fMRI
 

Hello all,

Just wondering if anyone familiar with functional MRI scans?

I hear this is a great test to see how your brain is functioning and allows the neurologist to spot any problems that may be occurring.

I was told by my neurologist that it might be helpful to get one, but I needed a doctors note first. When I went to see my doctor, he said he wasn't authorized to write a note for something like this. This has kind of left me with no where to go, and stuck in a grey area because no one really seems to know how to start this process.

I am from Canada, and so I've been told by some that because fMRI machines are research based only right now they aren't very aren't common. However, the neurologist who recommended this also does research for my school and seemed to imply that there was a fMRI machine close by and available to use (or else why would he suggest I get one done?).

Any thoughts/experiences with fMRIs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Kelly

Kelly,

A fMRI may be able to show trends in how your brain is functioning but it requires a specialized radiologist to get a good reading of the fMRI data.

Even if you get a reading that says you have lower function in one area, it will lack from a pre-injury fMRI that shows 'normal.'

The bigger point is quite simple. What will a fMRI do to change your symptoms? Nothing. You treat the symptoms, not the image diagnosis.

Imaging may be helpful in trying to pin-point cause and blame as in a traffic accident that is being litigated, but it will not help you will your symptoms.

It may be able to validate your symptoms but that is of little help, too.

So, an fMRI is an expensive way to get interesting but likely useless information.


My best to you as you try to understand your own symptoms.

Hi Kelly,

The Ontario Brain Injury Association www.obia.ca might be able to help you explore your imaging options.

I think I'm with Mark on the fMRI. You really would be better off having a proper neuro-psych exam. The neuro-psych can reveal how your brain is really functioning and how that is playing itself out in your daily life. It is a useful tool when designing your cognitive therapy, coping strategies, etc...

Cheers

Hey,

Thanks for the replies to my message. You both bring up some good points about something I hadn't really considered. I've been reading a lot about it and it really doesn't seem like any type of MRI will do anything to help me. I need to focus on the symptoms I am experiencing and go from there. Thanks so much for the advice!

Best,

Kelly