mY 3 YR OLD'S mri RESULTS

[brandonsmom]

I had recently posted reagarding my 3 yr old, Draven's Autism diagnosis. His MRI results came back and the verdict was that he had low fluid in the brain. They said that may be why he is the way he is and to bring him back in one year for another MRI scan. Why wait a year? Shouldnt they do something else besides making me wait another year and worry about why the fluid is low. I feel a second opinion is the route to go because it just doesnt seem right that they would sit on that for another year. Why not do something about it right now. I wasnt at home when they called so my husband took a message. Anyone have any thoughts on this or has anyone had a MRI like this in their child. Thank you for your time

[misty]

My daughter has never had an MRI, but I do think it sounds odd to wait a whole year! If i were in your shoes, I'd want a second opinion too, or at the very least I'd want a thorough explanation from the Dr as to why you have to wait an entire year. I hate when Doctors don't give parents all the information they need. You need to know why you're waiting a year & what, if any, other complications could arise during that year & if he can't give you satisfactory answers, I say yes, go get that 2nd opinion!

[crazyhouse]

I second that opinion! A brain is not something to sit around and waste! I would call the Dr. and ask for a thorough explanation of his findings. Ask what the options are in treatment (where do you go from this point in the Dr's findings) and if you don't like his results or plan of treatment there are tons of qualified Neurologists out there I would take his findings to another Dr. and ask for a second opinion. Hang in there its gonna get better sooner or later.

[katiekat]

I would definitely want some more information. How can he tell you something is wrong with your child's brain fluid and just leave it at that? I would not be able to wait a year. I'd call him back for sure and get a 2nd opinion as well.

[brandonsmom]

I just got off the phone with his neurologist and she said that his fluid was fine (my hubby is not good at relaying messages) but she said his myelination was immature and not developed the way it should be. She said that depending on his progress he will need another MRI in 6 mths. She feels that this may be why he is having difficulty with his speech. They dont know why it isnt developed they way it should be.

[charliegirl]

Definition of Myelination

Myelination: The formation of the myelin sheath around a nerve fiber. Also known as myelinization.


Definition of Myelin

Myelin: The fatty substance that covers and protects nerves.

Myelin is a layered tissue that sheathes the axons (nerve fibers). This sheath around the axon acts like a conduit in an electrical system, ensuring that messages sent by axons are not lost en route. It allows efficient conduction of action potentials down the axon. Myelin consists of 70% lipids (cholesterol and phospholipid) and 30% proteins. It is produced by oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system.

I searched myelin and increasing, strengthening myelin. I found a report which indicated that there were certain supplements which could help it develop or strengthen. This is the link to that.
www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046%2Fj.1471-4159.2003.01887.x

I found a study being done. There is a report about it here www.myelin.org/research.htm

I found supplements which are being sold which purport to support myelin. shopproducts.howstuffworks.com/cp-search.php

I have never looked into this before so I really don't know if any of this will prove helpful but if there is a way to encourage the myelination, I hope to find it.