White Matter Changes

[cdonalies2]

I had a 3cm acoustic neuroma tumor removed last Jan, 2008 via translab approach. My MRI pre-surgery showed no white matter changes. My 1 yr post-op follow-up MRI showed white matter changes specifically, the radiology report says, "Minimal degree of nonspecific white matter change which may represent small vessel ischemia, with no acute findings present."

I suffer from migraine headaches and prior to surgery was on gabapentin. After surgery, I switched to topamax which helps reduce my headaches. I am 52 years old.

My question is three-fold: Can my white matter changes be the result of the surgery? The result of taking topamax because I've only been taking it since my surgery? The cause of my migraines?

I also have cognitive issues with short term memory loss, trouble spelling out words and a lot of trouble with numbers especially word problems or calculating problems that are new since my surgery, and now I have ataxia on both sides which before my surgery was only single-sided. Can these symptoms be the result of white matter changes as well?

Thank you for taking the time to answer me,
Christine

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,
Migraines are a common cause of small non specific white matter changes in the brain and this could be the cause in your case as well. Topamax and surgery will not cause these types of changes in the brain.
However brain surgery can result in cognitive symptoms like memory loss, trouble with words and numbers. This occurs due to damage to the brain tissue during surgery and also due to brain edema post surgery. These symptoms can get better with time once the edema subsides.
Hope this helps!

[cdonalies2]

Thank you for your expedient response:)

[lisamc1970]

hi i have just been diagnosed with a similar size tumor 3.4cm, can i ask how was the facial paralysis, was it bad, has it improved? what were the things to be aware of after surgery that you wer not expecting or told before surgery. thanks Lisa