The symptoms you describe that happened over the past year concerning the left face/hearing/body, balance and dizziness could very well possibly be due to the AVM depending on its exact location in the pons. Unfortunately, there is some high real estate area in the brain in which a small location could hold very elegant functions, one of these being the pons. If you ever experience exacerbation or recurrence of these particular symptoms (first ones described) this could be due to local mild hemorrhage. We actually had a patient in the hospital recently with a very similar clinical picture including a pontine AVM. We showed the MRI to our neurosurgeon who said the location was too risky for any kind of intervention. (Please keep in mind that I have not examined you nor personally reviewed your films.) However, you could consider bringing your films to a major academic/clinical center for a second opinion.
As for the prickly sensations and headaches, they do not sound typical of the AVM in the current location nor do they sound like MS, especially with a normal MRI. (if you're having active symptoms due to MS, they should theoretically show up on the scan) It could be due to stress, but perhaps routine labs should be checked such as diabetes and thyroid as well as a formal neuro exam. GOod luck
I am curious, does the CP on the pons have any relation to Ataxia Telangiectasia?
Thank you so very much for responding. I feel you have confirmed my suspicion that I have had all along of possible hemorrhaging going on due to the persistent symptoms I have been having. I KNOW there is something more going on than just stress, although my neurologist does not seem to think so. I do realize the seriousness of my diagnosis and the prognosis is not very encouraging but I do plan to pursue further medical advice. I will be seeing my neurologist the end of the month and after I have a lumbar puncture and any other tests/labs that may be indicated, I will send all records, MRIs, and tests for review to a neurosurgeon who, from my understanding, has done surgery on AVMs on the pons in more than 200 patients.
Thank you again. You have been very helpful.