What Are Toluene Exposure Symptoms?

Brief Answer:
Meaning of MRI

Detailed Answer:
Good evening. I am a neurologist from XXXXXXX Ohio and am happy to comment on the meaning of the MRI scan. I read the original report that you uploaded. If you can upload the actual digital images then, it would be even more helpful.

However, in this scan report it is telling us that in the left frontal area of the brain there is an area measuring 8 mm. in length with a SHAPE (morphology) which doesn't resemble any particular pathological entity (i.e. NONSPECIFIC MORPHOLOGY) such as tumor, aneurysm, stroke, etc.

The radiologist is stating that the area with the "altered signal intensity" on the scan COULD BE an area where the neurons have been denuded of their exterior insulating protein covering called myelin (DEMYELINATION). However, by the same token the radiologist is also saying that he is not really SURE if this area is one of DEMEYLINATION. That's what is meant by saying "difficult to exclude."

Having said all of the above information I can tell you that the location of this "nonspecific morphologic area" does not really correspond to the areas of neuropathy that you seem to have. Therefore, while it sounds as if the MRI scan in fact shows SOMETHING is there....it is impossible to really say EXACTLY WHAT IT IS AND whatever it may be; it likely does not correspond to your clinical presentation of neuropathy in all of the locations you mention.

One way to improve upon this study may be to obtain it again but this time with GADOLINIUM CONTRAST material which is given IV and is a substance which can "light up" areas in the brain that take up the contrast. This may define that region a bit better.

If I've answered your questions I'd appreciate the favor of your providing a STAR RATING and some brief written feedback In addition, CLOSING THE QUERY on your end will also be most helpful to expedite the transaction associated with this question and to also allow the information in this case to be archived so that other doctors may use the data to their advantage on anyone with a similar problem.

Don't forget that my webpage to keep me abreast as to how your wife's doing is:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

All the Best

This query has required a total of 49 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile the return to the patient.

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Brief Answer:
Had already written the answer and the server destroyed it

Detailed Answer:
I had written a beautiful 45 min. response to this question about 2 hrs ago and when I submitted it- apparently the server of Healthcaremagic was in the middle of some changes and my response got completely trashed. Wow!

I will try and reconstruct what I had written but obviously, will not be able to pull it all back.

The direct answer to your question as whether or not these chemicals could've affected your brain is not an easy one to answer for me for obvious reasons. Other doctors you've seen are hedging as I too must SINCE the issue of exposure to toxic chemicals and impact on health is a complex topic and cannot be determined simply on what "appears" to be plausible or logical.

When talking about the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) the issue of HOW toxic something is or isn't depends on many factors such as duration of exposure, modality of exposure (ingested, fumes, direct skin contact, etc.), concentration of material, and of course just the absolute toxicity factor of the chemical in question to the body. There are many other factors that have to be taken into consideration about the person as well when determining toxicity impact on a person or population. Genetics may also play a role. Then, there is the issue of simply confirming that the exposure actually did occur but testing the material in question and making sure that there weren't OTHER TOXINS you may have been exposed to aside from that UNSEALED TUB situation. In other words, often times where there is room to consider 1 toxic exposure to a chemical other toxic chemicals likely abound in the same area...so if a person thinks they've ONLY BEEN exposed to something it is likely they've been exposed to something else as well...then, it needs to be determined whether or not the combination of those chemicals could be responsible for symptoms or is it truly JUST THE SINGLE ENTITY?

What I would say is this...your MRI suggests the presence of something abnormal in the left frontal lobe which cannot be easily defined by the radiologist. I believe a followup scan with gadolinium contrast is indicated and if necessary a PET scan of that area as well to determine whether or not there is any abnormal metabolic activity that could be going on there. The neurobehavioral symptoms you mention of increased aggressiveness and irritability could be due to disruption of frontal lobe pathways so from that perspective it is possible to relate the MRI scan findings to those symptoms if the repeat study confirms the presence of something which can be better delineated using gadolinium contrast.

As far as the rest of your cognitive complaints are concerned...again, it is my recommendation that either a neurologist or neuropsychologist examine you or administer proper tests to determine either the cause or the most likely diagnosis for the problems you're mentioning such as forgetfulness, feeling confused or overwhelmed at your job, etc. I'd also recommend that you consider DOWNLOADING vital information FROM YOUR BRAIN that you cannot afford to forget such as what you mentioned (safe combinations, phone numbers, social security numbers, other personal data; perhaps phone numbers/addresses of your children, etc.) and start organizing everything either in daily minders or on the computer.

As always thank you for your commitment of providing a STAR RATING and some brief written feedback if my answer was satisfactory to your question. In addition, CLOSING THE QUERY on your end expedite the transaction associated with this question and also allow other doctors access to this information so they may help anyone else with a similar problem.

Don't forget that my webpage to keep me abreast as to how your progress is:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

Cheers!

This query has required a total of 116 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile the return to the patient.

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