Not necessarily so, MX7. I know my neurologist DOES NOT read the current MRI films; he relies on the radiologist's report for the results because the radiologist compares my most recent MRI films to my older MRI films and reports the findings. I'm sure my neurologist would request the films if he saw anything out of the ordinary in the report.

I remember when I first saw my neurologist in 2002 he requested to see the films from the MRI I had done at another facility a few months previously because he did not have the MRI report copy to compare. This MRI was done with no contrast only so my neurologist had to begin a new history of my MRIs.

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greenjeans, sorry, I can't find the thread. But, there is a specific protocol, I believe (besides imaging) related to the contrast. If I come across my prescription for the MRI, I'll look some more with a better key word.

I think it's a matter of where you are in the dx process and if you feel confident with your doctor. Personally, I would not feel comfortable if my MS specialist did not review the films but in the case of my neuro-op and orbital MRIs, I know she was relying on the comparison and I do feel okay about that...

Thanks Beary....I had the "Orbital MRI" that my Optho/Neuro ordered....it's different than a BRAIN MRI? Are you saying they don't show the same results? Is it possible to have a different scan of the brain and find more lesions? Just questioning....

When I had my brain MRI and the MRI of the orbits (done at the same time) they never did see any inflammation in my orbits. My ON that I had was diagnosed by symptoms only....it was never confirmed by the MRI.

I believe that I had the same test as you Erin. My scan started at the top and worked it's way all the way down, and side to side.....

I'm still confused tho....are you saying the orbital is JUST the eyes? Or are you saying it is more focused for the eyes? My first MRI I had done in 2001 showed my tear gland to be bigger than normal, and I actually had a biopsy done. He cut open near my tear gland and removed a peice for study. It came out negitive. But this was the same test he ordered last September...the Brain/Orbital....god, I'm confused

LOL!!!!!!!!!

Yes, it is different than a brain MRI. And even with a brain MRI, what it shows can be different; that's why I posted about my 2 different brain MRIs. Although the first one (the pituitary study) did show some lesions, it was not sufficient for my MS specialist in trying to get the whole story. In the span of one month, I had 3 separate MRIs because they were all looking for something else. When I had my recent follow-up, my MS specialist was directed by my neuro-ophthalmologist to order the orbital follow-up -- they were two separate prescriptions.

Completely different study. Different images AND the way that they are produced. A brain MRI may show some images of the orbits but is not necessarily a complete study if an orbital protocol is not ordered. It's very specific.

Sorry for the hijack Julie

Okay...So if my Optho/Neuro ordered my Orbital, then my new REGULAR Neurologist reveiwed just that test result (did not look at films, just the radiologists opinion) then it's POSSIBLE that a second MRI was in order by the Neuro? You are saying that if my Optho/Neuro ordered a specific test that he wanted, then my Neuro should have ordered one just for what he would be looking at? I had NO idea.....

So, it is possible that the MRI I had in Sept that showed a lesion, could be done again with a different prescription, and potentially find more lesions?

I've been talking with my Therapist and PCP, and frankley, they aren't finding any reason to think I've done this to myself thru worry. They also indicate that when folks have 'hysterical' stuff happen, it's not a two-six month ordeal...it's a few days or weeks.

This is so damn frustrating....

The orbital is of the optic nerve, but I dont know if it's more focused or whatever. I would guess that they somehow zoom in on the area of the optic nerve. I dont know that much about MRI's and how they see what they see. (I dont like being in the machines, so I guess I've never researched how they work much)

I know that the two machines that I've been in are Tesla 3's. If I have to get another MRI done, I might have that done at the University Hospital where the MS Clinic is, since they have a Tesla 7 there. (think it's a 7...it's a brand new machine)

But since I dont want to have another brain MRI because I'm seriously claustrophobic, I probably wont. Spinal MRI's arent so bad, but the brain MRI's scare the crap out of me. I cant stand being strapped down into the little helmet cage thingie where I cant move my head. After that brain MRI, my claustrophobia seemed to get triggered to the point where I dont even like to be in a crowd of people while outside in a big open space.