Was supposed to be of head and spine but they’re saying GP only requested head so that’s all that was done. Took about 20 minutes, was a horrible 20 Minutes as I’m claustrophobic but glad it’s done! What is the cage on your head used for? I had an MRI about 2 years ago and didn’t have one then. Also I wondered how likely if it was ms would just a brain scan be enough without contrast? X
At least it’s over and done with. Well done on being so brave! The cage is to keep your head in one position. It isn’t pleasent, and if you were unlucky enough to have the old style, they are a lot more claustrophobic than the newer more open ones. To my understanding contrast would only highlight areas of inflammation that may indicate new symptoms. So if you were going through a relapse, the contrast would show them up. Old plaques would be seen without the contrast as the scarring process has taken place. Hope this helps you. J x
Thank you that does help. I have the neuro on thursday for follow up and just worried if he wants be to go back with contrast or for spine doing as it was supposed to have been done. Hopefully I am on the road to getting some answers now x
Thank you that does help. I have the neuro on thursday for follow up and just worried if he wants be to go back with contrast or for spine doing as it was supposed to have been done. Hopefully I am on the road to getting some answers now x
Hi Superbecks,
It would be unusual to have MS with NO brain lesions (only in spine), so if they were only going to do part of it, head only is the right way round - by far the higher chance of detection. Also you do not need contrast, if they are only looking to see whether there are lesions or not. Contrast helps differentiate between active and inactive (historic) lesions, but if it’s not known whether you have lesions at all yet, without contrast is fine. If they do find any, they might want to do it again, with contrast, to see if any are active at the moment. But try not to worry about that yet.
Contrast is expensive, as I understand it, so they don’t use it routinely, if they’re not even sure there’s anything to see yet.
Tina
x
Ok thank you. I just got myself in to a state thinking i might be sent back in there to exclude/diagnose ms if that’s what it is. Hopefully they will have what they need from today x