The doc wants another MRI. Seriously?

[zenhound]

So my first MRI was in January after experiencing numbness in my face.  Normal.  Just got a note from my neuro that the one I took on Friday (this time with contrast) was also normal.  

The next part of her note was that the radiologist wanted another MRI, this time examining the whole brain.  She agreed but was being sensitive about the cost aspect of it and was willing to wait if it wasn't financially feasible for me at this time.  I guess my question is, what the heck were they looking at if not the whole brain?

I haven't seen the MRI reports or anything yet (going to ask for those) but I'm wondering what I should do.  Part of me wants to do the next MRI, part of me doesn't.  Seems like it's almost certain to not lead to a diagnosis, given what I read around here, so why bother.  Just live with the symptoms and move on.  Then another part of me thinks maybe I'll get lucky and they'll figure something out.

What questions should I ask going into this one that I obviously haven't been asking before?  Is it bad to take this many MRIs?  I dunno, just kind of discouraged and thought I would ask for advice.

Symptom review, in case it helps: numbness in face which sometimes changes to stabbing pain, muscle twitches, pain in left forearm/hand, pain in both feet, vision issues (bright spots, light sensitivity, difficulty seeing in low light, peripheral vision problems), occasional bouts of dizziness, disconnected feeling/fogginess, etc etc etc.  And I do have an appointment with a neuro-opthalmologist next month, so there's that.  

[zenhound]

The only thing I can figure out from her email is that this recent one with contrast only looked at the area of the brain that could have been affecting my facial nerve.  I have no idea why they would have done that when I clearly have other symptoms.

So far, no lumbar puncture or anything else.  

Neuro exam is fairly normal except for failing the cold test on my feet.  I think, though I'm not sure since I haven't asked for the report yet, that was the only abnormality other than the facial numbness.

[Celery47]

Huh.  Weird.  Maybe they want to do a much more thorough examination, thinner slices?  I don't know.  I agree, asking the doctor sounds like a good idea.  I'd also ask if there was something wrong with the first two - like, were they blurry, something like that?  Seems strange, b/c usually doctors are so stingy with MRIs...  The fact that they want to keep pursuing this sort of makes me think that it might be a good idea.  Maybe ask them about that too?  Hmmmm.

I'm pretty sure that MRIs are totally benign!  That is, unless you've got metal in you.  But, I think I remember hearing about how one of the great things with MRIs is that, unlike CTs, they don't at all pose a risk - you know, because it's just measuring cell polarity or whatever.  Shoot.  I'm really no expert, but I think it's all good!

I can imagine that you're feeling discouraged - this is such an exhausting process.  

Also curious, have they done a lumbar puncture, or any evoked potentials or anything?  In any case, here's hoping you get some answers soon.

Best to you -
Celery

[biowham]

I have no idea what they could possibly mean about "the whole brain." I'd really suggest clarifying this with the doctor. What is your neuro exam like? Is it normal? Abnormal? What are your symptoms? Sorry if you've posted them before, but I don't remember new things very well.

If you do go in for yet another MRI, ask about have the c and t spine done, as you have symptoms below those levels. And do get your records. I'd be curious to learn what the MRI report actually says and what imaging they actually did.

Bio

[johnniebear]

Welcome,  I'm not an expert they will jump here on your post later.  I had a neuro  tell me don't worry about my  first MRI  that the leisons were from age- I followed up with a new neuro  that said he wanted another MRI in two months.  They  need observe changes by time, so they found changes on my second MRI & my third MRI.

Your records are available to you by request, if you can get  the copies maybe you could post more detail from the report.

Hope this helps some

John