Thank you for your reply! I never thought about the contrast and its effect on the body...now I'm not so worried if I don't get it.

I know there are pros and cons. It's just frustrating to wait to even get the MRI order, schedule it, wait another couple weeks to only have to cancel it!!! Sorry for the rant..lol

That's interesting how they do the MRI's in the USA. So far, my experience in Canada is that I have the MRI's without contrast, the radiologist has a quick look at the result, then if something (new) has shown up in a specific area, they put in the contrast and do the second ones right then. Hmmm.....

As far as I know, the contrast is to determine if the new lesions are active or not.

With love, Erika

I guess I am fortunate in that my neuro doesn't order MRIs very often unless some big change occurs. He does order contrast, but based on the recent findings about effects on the body I'm going to ask that he not unless necessary, as Erika stated above.

when i was dx'd 11 yrs ago i had mine with contrast and wasn't questioned.
that's what the dr ordered and that's what was done.

medically it may partially depend on your sx's and presentation. i would think if you're a new pt, early in the dx or very symptomatic that you might benefit from contrast. it can help the dr "see" more active disease (lesions). i would let your neuro decide and have them go to bat for you.

i fear that in today's world insurance comp's will try to penny pinch medical costs and micro manage to save $$$. i wish they'd leave medical decisions to the dr/pt. just imho.

I agree Judy! The Doctor wrote for contrast so the fact that they question him is frustrating!

Tomorrow is my first C and T spine mri. A little nervous. Does anyone know if I get the CD after the test, would I be able to view it on my computer?

Well, it looks like they ordered me the MRI without contrast. Guess my Doctor changed his mind or gave up arguing with the insurance?!

I always get with and without contrast . . . and on a T-3 machine or better. Lesions do not show up on weaker machines, but I know many have had them and been diagnosed off of them.