Imaging tests: Functional MRI, DTI or SWI
 

Hi,

Has anyone had any of these newer, more precise neuro-imaging tests? apparently things show up in them that do not show up in MRI or CT.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21986682

I am tempted to try to get them, if only to see what is going on.....

Would love to get feedback from people.

Thanks!
M

There are two issues to consider with expensive imaging.

The micro-bleeds that SWI may show will be absorbed within a few days. Studies show that the larger bleeds that a CT will show start to be absorbed within 72 hours. The micro-bleeds would likely be absorbed even faster.

The bigger issue is what will having a more precise diagnosis change ? There are no current treatments for micro-bleeds that the study said indicate axonal injury nor are there any treatments for the axonal injuries.

I have had lots of expensive imaging. The most valuable imaging was the waveforms observed from a qEEG. The neuro was able to tell me what some of my symptoms were from looking at how my brain processed information. It did not change anything except help me feel confirmed that my symptoms were organic.

A third concern would be whether more imaging causes extra anxiety.

My best to you as you consider these imaging system.

btw, Years ago, the football team at University of Utah was given a 6 Tesla MRI machine to image before and after head impacts, even minor impacts. The coach stopped the program because the fine damage from minor impacts was scaring the players.