Normal MRI

[momto2grls]

I had an MRI of the brain on Fri. w & w/o contrast. All came back normal. I am relieved to have normal results, but also frustrated to have no answers to my problem. If the brain MRI results are normal, should the Neuro. follow that up with an MRI of the spine? I was surprised she did not suggest it. The Neuro. has been trying to push Cymbalta on me since my first visit, and after the MRI  came back normal wants to write this off as Fibro. I am not ruling out Fibro., but I really don't think she did enough to rule out everything else. Should I request an MRI of the spine?

[jensequitur]

Cervical spine is a good idea, but that's just the neck - I would ask for one of the thoracic as well.

[momto2grls]

Yes, I definitely have had leg symptoms, and have experienced what I believe to be the MS hug. I gave the DR  2 pages of symptoms that I had experienced over the several months before seeing her.
I did give the office a call today, and she ordered an MRI of the cervical spine which I am happy with, but also wondering why they don't just do it all at once and get it over with. I guess I will be calling again in another couple of weeks and going for my next MRI??? Just don't understand MDs sometimes.

[jensequitur]

I'd say it depends upon what your symptoms are.  If you have leg weakness, bowel issues, the MS hug, then that's definitely reason for a spinal MRI.

[missy142]

Momto2grls,

All I can say is the more I read on this forum the more disgusted I am with md's (including mine) and the medical community in general.  Im a nurse so i suppose im part of it,I dont diagnose people obviously, but I dont dismiss people no matter what my job at the time is, where Im working and  I try to do the best I can do at whatever im doing and try and validate people's feelings and show empathy as best I can.  Your md certainly sounds as though she's done the BARE minimum in any case.  Maybe you can talk with her gently insist on further diagnostic work up or move on to another doctor.

missy

[uk2]

Hi

i have been going through the same battle for 2 and a half yrs but i had a full range of tests but on a low strength machine and no contrast but i had brain and MRI and spine done and then repeated again in 2009 but still no closer i dont know your sx but i would push for at least a spine MRI as they need to rule out problems there i cant believe she would base her dx without doing a MRI of the spine.

Good Luck