Brain MRI with and without contrast

[joey1434]

I had my MRI today. So.... I know I am probably being super paranoid, but they said the MRI would take 25 minutes. I went in with the referral which said 'Brain MRI'. (didnt say anything about contrast) I was rolled into the machine and 40 minutes later (they had a clock on the wall) they rolled me out and said 'we are just going to inject some dye to see what is going on up there'....... ok! He told me it would be 8 minutes, however 20 minutes later I am rolled out and told to pick up my scans on my way to the dr in 2 days time.

[dogmum]

My first brain MRI with and without contrast lasted about an hour and a half.  They started telling me I had 10 minutes left about 40 minutes before it was actually over with (I think to cheer me up?).  I recently had another MRI, without contrast, but of my brain, C-spine and T-spine and it lasted about 25 minutes.  It probably depends on the machine, how much I moved (or didn't), and the person doing the test.  

[opie74]

If your Dx on the order said anything about MS, they have a protocal. It didi not need to mention the contrast.  The one that told you about the time probably did not really know that you were having that type of MRI.  Sorry that they worried you.  The contrast can cause a funny taste in your mouth, it did to me the first few times.  

[SarahL2491]

guess I'm the wierd one!  When they give me the "G" whatever contrast, I taste/smell at the same time this wierd stuff and then it goes away!  The tech said it wasn't unusual.........but.......I have another one on Friday, will see if it repeats itself........am a big edgy, its my first one WITH my pacemaker, regardless of how many guys are virtually holding my hand and in the room (cardiologist and pace maker rep)  haha

[figuerpa]

The only thing that caused mine to go longer than normal is when I moved and they had to retake the sequence of pictures. Now I make sure to stay still during my MRI's.

Take a deep breath and wait till you see your neuro to find out what is going on you can drive yourself crazy and make symptoms worse so try to stay calm, your neuro will tell you what is going on. At least you see him/her in two days instead of weeks or months.

Keep us posted
(((Hugs)))
Paula

[TLC_31]

All of my five MRIs have been with contrast, and I think they’ve all been about 45 minutes. Please don’t be alarmed by your experience!

Incidentally, I don't remember any "strange smell/taste thingy" from the contrast, just from infusions of solumedrol. That contrast was cold going in, though!

[SarahL2491]

Mine didn't call for contrast either but they did it.  I agree with Bob, movement will cause repeats.  Contrast can give them a better look, perhaps what they saw needed enhancing.  Where you there for MS determination?  You said brain MRI but not what it was for.

Keep us posted!  Did you get the strange "smell/taste" thingy from the contrast?

[COBOB]

Lesions or not, the scans take the same amount of time.  My experience has been that longer scan times are usually the result of movement during the exam, and having to repeat sequences.

Older MRIs take longer and the 1.5T usually take longer than the 3.0T

Bob.