perfusion/diffusion scan

Posted By Laurie on February 18, 1999 at 12:35:51:







I have two questions --
     1. I was put on Dilantin for presumed seizure activity. Into day three         on the Dilantin I developed an ataxic gait. When my level was              checked that week it was 18.5. Have you seen a Pt. develop an              ataxic gait with a level that was in the theraputic range? I am            off it now and feeling fine.
     2. I have a 1 cm lesion in my occipital lobe which does not enhance           much wiht contrast. The consensus seems to be to watch the lesion          with repeat MRIs every 3 months. Most docs I have seen agree on            plan except for the neuroncologist who looked at the results of            my perfusion/diffusion test and saw that there was increased               perfusion to the area of the lesion and recommended me immediately         to a surgeon. I know that this test is fairly new and used by few          for diagnostic reasons. Now I am stuck with having to decide if I          should go ahead with surgery or not. What is your understanding            this method?
                                    Thanks, Laurie 26 yrs. old