Best Diagnostic Tool?

What is the best diagnostic tool - MRI with or MRI without contrast - when looking for changes (last test was MRI w/ contrast 4 years ago) in someone with failed back surgery syndrome - s/p L4-L5 lumbar laminectomy/foraminotomy/discectomy/DJD/DDD/nerve entrapment L4-L5/radiculopathy/inner thigh pain/leg atrophy w/different coloring (more pink) than other leg? MRI without contrast has been ordered, however, in the past this has been done and had to repeated with contrast in order to better assess changes. The scanning facility has said that MRI without contrast will produce a sub-optimal result. Repeating the scan would be costly, time-consuming and subjective to more-than-needed radiation. Why would it not be recommended as a first step?
Thank you for your professional opinions.

Tags: Neurology, General Neurology, atrophy, lumbar, radiation, subjective, test, years

Watch this discussion

Related Discussions

MRI's with and without contrast
Posted By s.f. on February 14, 1998 at 22:27:56: ...[more]
MRI with and without contrast? (2 replies):
What more can you see on and MRI with contrast vs. an MR...[more]
MRI C Spine.... (3 replies):
Im having one on Saturday...its not with contrast...shou...[more]
MRI's with and without contrast
Re: MRI's with and without contrast ...[more]
mri with or without contrast (3 replies):
I was just wondering if they should be doing the MRI wit...[more]

1 Comment Post a Comment

patsy10

Aug 09, 2007

There is no radiation with a MRI . It's all magnetic. MRI with and without contrast is your best diagnostic tool.

« Previous Next »

Back to Forum

Most Viewed Health Pages

What is Chiari Malformation?

Autonomic Dysfunction FAQ

Dysautonomia Treatments

Autonomic Dysfunction & Dysautonomia Index Page

How Much Sleep Do You Need Each Night?

See all Health Pages

The Content on this Site is presented in a summary fashion, and is intended to be used for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Med Help International, Inc. is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. By using this Site you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.