I wanted to ask about MRI scans. I’m not diagnosed but am seeing a neurologist on the 31st August but even going private I’m told there will be a further 5 week wait if a scan is needed.
I am keen to have a scan asap as I’m desperate for answers. My symptoms have been getting steadily worse since mid may and I’m reluctant to hang around much longer.
I started off just feeling dizzy, now I’m numb down one side, I’ve had periods where I can’t feel my right hand or the RHS of my face. I’m struggling with memory and speech at times and now having some issues with my vision.
So, my question is, if I get a scan myself, then the neuro orders another, is it a problem to have two scans in a short space of time? Will my neurologist be happy to look at a scan I’ve had done elsewhere?
I know in the scheme of thinks another 5/6 weeks isn’t all that long but the new symptoms cropping up is really making me not want to hang around any longer.
No, it isn’t a problem to have two scans in a short space of time, in terms of any harm to you from the scan. I’d have thought the neurologist would look at a scan you had done privately. If s/he feels that more needs to be looked at, or a different mode of scan (T1, T2, Flair etc) is required then there would be nothing to stop them doing that.
Thanks for your response. I’ve actually managed to book a brain scan through a private agency for this coming tuesday. Glad to know it won’t prohibit further scans if the neurologist wants them.
I assume the private agency will provide you with a disc of your MRI scan. You should really get this to your neurologist before your appointment in order that s/he can examine it.
Is it just a brain scan or brain and cervical spine? It may be that your NHS neurologist will want cervical spine, unless there is clear evidence in your brain scan and/or neurological examination to make a diagnosis (of whatever kind - it’s not all about MS, there are many other diagnoses with similar symptoms).
I take your point completely about sending my scan results to the neurologist in advance. I’ve left it quite late in deciding to book the scan so I might not have time to send it to him before I go unfortunately. If I get the cd/file through in time I will send it in advance if my appt tho.
It is only a brain scan for now. The longer appointment time needed to scan 4 body parts meant I’d have had a longer wait so I decided just to get the brain scan done as the GP I spoke to said, based on my symptoms that would be his recommendation.
He has included full spine in the referral tho so I can go back for that another time which I will do if my neurologist thinks it’s necessary.