OK, so I had an MRI of the brain-no contrast the other day. It was ordered by my PCP. She reported to me that the results were normal. Then she referred me to a neurologist in a big city. I live in a small town and it was an open MRI, so I can only presume that she believes the big city doc will do another one on a different machine. (My husband came along for the test in our small town and he commented that the facility should be renamed "Joe-Bob's MRI Shop"- so let's just say he doesn't have a whole lot of confidence in that test )

My questions are these:
1. In ya'lls experience, did the contrast make a difference in finding something that was there?
2. Did ya'll have more than one MRI in the diagnosis process? Was it open or closed and does that make a difference?
3. Does it happen that things are there that don't show up or show up later? Or show up on one but not another? Is there a certain type of MRI I should ask for or ask about that is better? I really want to be confident in my test results and I wish I could say I am, but so far I can't in regard to the MRI.
4. Does that head cage really freak you out?! I mean, reallly?!! Open isn't all that open if you ask me.

1. In ya'lls experience, did the contrast make a difference in finding something that was there?

A MRI will show abnormalties, if any. Those abnormalties will show up without contrast. Contrast will "light up/brighten" any of those abnormalties that are currently active (inflamation). If a MRI is normal without contrast it will be normal with contrast...contrast does not show something that wasn't already there on the MRI wothout contrast.

2. Did ya'll have more than one MRI in the diagnosis process? Was it open or closed and does that make a difference?

I had 2 MRIs during the diagnostic process. Both were done with a closed MRI...there was no other choice many years ago.


4. Does that head cage really freak you out?! I mean, reallly?!! Open isn't all that open if you ask me.

No, nothing about a MRI freaks me out, I can usually fall asleep in them. Actually, an Open MRI is much more "open" than a closed MRI.

..Well I had MRI of the brain With and without Contrast. it was a "Open" MRI.
.. I took a pill to calm me down ... i would advise it. . My MRI did show Lesions ... Area's that were "Lit Up". Also I had a MRA of the Neck and Brain.
That came back clean. Now today i just had the Whole Spine done to see if any more Lesions are on there.
Next is the Spinal tap. So Very scared about this test.
So to answer one of your questions.... I have had Two MRI's. (and this equipment is New)
keep us posted...

[quote=carbreezy;903193I have had Two MRI's. (and this equipment is New)
[/quote]

I have had MRIs on "new" equipment. My neuro never orders Open MRIs for MS. I have used Open MRIs for non-MS related reasons.

You'll do fine. Sometimes fear is worse that the reality
Good luck!

..Yes I agree with you... The Neuro Doc did Not order the open MRI.
... I chose to do the "Open" vs the regular one. I was told the quality was not gonna be "as" Good as the "open"one ...but that it would get the job done (with contrast). and it did.
... unfortunately - i was in Shock to find I had i DID have lesions - four of them. ..I think i am Still in Shock..!! ...

also your Right about my "Fear" and the spinal tap. this fear is killing me.

I've done about 8-9 MRIs. Like another poster, I can fall asleep in them. They ARE loud! Lots of clanking and banging. Ask for ear plugs.

Wishing you the best of luck.

My previous neuros used open MRIs. My current neuro is an MS specialist-he insists on closed Tesla3 mri machiines, which are more sensitive.
Contrast, as explained above, show active lesions.

I do get claustrophobic in the machine, but I don't want to take a narcotic so that I am able to drive myself home (that way husband doesn't have to take time off of work to take me there and home).
As soon as I lie down on the platform, I close my eyes and I don't open them again until they tell me it's time to stand up. I don't want to hear them tell me how long each picture is going to take- I tell them to just tell me when they are going to inject the contrast, and then tell me when I'm done.
If the place doesn't have earphones with music, I bring my earplugs.

It took several years for me to get a diagnosis of MS...even though I had lesions. Patience is the buzzword when trying to figure out what causes all the strange symptoms.

Good luck and keep us informed

I've had a both brain and cardiac MRIs in closed machines. I'm not really that freaked out by them, but I do try to keep my eyes closed when they are putting me in and try to coach myself to remember to keep taking slow and steady breaths. After about 30 seconds I get used to it and all is well.

Although, as a side note, I HATE contrast. I swear they are pumping vasoline into my arm!

It is hard to 'get your head around' but, after 11 years with MS, and about 20 MRI's, I have learned to 'meditate' inside them - I just focus on my breathing. If my nose starts to itch, I focus (hard) on my fingers/toes and so on. I count my breaths and close my eyes.

Sure, it gets easier with time and practice. I have only had closed MRI's with differing strength, but I have had lots of CAT scans too (not MS related). The cage does bother me, but you do get used to it.

I hope you get the answers you are looking for.

Welcome to this site, it is full of caring, compassionate and knowledgeable people.

Regards

Lyn