some advice please
 

Hi there, I don't really go on message boards so I'm new to this but I'm just wanting some advice. About 15years ago I had a smack to the head with a steel bar from a cattle cage, its a long story but it never got checked out I got knocked out and flew a few meters, I am now 30 and I am finding over the years im forgetting a few important things and difficulty concentrating along with a few other things, so I went to the drs and just let him know about the accident and so he ordered a ct scan, when I went for the results he already had a referral for a mri scan done and said theres a possible shearing hemorrhage, now I freaked with the ct scan and so getting a mri was nerve racking for me as im claustrophobic, my husband pretty much said no one is forcing you and its not like it can be fixed so he doesn't see the point, I guess I was a little concerned about things getting worse, do I just carry on with life until things get to bad if they do or get it checked, would drs randomly give out mri referrals? Just a little unsure now :(

Hi laidback,

If the only thing holding you back from having the MRI is your claustrophobia, how would you feel about seeking out a facility that offers an open MRI? You will still have to endure the noise but ear plugs can help and are often provided by the facility. There are various types of "open" MRI equipment. Some look something like a C clamp, some are stand-up or sit up style.

Something you might want to consider.

Hi Laidback,

You might want to re-post your message in the Traumatic Brain Injury Forum. Those folks know their stuff when it comes to MRIs and things.

I'm surprised that your doctor has order a conventional MRI for such an old injury. I could be wrong, but I have a hard time imagining that it will reveal much.

If you're worried about your cognitive function, you might ask your doctor about a neuro-psych exam. It's a series of tasks/tests designed to see how your brain in functioning.

Nice to meet you!!
 

Thank you soo much for the replies, I will make another appointment with the dr and will ask about the testing and the open mri. Again thank you :)