MRI yesterday found mass

[elleng]

in mother's cervical spine. She's 88, in mid-stage dementia, and was bright and responsive in conversation after brain mri, when she described 'fantasy' ride, which I took to have been a dream of mri experience.

She had a second mri, late night. Responsive this morning, according to nurse, and ate breakfast; later, with my visit, after she ate a bit of lunch, she again went into 'fantasy,' and continued in what I'd call a delusional manner. 'Slept,' with mouth open on and off, which continued during visit with radiation oncologist, tho she was somewhat responsive to some of his questions. 'Slept' until I left.

Looked ill, which has not been the case before.

Has anyone had/heard of similar experience after mri? She's not on any 'new' meds, we're deciding treatment now, and I'm wondering whether something 'new' or significant occurred during mri.

Would appreciate thoughts, and time is of the essence, obviously.

Thanks.

[flamingyouth]

1. I'm sorry about your mom.

I wonder if what happened could be the result of her mid-stage dementia?

People think I'm crazy when I say this, but I've always felt kind of weird for a couple of days after having cervical spine or brain MRIs (I've had several). Up until a few years ago, I'd never met anyone else who'd had this experience but then I mentioned it to a physical therapist and she said it's not that uncommon, actually.

I hope she's feeling better now and that they can make her comfortable. Best wishes to all of you.

[elleng]

2. Thanks, flamingyouth.

You're the only one who's mentioned this weirdness, tho others have noted mri's difficulties. And I think good chance dementia had something to do with her response.

Tried radiation therapy, and even tho she was able to be still enough for preparation of 'mask,' she was unable to remain still for procedure itself. As we don't want to heavily sedate her during procedures for 3 weeks, we've decided not to treat the mass (except with steroids for a while, which have anti-inflammatory effect.)

So, nursing-home search now.

Thanks.

[Forkboy]

3. Best wishes for you mom.

I wish I had words of advice for you that could help, but I've never heard of that before. Just wanted to pass on some good vibes for you both.

[elleng]

4. Thanks, Forkboy.

Mom is now in comfortable 'nursing home,' with all necessary care and family visiting daily.