MRI's with and without contrast

Posted By s.f. on February 14, 1998 at 22:27:56:









How much difference is there between the images of an MRI with contrast vs.
an MRI without contrast? About four months ago I underwent an MRI of brain.
Neurologist's orders called for MRIs with contrast and without contrast to
rule out focal lesions. Symptoms included headaches, odor hallucinations,
lightheadedness, stiff neck, unilateral ache in shoulder and arm, tremor,
numbness, tremor, crawly sensation on face, etc.
Technicians did the MRI without contrast first, obviously. When they started
to inject the dye, they had many problems finding a vein that wouldn't
collapse, and after half a dozen "sticks" in different locations on my arms
and legs, they gave up and sent me home. So the MRI with contrast was never
done. MRI without contrast was normal, according to results.Neuro didn't say
anything about missing "MRI with contrast" when he went over results in follow-up
visit.
What might have been missed by opting not to do the "with-contrast MRI"?
Should it be reordered if I'm still experiencing symptoms consistent
with the reason for the first order?