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What Does My MRI Scan Report Indicate?
Question: my brain MRI states: slightly prominent linear contrast enhancement in the parafalcine regions and occipital regions/lobes bilaterally, predominately visualized on the postcontrast axial images. This enhancement may simply be normal variation for this patient, less likely indicating leptomeningeal disease. No mass-like contrast enhancement is seen intracranially.
I have had excruciating, non-stop headaches for over 4 months. what does the above mean?
I have had excruciating, non-stop headaches for over 4 months. what does the above mean?
Brief Answer:
Meningitis should be evaluated further.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
MRI findings show a possible meninges ( covers of the brain ) involvement.
Most common cause of meninges involvement is meningitis, (bacterial, tubercular or viral infection).
Other possibilities of leptomeningeal disease include carcinomatosis, post brain hemorrhage (subarachnoidal) etc.
Leptomeningeal enanchement may be a primary finding in MRI too.
Meningitis could cause severe headaches, but other symptoms coexist such lethargy, stiff neck, fever etc.
There is need for more information about your health status such other conditions (high blood pressure, menopause), drugs used, etc.
To exclude/evaluate definitely this condition as a possible cause of the symptoms, especially if you experienced above mentioned symptoms besides headache, spinal tap and cerebrospinal fluid lab examination is needed.
I suggest you to consult a Neurologist and discuss about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Meningitis should be evaluated further.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
MRI findings show a possible meninges ( covers of the brain ) involvement.
Most common cause of meninges involvement is meningitis, (bacterial, tubercular or viral infection).
Other possibilities of leptomeningeal disease include carcinomatosis, post brain hemorrhage (subarachnoidal) etc.
Leptomeningeal enanchement may be a primary finding in MRI too.
Meningitis could cause severe headaches, but other symptoms coexist such lethargy, stiff neck, fever etc.
There is need for more information about your health status such other conditions (high blood pressure, menopause), drugs used, etc.
To exclude/evaluate definitely this condition as a possible cause of the symptoms, especially if you experienced above mentioned symptoms besides headache, spinal tap and cerebrospinal fluid lab examination is needed.
I suggest you to consult a Neurologist and discuss about these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
yes, I am in menopause and my blood pressure is usually 110/65. I was diagnosed with genital herpes approx. 10 years ago. have been outbreak free for 5 years. also was diagnosed with Epstein Barr approx. 6 years ago. I have been taking 150 mg of Effexor for the past 4 years for anxiety (menopause symptoms) and I have seasonal allergies so I take OTC Zyrtec as well. Up until July of this year, those are the only meds that I take. In July, due to the headaches (neck and shoulder as well) I now take 10/325 Percocet every 4 hours and 4 mg zanaflex every 8 hours. I do have a slightly bulged disc between T2 - T3. Have had 2 cervical surgeries: fusion from C5 - C7 and have rods from C3 - C7. I had the shingles vaccination in XXXXXXX of this year.
It appears that I may be suffering from a form of viral infection.
Am I contagious? and how do I eliminate the viral infection?
It appears that I may be suffering from a form of viral infection.
Am I contagious? and how do I eliminate the viral infection?
Brief Answer:
Blood tests needed to evaluate/exclude viral infection.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for the clarifications.
Viral infection results in other symptoms too, in addition to headaches, those symptoms are similar to flu.
In these periods of flu-like symptoms the contagiousness is most probably.
In order to be sure if you are suffering from viral infection and to fight it, there is need first to isolate the virus by blood tests.
Antiviral drugs are available such, Aciclovir, Valacyclovir etc.
U suggest you to discuss with your primary care Doctor about being tested first for viral infection.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Blood tests needed to evaluate/exclude viral infection.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for the clarifications.
Viral infection results in other symptoms too, in addition to headaches, those symptoms are similar to flu.
In these periods of flu-like symptoms the contagiousness is most probably.
In order to be sure if you are suffering from viral infection and to fight it, there is need first to isolate the virus by blood tests.
Antiviral drugs are available such, Aciclovir, Valacyclovir etc.
U suggest you to discuss with your primary care Doctor about being tested first for viral infection.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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