Mold Exposure
This video discusses how mold illnesses are caused by exposure to water-damaged buildings containing toxigenic organisms. These organisms can cause the immune system to go haywire and result in chronic inflammatory response syndrome. Symptoms of this syndrome include but are not limited to: Fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, unusual pain, headache, light sensitivity, red eyes, blurred vision, tearing, sinus problems, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, diarrhea, memory issues, focal/concentration issues, word recollection issues, decreased learning of new knowledge, confusion, disorientation, skin sensitivity, mood swings, appetite swings, and sweats.
If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, you could be suffering from mold illness. Mold illness has been shown to result in negative impacts on brain volume, memory and learning etc.
FAQ
1) How can I find out if my brain has been affected by mold exposure?
Although NeuroQuant® cannot diagnose mold illness, our research suggests that mold illness can lead to changes in brain volume. NeuroQuant® measures brain volume from a specific type of MRI scan. The resulting analysis can provide objective evidence of brain volume changes.
2) What is NeuroQuant®?
NeuroQuant® is a software program approved by the FDA for measuring brain MRI volume. Note that NeuroQuant® is a product of CorTechs Labs. See their website for more a more detailed description of NeuroQuant®: http://www.cortechslabs.com/neuroquant/.
3) Would I have to come to Virginia to have a NeuroQuant® analysis?
No. Your local/treating/ordering physician can schedule an MRI scan in your area (using special protocol, as described in paragraph 6 below) that he/she can send to CorTechs Labs for NeuroQuant® analysis. Alternatively, your physician or the MRI center can send the disk containing the MRI scans to the Virginia Institute of Neuropsychiatry (“VIN”) for a NeuroQuant® analysis.
4) What are the advantages of having VIN perform my NeuroQuant® analysis?
Upon receipt of the NeuroQuant® data from CorTechs Labs, Dr. Ross inspects for segmentation errors to insure the various brain regions were identified correctly by the computer. Dr. Ross will then provide a narrative report of the NeuroQuant® findings to the patient. By having Dr. Ross perform the NeuroQuant® analysis, the patient will have a connection to a board-certified neuropsychiatrist experienced with brain imaging and mold. For an additional fee, Dr. Ross can talk to the patient and their physician about the NeuroQuant® findings.
5) Can you perform a NeuroQuant® analysis on an MRI I already have? Most likely, no. A special protocol (described below) must have been specifically requested by your doctor to be set up on the MRI scanner before your MRI in order for it to be NeuroQuantable.
6) Where can my local/treating/ordering physician get information on ordering an MRI that VIN can use for NeuroQuant® analysis?
Cortechs Labs provides a way to locate a compatible MRI center on their website here. Once you find a center, your local/ordering physician can order an MRI of the brain without contrast following the NeuroQuant protocol. When you order the MRI, be sure to include the following protocol in order for the correct NeuroQuantable sequence to be done: protocol.
7) Can VIN diagnose my mold illness based on the results of the NeuroQuant® analysis?
No. Our involvement is limited to performing NeuroQuant® analyses for persons whose treating physicians have ordered an MRI and requested that we perform a NeuroQuant® analysis. The results do not provide a diagnosis; rather, they identify whether any of the volumetric findings are consistent with symptoms of mold.
8) How much will a NeuroQuant® analysis of a brain MRI cost?
If you are interested in having VIN perform a NeuroQuant® analysis on your brain MRI, please call us at (804) 594-7046 for details on the cost and the fee agreement.
9) When is the best time to get a NeuroQuant® analysis?
A NeuroQuant® analysis is most beneficial immediately following a diagnosis of mold illness. A follow-up MRI with NeuroQuant® analysis allows for tracking brain volume changes over time. For more information about NeuroQuant® please visit the NeuroQuant® section of our webpage or watch our YouTube video.
10) Can Dr. Ross treat me for mold exposure?
No, Dr. Ross does not treat the effects of mold exposure.