NeuroTalk Support Groups - MRI for Trigeminal Neuralgia?

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MRI for Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Hello All! I was just recently at the neurologist and she reccomended an MRI for some sever pain that I have been having on my left side of my head, neck, face and ear. I really want to to a handle on what is happenning to me so that I can start to feel better. My question is.... will an MRI beable to diagnose TN and other nerve problems or is it a waste of time? Thanks so much for any responses that you can give. Feeling so lost right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephareno (Post 901873)

MRI's can show compressions if the proper one is used but most often they are used to rule out a lot of other causes of pain and its used as a tool to make an accurate diagnosis. I was glad to have mine done. It rules out MS, tumors, and alot of other things and it gave me some peace of mind.

Best of luck to you, ee

An MRI is a must to have because as previously mentioned it rules out other lager issues,, MS ,, tumors etc..

A Neuro should also do an MVA done at the same time as the MRI,,it's the contrasting part of the MRI. That shows the vascular system and can show a good Neuro a great deal. It can show if there is a clustering of blood vessels or a looping of vessels which can indicate a possible interaction of blood vessel and nerve.

However,, remember that it is not possible for any procedure to image a nerve. But with a good Neuro who has a lot of experience with TN,, they can infer from the MVA if there "might" be an interaction of blood vessel and nerve..

I went to an appointment a few years ago with a friend and the Neuro could clearly see a looping of vessels that should not have been there and said I think there is a good chance that here is where the problem is....he was correct and they did a very successful MVD...

So having an MRI is an essential first step in an accurate diagnosis of TN and in ruling out any other more serious problems...If you are afraid of having one (like me!!) make sure your MD is aware and they can medicate you so you will be more comfortable (or asleep) during the procedure.

Good Luck,, let us know what the results are.....Beth