Does MRI EVER show PCS?!
 

Dr ordering an MRI. 9 months out. I heard it is more likely the farther out you are? Has anyone EVER had PCS show on MRI??

PCS almost never shows anything on an MRI. Some specialized MRI's (DTI, Diffusion Tensor Imaging) can show evidence of a struggling brain but it does not point to a specific injury nor does it usually direct treatment.

Some doctors order these expensive images because the patient continues to complain of symptoms and the doctor feels he needs to do something.

What symptoms is he hoping to find evidence of with the MRI ?

i don't know, but she is a very good dr and the place is a really good place. They treat football players, so I know they know Pcs. The MRI will have DWI with it, but not the other.

DTI is a special kind of DWI. The MRI software that can do DWI should be able to do DTI.

I am skeptic about many sports concussion clinics. Most football oriented treatment is about deciding return to play and not as much the long term struggles. I've learned to never assume expertise. I've seen too many doctors talk a good story but fall short.

I suggest you try to get some understanding about her objectives with imaging and such.

No. I am not going to assume I know more than a Dr. If she ordered it, I am not going to start to get in there and second guess her. Maybe there is more going on than the PCS for all I know.

Further, it is part of a bigger TBI clinic with a concussion clinic aside. They started new laws to STOP kids from going back to play until they are cleared. It's not one of those pop up concussion clinics. I know they kind you are referring to, those ones that sell expensive brain training.

Everything they do here is covered by ALL insurances......this is not one of those private clinics you are talking about.

I think it is unwise to go to a dr and then keep second guessing them. I am not questioning her motive. My original question was just inquiring about whether or not they ever show anything, but after doing more research I see an MRI actually can show PCS, especially in the DWI phase and especially months out. More likely the further away you get from it and I am 9months out.

My point is to ask questions, not question her skills. It is your body and brain. It will benefit you to gain understanding of what she is doing and how it can help you.

TBI clinics and hospitals treat serious brain injuries. People with these injuries often are considered greatly and even fully recovered when they have reached a state similar to what we experience with PCS. Some treat patients like billing machines, especially if they have good insurance.

Concussions have become a profitable industry. We have two major hospitals with concussion clinics as part of their TBI and rehab clinics. I've been seen at both and been offered testing and evaluations then been told there is not much they can help me with (not directly but they insinuated) but they will keep on trying if I want them to.

I'd be interesting in where you found the info on DWI's showing PCS, especially as you get further from the injury. I'm always looking for new research. Does the DWI help them devise a treatment plan ?

Some tests and images are just used to confirm a dysfunction, like when somebody is in a car accident and filing a legal claim for damages. The holy grail is finding that test or imaging system that can direct an effective treatment protocol.

But, objectively confirming that there is a dysfunction is very helpful as it confirms the subjective symptoms presented by the patient.

The DTI/DWI can show the brain is struggling. Getting that confirmation can be worth it.

fyi, At DTI or DWI shows fluid flow in the brain. They know how a healthy brain's fluid should be flowing. When they see unusual fluid flow, it is evidence of a struggling brain. But, it only gives them general information, not specific understanding. At least that is what I have read.

A SWAN MRI can show vasculature structures to see if there is any bleeding. But, concussions do not often cause brain bleeds but the strain of axonal injuries can disrupt other functions.

WOW! THank you, Mark!! :hug: I talked to her and she said she would add the DTI because as you said, just the DWI would not show much. Oh my. I am very thankful to you right now.

Can you explain to me how this is different? Is it a stronger MRI field? I am really sensitive. Last time I had an MRI it triggered the periphreal nerves for a few weeks which sucked.

I looked up a lot on the different between DWI and DTI but I still am not clear.

You just made a big difference! THANK YOU. TO me it will matter a lot if they find something . I hate tests that just make you feel more insane than before!!

DWI looks at the whole brain by looking at all of the water molecules. DTI looks at the water molecules that flow through white matter. The difference in water flowing through white matter is indicative of a brain that is struggling.

DTI is a specialized form of DWI.