MRI with contrast or without?

[sissy4]

My Dr. ordered an MRI with contrast. The more I read though the more risky that seems. If I decide I am not comfortable with it will the regular MRI surfice?

[sissy4]

thanks I did find it you are right I will talk to them I just figure why take the risk if it is not needed

[jr1971]

I guess when you are sensitive, anything new seems daunting. My wife has similar sensitivity issues and feels the same way as you.

The only way you will get a clear answer is to speak to your doctor, ask him/her what the purpose of the contrast is in your case and whether not having the contrast will make the scan less sensitive.

I found this discussion on the topic elsewhere on these boards. It might be helpful for you.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Neurology/MRI-with-contrast-and-without/show/1054171

[sissy4]

I see that it can cause renal failure and a deadly reaction. Since I am sensitive to new medications I am worried.

[jr1971]

Hi there

I think you might have wanted to direct your question to the expert forum, you can find the link down the right hand side of the forum main page.

On this topic though.. what was the risk you were concerned with regarding contrast? For the vast majority of people, the use of contrast is not a problem and has much fewer instances of reactions than the contrast used in CT scans for example. Do you have a particular concern that you could share?