OK, I'm asking my eye Dr about doing a new MRI, How do I make sure I get a good MRI this time.
My last brain MRI was just under 20 minutes total and didn't have contrast. I have heard some places do scans at 3mm and others do 5mm (and something about a skip :confused:), how do I know I'm getting the best scan done? Does the Dr order the scan at what mm they want seen or is it just what the places offers?

Ideally, you would get a new brain MRI and MRI of the orbits at the same time, both with and without contrast. Having them done together adds only about 15 minutes. (How long ago was your last brain MRI?) If your eye doctor can't do it, your PCP might be able to.

As far as the Tesla, there is an interesting thread about this in our "old place". ;) (I recommend you taking a look at the thread.) I thought that living in NYC I would have access to state of the art machines and I was a little dismayed that the place I've been going to has 1.5 machines. I was also CONFUSED because they told me they "update" every 6 months! It was explained there that it is the quality of the machines (not necessarily the Tesla) and although my question on this is still pending, possibly (because of that "update" thing) the imaging software.

One idea would be to call an MS specialist or neurologist in your area and see what facility they recommend using. Hopefully they'll be forthcoming with a recommendation even though you're not a patient and it's possible that the place you've been using is okay.

(And if you DO use a new facility, don't forget to bring in your old films when you get the MRI done so they can do a comparison!!!!)

Last MRI was just last month (Jan. 8th or 10th, not sure). I will look for that tread, thanks.

Oh and don't most neuro's want to see the MRI films (or CD) them self's? Mine never asked to see them, I even asked if he was going to get them and look it over. He said "I don't need to see anything". :Dunno:

Since your last MRI was so recent, it might be difficult to get a new one approved of the brain -- the orbits should be okay though. That said, sometimes this can depend on how diligent your doctor is! Follow-ups so close (again, brain, not orbits) may be initially denied and hopefully your doctor will appeal for you. The fact that it was done without contrast is good ammunition for them to do that.

A good neurologist will most certainly look at the films themselves, not just the reports.

Sounds like you might need some new doctors, Julie! :eek: Fight girl, fight!! We're all rooting for you. :hug:

My report order says something about a T1 & T2 (Sagittal T1. Axial T1, T2, Flair, DWI, ADC).

I'm curiouse? On my Brain MRI, my eyes are clearly part of the scan all the way down to the point of the basil ganglia. They should be able to see any inflamation of the eyes with the brain scan(?)

I believe that's just all imaging/sequencing talk.

I don't know, I have NEVER seen any of my MRI's.

No, an orbit MRI is a different study. To give you an example using the brain itself, my first MRI was a brain MRI -- however, it was a pituitary study. So, when I got to the MS specialist, back into the tube I went. Another brain MRI but with different imaging. And in-between that, my neuro-ophthalmologist ordered an orbital MRI. I also learned from another board that in an orbital MRI there is a specific thing they have to do with contrast -- I will see if I can find the thread but I had wondered about some use of the word "fat".