Spinal cord inflammation?

[judyinthesky]

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?

 

[Pyrrhus]

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/

 

[judyinthesky]

I thought so
Also read about the autopsy in very severe patients

My hospital wanted to do a PET scan but suppose that wouldn't be specialised
But the PET wouldn't refer to spinal cord?

 

[Pyrrhus]

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.

 

[judyinthesky]

Yes that makes sense
I was wondering whether there is any other way than autopsy
Will check the autopsy threads

 

[Zebra]

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]

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]

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.