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667611 tn?1226005294

MRI question, inputs please?

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is feeling good today!

I got a call this morning, finally approving me to get my MRI. I have the lab sheet and as I glanced at it, I noticed that the doctor only one spot- meaning that it looks to me like the MRI will be of my head only. IT also says w/wo contrast--does that mean "with OR without contrast"? or "with AND without contrast"?

Since having been a member here, I have learned that when diagnosing MS, the doc should get an MRI of not only the head, but the full spine.... or at least the cervical spine? Is that correct or have I gone wrong somewhere?

And lastly, what should I do? My next appointment isn't until Dec.16th, and I would expect that the doctor would want the MRI done at least a week or two prior to that date. Do I call and say, "Hey, so like, could you ad the neck & spine?" Do I tell the radiologist doing the MRI? I mean, I have the form and can check off whatever I deem necessary, but that feels just plain wrong without permission from someone. I don't want to be getting myself in trouble--

What should I do?

Thank you!
5 Responses
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Avatar universal
The neuro's, for whatever reason, never understood the concept of "would you like fries with that?"!

Stay on 'em.

What everything they do, because most of them are not, unless you are very lucky.

They will definitely forget something that could be very helpful - it happened to me recently with a lumbar puncture.   So, I learned my lesson.

Opera
Helpful - 0
147426 tn?1317265632
Everything above is what I would say.  Only the ordering doctor can usually add different parts to the scan.  Although, sometimes they will see something during a test that will lead the radiologist to chose to expand the test.

I agree that you should ask your neuro to add in the cervical spine and the thoracic spine and say it is due to the difficulty you have getting there or whatever.

Now, very often, depending on your insurance you can choose where to go for the test - in terms of choosing a higher power machine.

Quix
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Your doctor has to order what MRIs to do.  And whether contrast is needed.  

And, ask for copies of the CD before you leave the MRI place.  Yes they can provide you copies of the CD and so far I've never been charged.  I suggest getting two copies.  

You can view them on your home computer however the resolution isn't always good.  

Your doctor can also request a specific resolution.  Like if the MRI center has a 3T machine then at my center the doctor has to specifiy the 3T.  The doctor can also say a minimum of 1.0T.  etc.  

And you may want to ask your doctor for a prescription for a few mild sedative like pills.  You may not know if you are claustrophobic and the pills do help.  It also helps to use the eye mask, the ear plugs, the knee cushion.  

Also, try one of the sedative pills before the test.  That way you will know how it will affect you.  

Good luck.  Jules
Helpful - 0
572651 tn?1530999357
I would contact the neuro and ask to have everything done at  once if possible - tell them taking off work, or the travel time,  or whatever reason you can think of that makes sense to do it all at one time.  I had my brain mri separate and when the lesions jumped out they sent me for the spinal mri's.  For my first neuro appt. he had my entire cns on cd to look at.

Just asking the radiologist to do more won't work.  And please don't alter your medical rx's on your own - make sure it is ordered by the doctor so your insurance covers the cost.

My best, Lulu
Helpful - 0
338416 tn?1420045702
Yup, that's with and without contrast.  

I have the worst luck adding on MRIs to my scheduled MRI.  I had a cervical MRI and thought - heck, I'll be there - just scan my head again.  No go.  The neuro thought it was 'too early' as I'd had an MRI six months prior.

However, that's just my neuro.  Feel free to ask yours and see if he'll throw another one in there.  It would help if you had some symptoms that made you suspect cord involvement - bladder problems, leg weakness, etc.

I recommend imaging the complete central nervous system.   This means brain, cervical, and thoracic MRI, with and without contrast.  
Helpful - 0
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