MRI Scan Advice Needed

I had an MRI of the brain back in May, to investigate various cognitive / neurological problems I've been experiencing since the start of 2009 (mild confusion, memory problems, muscle twitching, etc). This came back normal (I have neither copies of the scans , nor the radiographers report - just a letter from neurologist saying all findings were normal).

As my symptoms have exacerbated somewhat during the time that has transpired since the scan, various people of a non-medical capacity have advised me to ask for a repeat MRI scan 'with flare', given so I'm told, how many neurological conditions don't show up early into their course, and that with the addition of the 'flare' the scan picks up much great detail, so would now perhaps display an abnormality of some sort that could explain my worsening symptoms.

I saw a second neurologist last month who wouldn't entertain this idea, as he didn't deem my symptoms to be severe enough to warrant a repeat scan. Living in the U.K, this was on our National Health Service, where tests are down to the judgement of the consultant in question. You can't really just request a particular test, if the respective consultant doesn't believe it's warranted, given how everything is governed by cost, budgets, etc.

Unable to afford private health care, but obviously sufficiently concerned about my symptoms now, to want a further investigation carried out, I'm currently looking into getting a private repeat MRI. As this is a cost that's going to stretch me financially, I'm looking for advice on what exactly I should ask for scan wise, to make it actually count for something.

Many thanks in advance!

[selmaS]

Hi...I love ur signon....lol...cute....to the point.

May I ask, is it possible to request a copy of ur MRI and the report as to get a second opinion?...Here in the USA we can  and it can be revealing in many ways as we find things on the report the dr never mentioned.

Do try, here it is also not deemed necessary to have another MRI of an area within a 6 month period unless the individual had a recent injury since the MRI was last done.

So requesting the copies seems to be an option.

Good Luck
"selma"

[cognitivelykaput]

I've made a request for the scans themselves, along with the actual report.As I'm sure is probably the case in the U.S, here in the U.K you're entitled to see your own medical records... albeit at a charge of £50 ($75 ish).

It's not the most rapid system in the world though, so think it might actually still be some time until I receive them!

[selmaS]

I have most of my MRI's and the reports and did not have to pay for them...although what I am charged in addition to what my insurance covers...I paid for it all right....lol....

Good Luck
"selma"