid in your brainstem????  If so, now why are you asking about an aneurysm?

CCF Neuro MD

[I DIDN'T POST THE LAST COMMENT..........]

I was unable to post a question, and I really need an answer. Please.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Karen:

The headache, pressure, nausea, numbness of the face (not arm) might be related to your epidermoid.  If your symptoms are worsening, it might be time to investigate surgery.  However, I would go to someone who is familar with this sort of surgery.  Epidermoids can be difficult to remove as they are very sticky tumors.  Make sure you take the MRI with you when you go to the surgeon.  Also, you should like the guy/woman also.  It is your functioning that is at stake.  

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[devlee]

A related discussion, epidermoids lesions was started.

[sprigit]

A related discussion, Brain stem lesion was started.