MRI scan

[mumtaz10]

Hi guys I wanted to know if anyone knows where to get a private head MRI scan done in the Birmingham region. I've been suffering from this head related illness for almost 2 years and the doctor thinks it's depression which I disagree because the only thing that gets me depressed is the problem itself I'm suffering from. I tried to get an MRI scan through the nhs but they never put me through so if anyone knows of any private practice in the Birmingham region who do head MRI scans at reasonable prices can you please let me know in the reply column.

Thank you

[nursegirl6572]

You've received great advice so far!

Have you ever been assessed by a neurologist?  I would think that would be a logical next step, and the neurologist could recommend an MRI, if it is indicated.

Sounds to me, personally, like your problems are more anxiety related, and panic attacks can cause the kinds of symptoms you are describing.  The fainting definitely needs investigating, as a panic attack wouldn't cause a person to actually pass out.

Antidepressants (SSRIs specifically, like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro) are first line treatments for anxiety disoders.  What meds have you tried?  If this is anxiety and/or depression related, you may just need a change in your medications.  Therapy is very useful as well.

It's VERY hard for people to accept that such real physical symptoms could be caused by anxiety or depression, but it happens all the time.  I think you're doing the right thing by pursuing this medically, but I think you also need to start considering that indeed most of your symptoms could be caused by anxiety and depression.  Once a medical problem is ruled out, it would be wise to start addressing this as anxiety and/or depression.  If indeed that is the cause, once you address anxiety and depression and it starts improving, so will your symptoms.

Best of luck...keep us updated!

[4Maddie44]

Hi, any luck with getting an MRI scan.  Have you been back to the doctor to discuss your symptoms?  Are you in the UK?

[sara12345]

P.S. Besides getting your depression better treated, you may need an anti-anxiety medication for your panic attacks, as well as medication for your headaches if they are severe.  Good luck.

[sara12345]

Maddie makes some good points.  Most of what you list could be from depression, but the collapsing and the fall sounds like it should be investigated further.  Migraines could cause collapses.  How severe are your headaches?  Have you had more falls since you asked your doctor for a scan?  Maybe with the additional info, your doctor may change their mind.  Otherwise I would try to see a different doctor to see about getting a scan or some kind of diagnostic test.  

Do you feel that your anti-depressant treats your depression well?  If not, you should talk to your doctor about it, who may think that the dose should be increased or that you may need to try a different anti-depressant.  Then perhaps most of your symptoms could get better.

What country do you live in where the doctors didn't feel a need to do any diagnostic tests after a bad fall?  That sounds strange to me.  

[4Maddie44]

What have the doctors said about your headaches etc?  What do they think is the cause?  Have you asked if you can have an MRI scan?  if so, what did they say?  Did your doctor refer you to a specialist at the hospital?  That would be the first step.

Ask your doctor if you can have a scan.  Did you ask doctor if you could go privately if they refuse to net you go on NHS?

Sorry for all the questions.  I just wanted to con firm that you have done all you can with doctors first.  You say you do have depression and are on anti-depressants.  

I have found personally that I get a lot of physical symptoms with depression.  I have myself had a CAT scan for pains, but all was negative.  I eventually accepted it was all connected with my depression.  
Funny things can happen that make us believe we are physically ill, and yet it is all due to depression.  If you think this is not true in your case, then worry your doctors until they do something.  Tell them you don't think the symptoms are due to depression , and you want your mind put at rest.  Don't let them fob you off.  The symptoms you describe I have had, but I must admit the collapsing is a worry.  What did your doctor was the cause of them?

Take care, and let us know how you get on.

[mumtaz10]

Basically the symptoms I have are
1. Constant heavy head
2.dizziness
3.headaches
4.panic attacks
5.unable to concentrate
Many more which happen every day, I have been on antidepressants for 2 years now and these symptoms haven't gone at all, which is why I feel there is a deeper problem which needs to be assessed. I also collapsed a few times because of this ptoblem and in one occasion  hurt my head really bad but doctors didn't feel it was necessary to have a X-ray or a scan

[4Maddie44]

Are you asking about Birmingham, England, as you mention the NHS?  I live in UK .  A GP will send you for an MRI scan if they think you warrant it.

You do not say what this head related thing is.  You are posting on the depression site but you state you have not got depression.

What have you done so far to try and find MRI privately.  Have you tried the private hospitals in your area?  Mind you nobody would give you an MRI scan without good reason to do so.  Even private hospitals in UK would give you an appointment  to discuss your problem.  

Explain your problems here, and we may be able to give suggestions.  You are being very vague.

[sara12345]

I agree that it would help us to give you better advice to know more about the symptoms you are having with your head related illness.  I don't believe that any MRI facility will give you an MRI without a doctor's requisition.  Perhaps you could get an opinion from another doctor who might authorize you getting an MRI.

[witheredrose]

Well, an  MRI scan doesnt detect depression i dont think! They can however, detect  mental illness such as scitzophreneia which i know because i was diagnosed through an MRI. The only mental illness an MRI scan able detect is an actually different brain connections than that of a normal brain. Ive had one done for mental illess!
Can you describe some of your symptoms, what you feel and how often  yolou feel it? I know your question is based on needing to know where to get a private MRI scan, which i am unsure of!! Maybe try finding some  in your local directory?
Best of luck!!!!