...........................

[C.Ann]

...........................

 

[3jsmommy]

Did the Dr. rule out neuritis? It is a viral infection of the inner ear, just a thought because it does present some of those symptoms & can last for several weeks. I'm not sure if the cat scan would aggravate symptoms.

 

[C.Ann]

....................

 

[golfgal]

She might want to see an endocrinologist. The dizziness, lack of appetite and nausea could be from diabetes, thyroid levels off, etc. Just an idea. The ear ache could be from jaw issues too-which is what eventually led to my loss of hearing diagnosis. It could be an abscessed tooth or something odd like that.

Did she have any blood work done at the first dr?

 

[C.Ann]

........................

 

[stacy347]

As to the original symptoms, I really can't offer anything but the reaction to the dye is not as uncommon as the tech made it sound.

I have that same reaction whenever I have the dye (and I have to have it with any new MRI due to previous cancer). The techs have always told me that it's not just me.

I hope your DD can convince her to go to the neurologist ~ good luck!

 

[diznygirl]

Yes - she had blood work done..

We're really, really puzzled why she won't follow up with the neurologist though.. That is so out of character for her..

Maybe her reaction scared her enough that she doesn't want to see any more doctors for the time being? Maybe she think it will be a waste of time since the other docs didn't find anything. (That's usually how I think! )

Hope you get some help from the DIS doctors!

 

[Disneylover79]

C. Ann- are the headaches constant or do they come and go? She could be having migraines or another type of headache and therefore the neurologist would help her. Maybe she is like PP said scared that they won't find anything so why should she go. I hope that they find out what is wrong and can help her out. Please keep us posted

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

C. Ann, I don't have those symptoms but when I had my MRI (without contrast) I was extremely dizzy when I sat up. And being stubborn, I would rather fall down then get assistance. So I just sat in the chair for a few minutes before I left.

Anyway, the neurologist said I have herniated discs in my neck and the way I was positioned on the table caused the dizziness.

Not sure about any of her other symptoms though. Hope this helps a little.

 

[Subrbnmommy]

I have no idea about the other symptoms, but the dye always makes me nauseous and hot.

She should really follow up with her neurologist though. Maybe her DD can convince her?

 

[wildlandmedic]

I think the GP and the ENT would have found something if it were an inner ear, or ear infection problem.

Two things come to my mind. First would be endocrine. As one of the PP stated hormone levels can mess a lot of things up.

The symptoms after the cat scan make me think of vertigo. Could be unrelated to the problems she was having. As a medic I have seen vertigo several times that can cripple someone. I hae had a mild vertigo that only affects me when I lie down. It would feel like the room is spinning or like an earthquake was happening.

Best of luck.

 

[Nom]

Can you find out what type of contrast media she had (I used to work for a company that made the contrast media (aka 'dye')). Then I would be able to tell you for sure if the adverse reactions she had are normal.

With the most commonly used class of contrast media, that reaction is normal, and the fact that she had previously not experienced this reaction does not mean that she would not develop it out of the blue. It can develop at any time.

However, there is a more expensive type of contrast media that really does not cause any reactions... the brand name is "Visipaque"- so if she had that, her reaction must have been from something else.

In either case, I would have her request "Visipaque" the next time she needs a contrast- enhanced CT scan. They don't typically use it on the average patient because it costs the hospital more, but since she had that reaction, they should start using it on her so that she can avoid it in the future, if this was the cause of her reaction.

 

[KAMLEM]

The symptoms after the cat scan make me think of vertigo. Could be unrelated to the problems she was having. As a medic I have seen vertigo several times that can cripple someone. I hae had a mild vertigo that only affects me when I lie down. It would feel like the room is spinning or like an earthquake was happening.

That's what I was thinking. I had vertigo for about 6 months and it was awful. I had to lie down for an xray and when I sat up I thought I was going to pass out. It's a horrible feeling.

 

[DVC Sadie]

As to the original symptoms, I really can't offer anything but the reaction to the dye is not as uncommon as the tech made it sound.

I have that same reaction whenever I have the dye (and I have to have it with any new MRI due to previous cancer). The techs have always told me that it's not just me.

I hope your DD can convince her to go to the neurologist ~ good luck!

I agree.

I have a reaction everytime I have to have a scan with the dye. They usually have to give me 200mg of Benadryl IV push before I get back to normal.

 

[C.Ann]

.......................

 

[Va-bear]

Please impress to her that she NEEDS to see the neurologist. There are so many things that have yet to be ruled out, that the neuro could test for: MS, Lupus, and brain tumors come to mind - the CAT scan is not sensitive enough to rule out tumor (http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Cancer/CT-Scan-vs-MRI-to-Diagnose-Brain-Tumor/show/394967) and the sort of "odd' behavior you describe could go along w/ that - and lots of others things too, ofcourse. I had some similar symptoms about 5 years ago and they even did a follow-up MRI a year later as some tumors are so small they can cause symptoms but not be visualized in an early MRI - she may have to stay on this..... (I lost my hearing in one ear and the testing finally seemed to indicate it was caused by a virus....but it took over a year for them to decide that). And yes, the gadolinium made me feel sick too, I think that's fairly common....

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4813858_gadolinium-side-effects.html#

Please tell her we are thinking about her.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Could the aversion to seeing a neurologist be the connotations of things like mental illness, not being right-in-the-head, etc...

That is one difference that I see between the other medical doctors that she has never had any aversion to.

I do think that, for whatever reason, it is probably based on fear.

Perhaps she had such a difficult time with the scan, which did not help, but seemed to make her symptoms worse, that this is all hitting her like a ton of bricks. Anxiety is powerful.

Also, considering that we are talking about something that could be neurological in nature... is this the only thing that seems 'different' or 'off' with your DD's MIL????

 

[C.Ann]

...........................

 

[1-disneyfan]

Wow, very close to the same symptoms I've had since May Woke up fine one morning and then 2 hrs. later felt awful, dizzy, terrible headache ( I never get headaches). After a month of trying to treat me, Dr. sent me to the Ear, Nose, Throat Dr. Had MRI, carroded artery (sp) and balance test (very strange test). Only thing that came back was for my age (44) I have really bad balance yea I know that, but it was fine before May. They thought possibly MS, I have pins and needle feeling in my head. But he ruled that out, no strokes, no tumor, no Vertigo and nothing wrong with thyroid. Since, the headaches are getting a bit better each week, suggested waited a while or I could see a neurologist. So, I've chosen to wait. I have RA and my Arthritis Dr. said it could have been a virus and it's just taking my body longer to get rid of. I sure hope they can "figure" out something for your DD MIL I have been very lucky with my husband, he has been very supportive during all this. I don't know what I would do if he wasn't. Didn't mean to hi-jack your post, just hadn't heard anyone else having similar issues.

 

[C.Ann]

..........................