For me, it is my understanding that the tests are more to show/confirm that there is nothing else going on versus confirming that the dr's "see" Meniere's. I can't have a MRI - but my contrast CT scan was to confirm that there was no tumor or neurological issues seen. All other vestibular testing, confirmed no other issues. My left ear did confirm by that time that is was only functioning at 25% of normal from a balance/reaction basis.
I agree with nicmger. I had both a ct scan and mri and was told it was to rule out anything else that could be causing the problems. Both of mine came back normal. My first hearing test came out normal and the balance test, I can't remember what it is called, but it came out normal too. I'm still in the very beginning of the disease.
some mri's can show endolymphatic hydrops now but they are also finding now that not everyone with Meniere's has EH
The main purpose of the MRI is to make sure you don't have an acoustic neuroma which is a type of tumor, or some other condition that is causing your symptoms. An ECOG measures signals in the inner ear generated by sound. The ECOG can't actually diagnose Meniere's, just indicate that something is abnormal.
When I first started reading about MM and the hydrops bit it didn't seem right. This really small thin layer of tissue ruptures and heals itself over and over and over? Sometimes three times a week? Didn't make much sense to me then. Still doesn't.
I want my doctor to prescribe MRI with Gondolium. It is supposed to be revealing of hydrops as Vickie has said. You get an injection of dye and four hours later you have the test. Going to keep pushing for it.
imback, I had the MRI with Gondolium contrast. as my new Neurotologist said it has a much better result than my last "plain" MRI. Takes longer to do- basically two scans- done at same visit. He did say that it confirmed the hydrops also since fortunately (for the test purposes, surely not for me) I had an acute vertigo attack a day and a half earlier. As he explained to me you can have one without the other (proves how invaluable and bright Vicky is at researching and helping everyone!)
I know Vicky is amazing. That is great news Frosty. Now you know unequivocally what is causing your vertigo. I want to know too.