Recently had CAT scan and was diagnosed with Labyrinthitis and sinusitis. Should I be concerned...?

Question

...that the CAT scan did not show everything? I know the doctor knows how to read the scan, and I don't, but I am concerned that there may be something wrong with my brain. I hope not, as he said the scan looked fine with no problems. Should I press for an MRI. I am taking Avelox for infection and antivert for dizziness. I am still pretty worried. Please, serious answers only. Thank you.

Thank you everyone for the informative answers. Education definitely makes me feel better about things.

Answer 1

Yuck! You must feel pretty bad right now! I really don't think you have anything to worry about at this point. It seems like you had a bad case of bacterial sinusitis that unfortunately spread to your inner ear. The most serious complication with bacterial infection of the inner ear would be meningitis (infection of the brain meninges). However, if you had meningitis you would know it! Side effects of meningitis include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, confusion, sensitivity to light, and possibly seizures or a skin rash.

Are you thinking you might have a tumor? That would have been picked up on the CT scan. A tumor would be an incidental finding in the presence of your bacterial infection, which would be extremely rare.

You are taking antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection, so you are actively fighting the infection. You are doing everything right at this point. Symptoms should resolve within 48-72 hours of starting your antibiotics. Take care of yourself and don't discontinue the antibiotics on your own accord. Watch for the symptoms I mentioned; if you notice any, or a worsening of your present symptoms, definitely contact your doctor.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 2

Sinusitis would definitely show on in CT Scan. If he didn't suggest antibiotics, then don't worry. He would definitely do. Sinuses are easily inflamed during the winter, but sinusitis? Thats seems a bit much. If you cant sleep and have pressure headaches, then you may be a sufferer. But then again he would have saw the need for drainage on the CT. So, I think they're just inflamed. Ask Him or Her. Dont know what Labyrinthitis is. Never even heard of it!

Answer 3

Labyrinthitis is an infection of the inner ear. That's where balance is controled and that's probably why you feel dizzy.

The nasal sinuses and inner ear are linked by the nasopharynx, so it's not that unusual for an infection to spread like that.

Just take your antibiotics as directed by your doctor and you should be okay. You're probably going to need to rest for at least a few days.

I don't see why the MRI would be necessary, but that's up to you and your doctor.

Answer 4

I would be more concerned with the latest news report that shows the number of cancers due to CAT scans.
You have every right to get a second opinion.
Continue on the antibiotic and document your symptoms.A journal is a great way to let your doc in on any thing you may not even think is related.Best of luck.

Answer 5

These links should get you through. Dont think there is to much to be overly concerned about

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001054.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sinusitis.html

Answer 6

Labyrinthitis is an ear disorder that involves irritation and swelling of the inner ear.

The cause of labyrinthitis is unknown. However, it commonly occurs after otitis media (ear infection) or an upper respiratory infection, so it is thought to be related to infection with a virus or bacteria. It may also follow allergy, cholesteatoma, stress, fatigue smoking or after taking certain drugs that are dangerous to the inner ear



Labyrinthitis usually goes away within a few weeks. However, symptoms may need treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Medications that may reduce symptoms include the following:

Antihistamines
Anticholinergics
Sedative-hypnotics
Anti-emetics (antinausea medications)
Benzodiazepines
To prevent worsening of symptoms during episodes of labyrinthitis, try the following:

Keep still and rest during attacks.
Gradually resume activity.
Avoid sudden position changes.
Do not try to read during attacks.
Avoid bright lights.
You may need help walking during attacks. Avoid hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing until 1 week after symptoms have disappeared.

No treatment will completely take away the symptoms - especially the main symptom of vertigo. You may simply have to accept that you will be dizzy, and may need to stay in bed until the viral infection runs it's course and the worst of the symptoms subside

Treatment of other less common causes depends on the cause. Your doctor will advise. For example, if you have a middle ear bacterial infection you may be prescribed antibiotics

Sinusitis means your sinuses are infected or inflamed. Your sinuses are hollow air spaces within the bones surrounding the nose. They produce mucus, which drains into the nose. If your nose is swollen, this can block the sinuses and cause pain and infection.

Sinusitis can be acute, lasting for less than four weeks, or chronic, lasting much longer. Acute sinusitis often starts as a cold, which then turns into a bacterial infection. Allergies, pollutants, nasal problems and certain diseases can also cause sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness, fatigue, cough and congestion. There may also be mucus drainage in the back of the throat, called postnasal drip. Treatments include antibiotics, decongestants and pain relievers. Using heat pads on the inflamed area, saline nasal sprays and vaporizers can also help

I wouldn't be too concerned for labyrinthitis and sinusitis. At least your CAT SCAn didn't show any brain tumor. Both should clear up soon with antibiotics if it's bacterial. If viral, let it run its course. Just treat the symptoms esp the dizziness with labyrinthitis. The meds you're taking should help.