??Hemiparesis with Normal CT??

[lollipop000]

Following a fall down flight of stairs 13 months ago, I now have a left hemiparesis. At the time was in hospital for 2 weeks stuck on a respiratotry ward with Dr's that did not know what to do with me. I was unconscious for 24 hours and at the scene had a GCS of 3. I suffered incontinence and had no gag reflex for first week. I also have Congenital adrenal hypoplysia and this was thought maybe the cause. I have been pushed between neurology and endocriology both with extremly long waiting lists therefore no real follow up. I have had no definate diagnosis and would love some answers. What are the possible causes for hemiparsis with a clear MRI? Is it worth going Private for answers?

[lollipop000]

Hi,
Just wanted to let you know, I have had a repeat MRI and now diagnosed with Diffuse Axonal Injury. It is a good diagnosis in someways, as I was starting to think it was all in my head, as were many others. The neurologist said there was nothing that can fix it, and no need for follow up. Is there any thing that can be done to help my attention span concentration, inability to control mood and word finding difficulties. I feel like I have ADHD. I read somewhere I am at risk of dementia, Is this true? Is there anything else that might happen?
Lollipop000

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

The hemiparesis may have occurred due to an injury to the cervical spine. The spinal cord has all the nerve fibers coming from the brain and going down to the body parts. A spinal cord lesion can produce the same symptoms as a brain lesion would produce.

It is important to screen for any neck/cervical spine injuries in falls with hemiparesis.

Regards

[lollipop000]

Thank you for your reply, Yes neck and spine MRI's were done. Brain MRI was taken less than 24 hrs after, Does it make a difference?

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

You sure have suffered a lot. I think there is a lack of communication between the concerned departments.

Was the MRI done for the brain? Did they also do a cervical spine MRI? I do not know if you have any neck injuries from the fall.

Regards