Which brain imaging?

[kelseycs]

Hi,

I don't have a diagnosis as yet but my symptoms tally better with cfs/me than anything else I've found so far.

I'd like to get some more brain imaging (and/or testing) done because of longstanding disabling symptoms (brain fog et al - you know the ones) and some newer concerning symptoms (specifically bouts of limb numbness and paralysis).

I have a normal MRI.

Lassessen makes a pretty good argument for SPECT here:

https://cfsremission.com/2014/03/04/appropriate-brain-scans-for-cfs-patients/

though I've skipped reviewing the journal articles.

I've seen some mention of PET, EEG, and qEEG here and elsewhere.

So: Thoughts? Opinions? Journal articles? Lay it on me!

 

[kelseycs]

Bump.

Hey, this seems to have gotten buried: but my PCP is setting me up with a neuropsychologist/psychologist for cognitive function testing and after that I am to see a neurologist so this would be a GREAT time to have this talk.

 

[adambeyoncelowe]

SPECT may be useful. Look for reduced blood flow in the brain stem and changes to white and grey matter.

 

[Research 1st]

Hi,

I don't have a diagnosis as yet but my symptoms tally better with cfs/me than anything else I've found so far.

I'd like to get some more brain imaging (and/or testing) done because of longstanding disabling symptoms (brain fog et al - you know the ones) and some newer concerning symptoms (specifically bouts of limb numbness and paralysis).

I have a normal MRI.

Check it was 3.0T MRI. Also was it with contrast? My standard brain MRI missed a pituitary cyst until they repeated it with a high resolution scan with contrast.

Cheaper hospitals or clinics use lower resolution, especially for standing MRI where patients are too claustrophobic to get into a 'tube' like device.

Also have you had a full spine MRI to look at spinal nerves?

Other types of MRI at a research level are ASL-MRI (Arterial Spin Labelling) to check for reduced blood flow, and MRS to look for ventricular lactate.

PET can also measure blood flow, inflammation and glucose depending on what radioligand/tracers they inject you with.

Personally I'd stay up all day, read, talk totally exhaust your brain and do this on a day you have an evening 5PM or so, appointment to do a brain QEEG map either at home or if you can get there, in a clinic. This is always abnormal in ME CFS. It should show your brain is half asleep when your're awake and possibly show brief spikes in seizure activity in some patients.