MRI & MRA results???

What type of MRI did you have? My first one was only a few images of my whole head. It was only useful in ruling out tumors and Multiple Sclerosis.

My second one was focused on the Trigeminal nerve, on the side where my pain was located. Nearly 3 hours in the MRI machine, and about 600 images. The compression of the nerve was clearly visible, giving the neurosurgeon an advantage before drilling into my skull.

Hi Em

If it were me I would first call the surgery and 'firmly' ask for some details. Not an 'explanation' but more 'detail'. Get your questions ready and be fully prepared before the call.

If that fails, ask her for a 'long' or 'extended' followup appointment. I would then turn up and demand (quietly) to have the issue fully explained in laymans terms.

Don't hesitate to let the consultant know his nurse could have settled all this on tyhe phone but chose not to.

It is YOUR issue, it is YOUR body, and asking for a reasonably full explanation of the whole thing is certainly not outside normal expectations.

This is why I 'preach' (I apologise) RESEARCH so that you are fully aware of the questions you need to ask

GOOD LUCK!

 

No cutting or drilling with gamma knife. Id see a second neorologist.

I experienced the same kind of responses from Neurologist office staff and Neurosurgeons. I hate to tell you but that is how most seem to be. They see patients all day treat most people like assembly lines. Don't get discouraged by that. Just be persistent in asking questions as many times as you need to till you feel you have an acceptable answer.

Please do get multiple opinions. i would suggest 3 Neurosurgeons at the minimum. TN is a rare condition and most only have limited knowledge in it. 

I was told that an MRI or MRA may not always show a problem, unless the problem is very obvious. If you have a very small blood vessel touching your TN nerve or if there is no permenant contact meaning there is a blood vessel that is close enough to touch only when it pulsates with variation in blood pressure, those cases may or may not show.  You may need more MRI's. Ask about getting a CT scan with contrast as well.

About Gamma Knife, i would do more research first . I found that it was not going to be a lasting solution for me so i chose MVD instead. You also have to be aware that Gamma Knife Clinics and Neurosurgeons do completely different things. Some Neurosurgeons also do Gamma so i would look for them and talk to them about the pros and cons for your case. I found that when i spoke to a Neurosurgeon who only did surgery, they were against Gamma Knife and when i spoke to the Gamma Knife center's, they tried to convince me of it being the correct solution as opposed to MVD surgery. It absolutely is a business, although it shouldn't be when it comes to human health. Good luck. Feel free to ask anything else.