MRI Brain scan 25yo male-lesion

Posted by webbs3248 @webbs3248, Oct 17, 2023

Hi,
My son experienced what was called a 'complex migraine' 2 weeks ago and went to ER. CT was clean. Went to Neurologist followup and an MRI (withand without contrast) was ordered.
The MRI revealed "Lesion in the region of the right foramen of Luschka with brisk somewhat heterogeneous enhancement with a maximum diameter of 1.5 cm with some extension into the inferior fourth ventricle, suspected to be extra medullary, but potentially with an intramedullary component, which statistically most likely represents an ependymoma, with other considerations including medulloblastoma..."
Neurologist has not reviewed yet, but we will hear back tomorrow. Anyone familiar with this? He has had migraines in the past. 3 episodes in his teens that lead to a negative meningitis test.
Thank you for any light you can shine on this.

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windyshores | @windyshores | Oct 17, 2023

I am so sorry you and your son are dealing with this surprise report. Of course better to talk to the neurologist. What kind of "complex migraine," what were the symptoms? My daughter has complex migraines and a seizure disorder. She has had brain surgery for another reason. I will PM you.

ps I just looked up the terms. Looks like ependymoma is an often benign tumor that may or may not mean surgery. The report seems to say that is more statistically likely. That would be good, I guess, depending on details.:
https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/conditions/ependymoma
Medulloblasoma is a cancer that seems to be located in the cerebellum . https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/medulloblastoma/cdc-20363524 Is he having balance or coordination issues?

webbs3248 | @webbs3248 | Oct 17, 2023

In reply to @windyshores "I am so sorry you and your son are dealing with this surprise report. Of course..." + (show)

Thank you for your quick and thoughtful response.
His symptoms were very bad headache, dizzy, vomiting, incoherent speech, vision problems. This is the first time recently that this has happened in such severity. He had it 2 other times in his teens. Otherwise, his migraines are managable...they come and go. He is very active and works full time while going to school. This episode shut him down for 2 weeks.

renee5 | @renee5 | Oct 16 1:04pm

I see that your post was a year ago…I just joined this group. My son was diagnosed with medulloblastoma 4 years ago. Not sure where your at a year later but if you ever want to chat or ask me any questions please reach out.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 20 9:09pm

In reply to @renee5 "I see that your post was a year ago…I just joined this group. My son was..." + (show)

Welcome, @renee5. I'm tagging @webbs3248 in the hopes that they will see your message to them.

May I ask how old your son was when he was diagnosed with medulloblastoma? What treatment did he have? How is he doing now? How are you doing?

renee5 | @renee5 | Oct 20 10:35pm

My son was 20 when dx, he is now 24. He had surgery (had a stroke a day later as well to rehab from) then 6 weeks proton radiation at Mayo. A month after that got his port in and started chemo (cisplatin, etoposide and Cyclophosphamide) for 6 cycles. We scan every 4 months and are in observation mode.
He is doing pretty well…Obviously his life dreams have been derailed with a cancer diagnosis a week before his senior year of college and has changed paths in life…still not exactly sure what he will be able to do.
I’m doing ok….not great but not horrible, sometimes still finding it hard to believe. We have 2 other kids besides Matthew, it’s a tough pill to swallow when your kid is dx with cancer.