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Transient visual loss and dizziness
After clinical testing at the doctor's office, I was referred to a Neurologist. He did some clinical testing also which showed that I was off balance, has slight weakness on my left side, had slight coordination problem with my left hand pointing from my nose to his finger and when I look to the left my eyes will not focus correctly (everything jumps around). He said that I might have had a stroke. I just had 2 heart procedures (pulmonary vein ablation) and a procedure on a frozen shoulder. I am on Warfarin.
This is the findings on the MRI:
Examination of the brain shows the ventricles to be normal in size and position and there is no evidence of intracerebral mass or hemorrhage. The flair in the T2 weighted sequences show a slight increase in signal in the white matter of both occipital lobes, slightly greater on the left. This suggests the presence of demyelination perhaps on the basis of ischemic change. There is slight increase in signal in the left occipital region on the diffusion weighted sequence suggesting that there may be some recent ischemic injury in the posterior white matter in the distribution of the posterior cerebral arteries. This must be correlated with clinical findings.
The doctor refused to discuss this with me and was angry that I had received my results even though legally it is my right to see them. I also found out from my heart doctor that my INR was very low 1.2.
From my studies I understand that this means I had a small event that caused demyelination (break down of the fatty substance (myelin) that protects the nerves) in the occipital lobe (back of brain) due to ischemic (lack of blood flow) injury. It also shows that the injury was recent.
Basically, does this mean I had a small stroke? Patients do not need to be in the dark about these things. I actually find comfort in knowing all the facts. Could someone knowledgeable in this area please give me their opinion?
This is the findings on the MRI:
Examination of the brain shows the ventricles to be normal in size and position and there is no evidence of intracerebral mass or hemorrhage. The flair in the T2 weighted sequences show a slight increase in signal in the white matter of both occipital lobes, slightly greater on the left. This suggests the presence of demyelination perhaps on the basis of ischemic change. There is slight increase in signal in the left occipital region on the diffusion weighted sequence suggesting that there may be some recent ischemic injury in the posterior white matter in the distribution of the posterior cerebral arteries. This must be correlated with clinical findings.
The doctor refused to discuss this with me and was angry that I had received my results even though legally it is my right to see them. I also found out from my heart doctor that my INR was very low 1.2.
From my studies I understand that this means I had a small event that caused demyelination (break down of the fatty substance (myelin) that protects the nerves) in the occipital lobe (back of brain) due to ischemic (lack of blood flow) injury. It also shows that the injury was recent.
Basically, does this mean I had a small stroke? Patients do not need to be in the dark about these things. I actually find comfort in knowing all the facts. Could someone knowledgeable in this area please give me their opinion?
You need to find another physician who will discuss your lab results with you. Do so at the earliest opportunity. As of yesterday. Your doctor seems to think this is 1934.
There are few reasons to be on Warfarin, unless you have had a heart valve replacement. It is one of my pet peeves, and a drug that is generally inappropriately prescribed. There are alternatives that provide less anti-clotting, but are far safer and easier to tolerate. You have to ask for them.
It appears you have had what is commonly called a "stroke". but that is a rather meaningless term. I wouldn't be overly worried.
Surgury is rarely necessary for a frozen shoulder, but you have already had the surgery, so that is "spilled soup".
There are few reasons to be on Warfarin, unless you have had a heart valve replacement. It is one of my pet peeves, and a drug that is generally inappropriately prescribed. There are alternatives that provide less anti-clotting, but are far safer and easier to tolerate. You have to ask for them.
It appears you have had what is commonly called a "stroke". but that is a rather meaningless term. I wouldn't be overly worried.
Surgury is rarely necessary for a frozen shoulder, but you have already had the surgery, so that is "spilled soup".
An opininon from someone who isn't adverse to explaining a radiological report to you that has to do with your own life!
Oh, I see you saw a neurologist- I'd get a second opinion there then. I hope they are making sure your blood pressure is under control and your lipid panel is in range!
I hope maybe a doctor will respond here. I would suggest you get a referral to a neuroopthamologist as well as a regular neurologist and ask for an MRA/MRV.
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