#1 ·
So, I just went in for a brain MRI because these headaches have been killing me. The report mentions chronic inflammatory changes in the mastoid cells—basically inflammation in the bone right behind the ear.
Back when I had a brain CT about six years ago, this wasn't even on the radar.
I wouldn't say my ears are actually acting up, though. It's more like I've been dealing with constant sore throats lately (at least once a month) and some annoying allergic rhinitis.
My hearing is totally fine in both ears, and I don't even have tonsils anymore...
The ENT told me there's no need to panic about the inflammation spreading toward my brain just yet, since the scan shows zero signs of bone erosion.
They just prescribed some ear drops and called it a day.
Should I be sweating this diagnosis? How can this even show up if my ears don't feel inflamed? Is that even possible? Does this mean there's an actual bacterial infection sitting in the bone, or could it just be fluid buildup?
On some US medical forums, people talk about mastoiditis being potentially lethal because it can lead to things like brain abscesses or meningitis.
Has anyone else dealt with something like this?😕
Back when I had a brain CT about six years ago, this wasn't even on the radar.
I wouldn't say my ears are actually acting up, though. It's more like I've been dealing with constant sore throats lately (at least once a month) and some annoying allergic rhinitis.
My hearing is totally fine in both ears, and I don't even have tonsils anymore...
The ENT told me there's no need to panic about the inflammation spreading toward my brain just yet, since the scan shows zero signs of bone erosion.
They just prescribed some ear drops and called it a day.
Should I be sweating this diagnosis? How can this even show up if my ears don't feel inflamed? Is that even possible? Does this mean there's an actual bacterial infection sitting in the bone, or could it just be fluid buildup?
On some US medical forums, people talk about mastoiditis being potentially lethal because it can lead to things like brain abscesses or meningitis.
Has anyone else dealt with something like this?😕