MRI of brainstem

[Deb61]

This is possibly a very stupid questions, but I'm asking anyway (LOL).

Is an MRI of the brainstem the same as one ordered for the neck or C-spine?  

[Nancy T]

Deb, please let us know the results. They must be wanting to look at the cranial nerves, which all (most?) exit from the brain stem.

[Deb61]

No need to apologize--I didn't notice.  Tireddddd  what'sss thatttt?  LOL

[Deb61]

Very interesting, Alex.  I've never heard of brain stem MRIs until one was ordered for me. I hope you're feeling okay today.  I'm praying for no cancer and relief of your horrible pain.

[Deb61]

Yes, I think they do.  I'm not sure of the strength, but I would probably imagine that they are 3T. My past MRIs were done on a 1.5T machine with 5 mm slices.   I can't be for sure, but I think I probably have lesions that are just missed.  I know this happens because my very first MRI showed no lesions on an open MRI machine.  The last MRI showed about 10 additional spots, but they were "nondescript" and "small".  The MS Specialist said that they may not be "new" at all because of the thickness of the slices.    They didn't enhance.  I do not know if anything can enhance though if the dye isn't given long enough time to be in my system (MRI done immediately without any wait time).

I need to call them to set up the MRI.  I'm glad she's going to do this because I think some of my symptoms may be related to an undiscovered brain stem lesions that haven't shown up on my past MRIs.    

I already have an email from my doctor about the lab work-- all negative except for the B12 which is on the low side.  I'm impressed with the whole system there and am glad I don't have to leave messages for the doctor or nurse to call me back about lab work.  

[jensequitur]

If they've mentioned the brainstem in the MRI order, then they want the radiologist to focus on the brainstem as he scans your noggin.  Perhaps run some separate, closeup scans aside from the regular run.  UTSW has its own 3T machines, don't they?

[SarahL2491]

sorry for short post, was VERY tired last night, rough day
my apologies

my MRIs were all done separately, sounds great to have had them all done at same time.  but then I was dealing with the neuro drop outs.

you've gotten some good answers and some good thoughts to ponder from our more experienced forum family members

[HVAC]

They did the same for me because of where my Neurological deficit was in the in office exam.

Alex

[Lulu54]

that is a strange MRI order - the brain stem for me shows up on both the brain and cervical MRI like the others have mentioned.  Maybe you can ask the tech when you have the test done and give us the answer?

[Deb61]

It's interesting that my MRI was ordered:  MR Brain/Brain Stem WO/W contrast.  

Maybe there will be more concentration in this area when getting the MRI?  I've never had one ordered this way . . .

[doublevision1]

Sarah: my cervical spine MRI included my brain stem, as did my brain MRI.

[doublevision1]

Not a stupid question.

Both MRI of brain and MRI of cervical spine will typically include the brain stem which connects the brain to the spine.

[SarahL2491]

nope

MRI of brain is MRI of brain
spine is spinal MRI