MRI without contrast

[scaredpreggo]

I am currently 32 weeks pregnant and for past 6 weeks have been experiencing neuro symptoms.  Symptoms began with numbness (perceived numbness but I still had feeling to the touch of head) or tingling sensation on left side of scalp that was there more than not but would come and go and from one location to the next.  Two weeks later I began hearing a clicking noise from my left ear and a sizzling noise in my neck.  This would mostly occur at night, although occassionally during the day, and the sizzling would often occur when moving head any which way.  Other symptoms include buzzing on right foot and left middle finger, metallic taste in mouth that only lasted about 5 days, a feeling of rising in the stomach (I think this happened only during contractions so not sure if related), and transient numbness or burning sensations in limbs (mainly right foot/leg and left hand/arm).  I was also experiencing lightheadedness, shaking, tiredness and nausea about 10 minutes after eating where I felt like I might pass out.  I went to hospital and although sugar was normal it appeared "low normal" and they attributed this to low blood sugar.  I now try to eat differently and more frequently and this seems to have helped.  About 8 days ago I also began having a dull ache that is sometimes sharp and feels sort of like sinus headache in right temple that'll occassionally move into eye socket.  It does come and go but has progressed to being there more often than not.  I've also noticed around 5 am I am sometimes nauseous and last night had what felt like a tension headache in the back of head around that time when getting up to use the bathroom.  I had a brain MRI without contrast, due to pregnancy, almost 2 weeks ago which was reportedly "normal."  My question is can I rely on this finding given there was no contrast in MRI and if yes, what could be causing these symptoms?

[scaredpreggo]

I now have muslce weakness and have been seeing flashes of light?  In addition to my other symptoms do you have any idea what might be causing all of this?  I'm getting more skeptical the MRI was accurate.......

[scaredpreggo]

Thanks for the reply.  I am going to PCP in a little bit b/c I couldn't work today.  For past day and a half I've been extremely nauseous and off balance, which has been more persistent since last night and early this am.  Can inner ear "stuff" cause the sizzling, nausea and dizziness?

[noops01]

Hi,
I would think it could be beacuse of stress, anxiety and lack of adequate amount of sleep.Please relax and sleep as much as you can because once you the baby you will have sleepless nights atleast for the initial few months.

[scaredpreggo]

Thanks for your reply.  Sounds like I can take comfort in my negative scan.  What do you make of the sizzling in the neck?

[noops01]

Hi,
In most cases abnormalities can be seen on a non contrast scan but the visualisation is much better on the contrast scan as brain tumors and MS plaques take up the contrast and glow. But usually if the non contrast scan is normal the physicians generally do not go for a contrast scan, it is only if the non contrast scan picks up an abnormality that a contrast scan is done.I would suggest you to relax headaches due to tension and anxiety are very common in pregnancy. It is safe to take acetaminophen during pregnancy for headache, but please consult your doctor before taking it. Also try to be as happy as you can because a happy mother gives birth to a happy baby. Take care!

[scaredpreggo]

I've had my blood pressure checked rather regularly and it's always been fine.  I am taking prenatal vitamins and iron supplements b/c I was slightly anemic in beginning of pregnancy, but now with the supplements they say my levels are fine.  I am also eating more regularly and have been drinking a ton of water throughout pregnancy due to prior hx of kidney stones.  I woke up again last night with a left side headache in the back and up to temple around eye with nausea.  I am very concerned about this and neuro symptoms despite negative MRI.  Does anyone know what an MRI would miss as far as a mass when done w/o contrast?  Thanks for your reply.....

[noops01]

Hi,
I would also advise you to get your blood pressure checked as soon as you can. Also are you taking your supplements regularly?Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause tingling numbness.Eat your meals on time, do not stay hungry for too long, drink plenty of water, make sure your motions are regular, do light exercises like an evening walk after consulting your doctor.