AboutDina Q Goldin, Ph.D. Expertise Information and advice for Acoustic Neuroma patients who would like honest patient-to-patient interaction about their symptoms or about treatments and related medical procedures. If you are unsure if your experience is "normal", or are wondering whether your information is complete, feel free to ask.
Experience I am an Acoustic Neuroma patient and the founding editor
of the Acoustic Neuroma Patient Archive (http://www.ANarchive.org).
Question How would they rule out the AN? I was given a CNS type exam in office -
follow the finger, checking reflexes etc. Years back I was given auditory
exams, with inconclusive results, no MRI or scan has ever been done. The
problem now is that he (my MD) is making the MRI according to her (the
neurologist) instructions. I guess I could make an appointment with him and
plead my case, or do you think I should request to see another
Otolaryngologist?
Answer There is a strong reason to suspect AN in your case. Unless the doctors have been able to rule out AN by some other recognized means (such as an ABER test), it is necessary to perform the MRI in a way that will allow the doctors to know for sure if the AN is there. The only way to do that is by using the gadolinium contrast. I do not understand why this is not being done. Perhaps the doctors are not telling you something. I have an idea that if you mention 'malpractice' to your neurologist or ENT, they will either have to explain themselves better, or to change the MRI instructions so the contrast is included.
