Spinal cord inflammation?

Pyrrhus

Senior Member
Messages
4,172
Likes
12,849
Location
U.S., Earth
This might be a stupid question
But if ME is inflammation in the brain and spinal cord
Would it be measurable somehow in the spinal cord?
Although classical inflammation is visible on MRIs, neuroinflammation is not.

Neuroinflammation can only be detected using a specialized PET test, or at autopsy.

For more information on the specialized PET test, there is a rather long thread here:
https://forums.phoenixrising.me/thr...roinflammation-in-me-subcortical-brain.80923/

More information on the results of autopsies can be found here:
https://forums.phoenixrising.me/threads/autopsy-findings-summary-of-discussions.85028/
 

Pyrrhus

Senior Member
Messages
4,172
Likes
12,849
Location
U.S., Earth
My hospital wanted to do a PET scan but suppose that wouldn't be specialised
No, that would likely be a standard FDG-PET, which looks at metabolism, not inflammation.

However, since inflammation increases metabolism, inflammation may produce a signal on a FDG-PET. But the signal wouldn't be specific for inflammation.
 

Zebra

Senior Member
Messages
732
Likes
2,994
Location
Northern California
Hi, @judyinthesky

I believe you've already had one test for inflammation if the spinal cord, which is a spinal tap.

Did it show anything unusual in the CSF?

Also, an MRI of the spine/spinal cord, with contrast, will also pick up inflammation of the spinal cord.

A work up for spinal cord inflammation is similar to a work up for Multiple Sclerosis or other inflammatory diseases that affect the CNS.

Please keep us posted!
 

judyinthesky

Senior Member
Messages
359
Likes
440
Hi, @judyinthesky

I believe you've already had one test for inflammation if the spinal cord, which is a spinal tap.

Did it show anything unusual in the CSF?

Also, an MRI of the spine/spinal cord, with contrast, will also pick up inflammation of the spinal cord.

A work up for spinal cord inflammation is similar to a work up for Multiple Sclerosis or other inflammatory diseases that affect the CNS.

Please keep us posted!
I was more interested in the autopsy thing
But yes I had it and it made me very severe but didn't show anything
 

Zebra

Senior Member
Messages
732
Likes
2,994
Location
Northern California
I was more interested in the autopsy thing
But yes I had it and it made me very severe but didn't show anything
Hi! I was responding to your original post, and questions, at the top of the thread.

And yes, I recall that your spinal tap made you very severe, and I am so sorry that happened to you.

Best of luck in your pursuits.
 
Last edited: