I lost my right field of vision (right homonymous hemianopia) after a fall. My MRI shows DAI but none of the lesions account for the visual field defect. My vision loss is very obvious and distressing to me so why it doesn't show on the MRI is causing me concern as well as difficulty in proving it.
Does anyone have this issue where one of the difficulties from their brain injury is not showing on the MRI? Has anyone had an advanced scan such as Diffuse Tensor Imaging or know of anything else that could help?
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BinaryBiscuit
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I would highly recommend getting a second or even third medical opinion. I've had some really bad medical advice over the years and it's taught me that valuable lesson.
What type of specialists have you seen? Who looked at the MRI imaging?
Diffuse Tensor Imaging is from what I gather a 'Functional MRI'. So it looks at the blood flow as your put through cognitive testing. Here in Australia it's relatively rare and hard to access from what I can see. It might be different in your location.
Perhaps you want to look at getting your Autonomic System tested for function as it controls the eye. It's something I'm looking into myself. Apparently a Neurologist is able to test it, so it may be worth asking them.
Thanks for replying. I was initially referred to the Stroke clinic and it was one of their consultants who assessed my MRI. I have had a second one done and a neuro radiologist did the report for it. The Neuro-Ophthalmologist didnt look at the scan but just the reports. I have never come across the Autonomic System so will check that out.
I assume that you've had an Esterman on Goldman visual test as you mention homonymous hemianopia. The stoke consultant would have looked for a bleed or damage in the left hand rear part of the brain where there is visual processing. I empathise as I have right side homonymous hemianopia caused by a stroke. That may be why there isn't a lesion on the MRI, or it may be damage to the nerve.
You could try contacting specialists who deal with visual issues that are more usually related to stroke. You could contact the British and Irish Orthoptic Society known as BIOS, or Liverpool University - Institute of Population Health Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (Professor Fiona Rowe's department)
Hi thanks for replying. I've had the automated visual field test done. They ruled out a stroke but I fell which is the cause of the DAI. It is just that the consultants are saying that the hemianopia doesnt show on the scan which it should do as I have quite significant visual field loss.
Concussion doesn't necessarily show up on a scan, but the damage is there nonetheless. It seems to be dismissed all to easily by medical professionals, I assume because they are looking for 'hard evidence'.
As I understand it, concussion affects the Autonomic system. The ANS as it's known, affects the 'homeostasis', the basic functioning of your body. I would be getting this checked out if you've had a fall and are experiencing symptoms as a result of this.
Go to your doctor first and get a blood test done. Check your vitamin B12 levels to rule that out first before you go to the next (expensive) step of testing with specialists.
A stroke may have been the cause of the fall. When I had a stroke, I fell backwards out of a garden shed onto paviours. Fortunately, I tucked forward avoiding hitting my head on paviours. Homonymous hemianopia can clear in the first month. There is a diminishing chance of recovering full sight thereafter, and it is very unlikely to occur after 12 months. You will have read the post from ored13; the glasses are known as Peli lenses. They will probably help, but are not accepted by the DVLA for driving.
I understand that the normal MRI cannot see all of the brain matter. So, some MS brain lesions will not be able to be seen. I just get the normal (i.e. the ones that Health Insurance covers) MRIs, with gadolinium contrast.
My husband has a hemianopia and quadrantopia in either eye as a result of his injury. Not recognised when he was in rehab. My sister in law got in touch with a university in Glasgow(Glasgow Caledonia) that had a training department, including someone who dealt with or taught about vision and brain injury as a neuro specialist of sorts. . When in hospital he was recommended reading glasses, but the specialist equipment and knowledge that is required ofa university department ( who also prescribes lenses) proved that he was actually experiencing some significant loss in vision. It's been amazing. We travelled quite a distance for his tests etc with the neuro lecturer, but because they benefit by having real life situations in there which are complicated,I felt we were getting some incredible service and information. My husband is now able to operate a powered wheelchair with his glasses. Something he would not have been able to manage at all. He also has glasses with a tint for close work and screens. So may be worthwhile contacting a few educational settings and seeing whether they can be of some help. His glasses have been significantly life-changing for him.
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