[EnglishDave]

So, several months ago I had an MRI on my brain which showed:
Lesion in occipital part of brain causing diplopia.
Arachnoid cyst enlarged since last MRI in '07.
Spinal cord compression in neck.
I was referred back to Neurology Dept I haven't been to for years because of disillusionment (never getting to see same Dr twice/constantly changing meds) and a very good Pain Management team. The intention is to discuss:
Cause of the lesion and chances of others happening.
Cyst being responsible for at least some of my problems, numbness/weakness/falls/etc.
Cause of compression and risks of further injury and deterioration.
My TN, caused by arterial knot round nerve, getting worse.

These points were all listed in the referral letter (I've checked with my GP's Medical Secretary), yet the Dept - because I suffer Cluster Headaches - put me on the waiting list for a Headache Clinic.
I now have to wait a further 12-16 weeks for the correct appt to come through.
Does anyone else have such frustrating experiences with Neurology Depts?

Not being negative - just venting, so:
What's large, grey, wrinkled and wears glass slippers?
Cinderelephant.

Dave.

[Jomar]

So none of those things have any surgical options??
It seems like there should be some sort of surgery for some of it...

[EnglishDave]

Originally Posted by Jo*mar

So none of those things have any surgical options??
It seems like there should be some sort of surgery for some of it...

Jo*mar,
Were it that 'easy'. In '07, when the arterial knot was found wrapped round my left trigeminal nerve there was talk of a sheath being fitted. However, in Jan '08 I had a serious heart attack causing damage and have coronary ischaemia and microvascular disease. This means I am a high risk under anaesthetic and they are reluctant to operate on me short of emergency.
This was borne out in '13 when I was offered a 4-6 hour colostomy under local (for cancer). I opted for radio and chemotherapy - the chemo having to be modified to protect my heart.
This heart risk is justifiably high as I became Brady Hypotensive during a routine angiogram and had to be resussitated last year, then had the same reaction to a chemically induced stress test.
The NHS, which has it's limitations but is a great system, does not routinely operate on arachnoid cysts. There are exceptions, but it would just be nice to hang some symptoms on a cause.
The compressed spinal cord is new in the '14 MRI. This needs a Neurological opinion, it was spotted by my radiographer and eye Consultant. I don't even know whether it's bone from crush injuries or discs which is causing the compression. Should the prognosis be negative regarding this some surgical option may have to be explored down the line.
As for the lesion causing diplopia, nothing can be done about that, but I would like to know if it was caused by a stroke/TIA or some.other recurring event.

Dave.