Re: Totally Pumped
Posted: Sun Oct 30, 2005 8:00 am
Brandon,
It's great to hear you're getting the 'move' on this injury!
I just wanted to add some info on the MRN that I've recently learned about, for all else that are interested. I'm not sure why this imaging process hasn't taken off w/greater success in the field of Neurology.
I recently saw Dr. Aaron Filler in Los Angeles, who helped pioneer this imaging process, and had an MR Neurography taken and will get the results next week. My understanding is that it is taken by a specially adjusted MRI machine in which the imaging information is then re-calibrated so that the nerves are separated and distinguished from the other tissue and bone masses. This technology has been evolving for over ten years, and supposedly can prevent unneeded exploratory surgery and help guide surgeons with greater accuracy when operating, especially in the C8 & T1 areas that are very risky due to their proximity to the lung and chest cavity.
I hope the MRN is as promising as it seems and will hopefully start being used by more hospitals. I'll post again when I find out the results and can compare them against all the other diagnostic studies I've had done on my injury.
Good Luck Brandon!
Chris
PS this is a 'cut & paste" from a PubMed finding on Dr. Filler and the MRN...
Recent advances in the technology of MR imaging are beginning to transform the fundamental methodology of diagnostic evaluations in neuromuscular disorders. When properly implemented, MR neurography is capable of providing high-quality information about nerve compression, nerve inflammation, nerve trauma, systemic neuropathies, nerve tumors, and recovery of nerve from pathologic states. Muscle MR imaging can identify denervation on a precise anatomic basis, document the progression of various conditions causing myopathy and myositis; and even provide insight into abnormal patterns of muscle activation. There is an essential role for the neurologist as well as for the specialist radiologist that requires a high level of familiarity of the various new types of image findings in this steadily advancing field.
It's great to hear you're getting the 'move' on this injury!
I just wanted to add some info on the MRN that I've recently learned about, for all else that are interested. I'm not sure why this imaging process hasn't taken off w/greater success in the field of Neurology.
I recently saw Dr. Aaron Filler in Los Angeles, who helped pioneer this imaging process, and had an MR Neurography taken and will get the results next week. My understanding is that it is taken by a specially adjusted MRI machine in which the imaging information is then re-calibrated so that the nerves are separated and distinguished from the other tissue and bone masses. This technology has been evolving for over ten years, and supposedly can prevent unneeded exploratory surgery and help guide surgeons with greater accuracy when operating, especially in the C8 & T1 areas that are very risky due to their proximity to the lung and chest cavity.
I hope the MRN is as promising as it seems and will hopefully start being used by more hospitals. I'll post again when I find out the results and can compare them against all the other diagnostic studies I've had done on my injury.
Good Luck Brandon!
Chris
PS this is a 'cut & paste" from a PubMed finding on Dr. Filler and the MRN...
Recent advances in the technology of MR imaging are beginning to transform the fundamental methodology of diagnostic evaluations in neuromuscular disorders. When properly implemented, MR neurography is capable of providing high-quality information about nerve compression, nerve inflammation, nerve trauma, systemic neuropathies, nerve tumors, and recovery of nerve from pathologic states. Muscle MR imaging can identify denervation on a precise anatomic basis, document the progression of various conditions causing myopathy and myositis; and even provide insight into abnormal patterns of muscle activation. There is an essential role for the neurologist as well as for the specialist radiologist that requires a high level of familiarity of the various new types of image findings in this steadily advancing field.