I just had an MRI and MRA done yesterday. The MRI was ordered with contrast but only approved without. The MRA was without contrast. The MRI was for headaches I have been having, the MRA to check for aneurysms as there is a family history.
The Radiologist who was there (not giving the test--just there) told me that the MRI without contrast is the first step. If anything is noticed on that they repeat with contrast (and that's when most insurance will cover it). The MRA (even without contrast) will show aneurysms--that's specifically (for me) why the test was ordered.
You could go for another MRA, whatever makes you feel more comfortable but at some point you HAVE to trust and believe your doctor. I have had a zillion tests over the past year and even switched doctors twice. My sister asked me once "are you only going to be happy if the find something?". WOW. I don't know, but I do know the doctors are doing the best the can with the information they have. Beware of anxiety though, it will do a doozy on you if you let it.
I am heading to the Mayo Clinic in hopes to have more answers there--my husband says "what next--Cleveland, Seattle, Chicago?" At some point you have to say enoughs enough.
I'll let you know if I ever get there:)))lol
Good luck to you and do what you need to do to be comfortable with your diagnosis.
I heard MRAs without contrast aren't THAT accurate...is this true??????? I'm soooo worried now. Should I get tested again? I just don't understand it...I still have the ear symptoms and localized head pain and dizziness but its nothing with my sinuses....then WHAT is it???? Can anyone help??? Please????
Do you think its an aneurysm?
THANKS!!!
Hi and thanks for your advice.
I did have a baby but it was 9 months ago. I am on prednazone (sp?) and amoxicilian for sinuses but the symptoms are unlike any other "sinus problems" I've ever had. I am 5'7 about 145 lbs - I don't know if that is overweight or not. I have an appt with my neuro next week so I guess she can check me. I am very scared. Does it sound like anything that is life threatening? Should I go to ER or wait for my neuro appt? The pain has been for about 15 days now. The pain is mainly behind my right eye and above my right eye - also some in my right temple. I also have right ear pain and tinnitus. Does it sound like TMJ cause I do grind my teeth? Thanks so much!!!!!
What you are describing sounds exactly what I get when I get a really nasty sinus infection. I have had headaches for up to 2-3 weeks with chronic sinus infections and the pressure is incredible!
Hi. Headaches and tinnitus in young women sometimes indicate a condition called "pseudotumor cerebri" which is elevated intracranial pressure. This often occurs in women who are somewhat overweight (which I am not aware if you are or not). It is a potentially dangerous condition which needs to be ruled out by a neurologist or an ophthalmologist who would check to make sure your pressure is ok -- that requires an eye exam and often a spinal tap. If this condition goes on untreated, it can lead to vision problems or even blindness.
Have you just had a baby? Sometimes, women can have blood clots in their heads around the time they're pregnant and that can also create increased pressure.
Having said that, chances are these are just bad migraines, maybe superimposed with some sinus problems that you might be having. Talk to your internist about that, perhaps, he'd give you an antibiotic or a decongestant to try out.