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Neurology (Expert Forum)
Pet Scan question
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Pet Scan question
by Kristy, Oct 24, 2000 12:00AM
I got my Pet scan results and I just wanted to ask a question?
Here is what the report said:
On the scan there is relatively symmetric decreased activity in both temporal lobes, perhaps slightly more so on the right believed to be a quiescent neurophysiology. There is no well defined clear cut focal hypometabolism to pin point or suggest a seizure focus.
Why would both sides have decreased acitivity in the temporal lobes? I was originally thought to have MS, etc.But the test kept coming back negative. I have had an EEG that suggested temporal lobe seizure, and in another part of the report it said this is an abnormal EEG. The Pet Scan clearly shows that there is no seizure activity. So is the slowing from getting older? I am 44. Until I had surgery and a car accident 4 years ago, I never had the problems I have today. I have a area on my right leg that gets numb and then will get better. My right side usually has more strength problems than my right. My right foot will go numb, tingling feelings in my face off and on, and it has affected my left side just not as much as my right. My right eye will get blurry off and on .
I had a Neuro Pschy testing and it showed although I am very bright I do have problems .It stated that I had a mild degree of psychomotor slowing with mild slowing of reaction time.Reduced efficiency in performing mental tracking operations, deficits in attentional vigilance, mild problems with learning, although if its highly organized it is recalled at normal levels. Bilateral motor slowing on ballistic motor tests (Finger tapping)
I really appreciate your time. This is a wonderful board, it gives alot of people comfort.
Here is what the report said:
On the scan there is relatively symmetric decreased activity in both temporal lobes, perhaps slightly more so on the right believed to be a quiescent neurophysiology. There is no well defined clear cut focal hypometabolism to pin point or suggest a seizure focus.
Why would both sides have decreased acitivity in the temporal lobes? I was originally thought to have MS, etc.But the test kept coming back negative. I have had an EEG that suggested temporal lobe seizure, and in another part of the report it said this is an abnormal EEG. The Pet Scan clearly shows that there is no seizure activity. So is the slowing from getting older? I am 44. Until I had surgery and a car accident 4 years ago, I never had the problems I have today. I have a area on my right leg that gets numb and then will get better. My right side usually has more strength problems than my right. My right foot will go numb, tingling feelings in my face off and on, and it has affected my left side just not as much as my right. My right eye will get blurry off and on .
I had a Neuro Pschy testing and it showed although I am very bright I do have problems .It stated that I had a mild degree of psychomotor slowing with mild slowing of reaction time.Reduced efficiency in performing mental tracking operations, deficits in attentional vigilance, mild problems with learning, although if its highly organized it is recalled at normal levels. Bilateral motor slowing on ballistic motor tests (Finger tapping)
I really appreciate your time. This is a wonderful board, it gives alot of people comfort.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Oct 24, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Kristy:
Sorry to hear about your epilepsy. The abnormal EEG, suggests that you have temporal epilepsy (If I understand your comment about abnormal EEG and temporal lobe seizure). The PET scan does not measure seizure activity. It measures metabolism of a radioactive compound, usually glucose. Usually, areas of hypometabolism suggest seizure activity or epilepsy. So, the PET scan would be in-line with temporal lobe epilepsy. Seizures can spread from one temporal lobe to another and this is probably the reason for you bitemporal lobe hypometabolism. Can your problems be just the result of epilepsy? I cannot answer without doing an exam etc. It may or may not be due entirely to epilepsy. Can the PET result be a result of other problems and not epilepsy. Yes, but with the history of temporal lobe epilepsy, it would sound like epilepsy and not some degenerative disorder or other reason for hypometabolism.
I hope I answered you fully.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
Sorry to hear about your epilepsy. The abnormal EEG, suggests that you have temporal epilepsy (If I understand your comment about abnormal EEG and temporal lobe seizure). The PET scan does not measure seizure activity. It measures metabolism of a radioactive compound, usually glucose. Usually, areas of hypometabolism suggest seizure activity or epilepsy. So, the PET scan would be in-line with temporal lobe epilepsy. Seizures can spread from one temporal lobe to another and this is probably the reason for you bitemporal lobe hypometabolism. Can your problems be just the result of epilepsy? I cannot answer without doing an exam etc. It may or may not be due entirely to epilepsy. Can the PET result be a result of other problems and not epilepsy. Yes, but with the history of temporal lobe epilepsy, it would sound like epilepsy and not some degenerative disorder or other reason for hypometabolism.
I hope I answered you fully.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro MD
