Honestly, after my post-concussion experience, I'm more afraid of side effects of the MRI than anything else. This may be irrational, but I feel as though being in a tube surrounded by powerful magnetic forces for 30-40 mins probably isn't the best thing for your brain + body. Plus, there are websites where people have posted about various side effects of MRIs (although the medical community says that there are no known side effects). On the other hand, getting one done makes sense insofar as it would rule out other problems.

I guess I'll sleep on it for now.

I actually had my first MRI a couple weeks ago and it really wasn't that bad. I got to listen to music while it was going on and my opinion is that it really more reassuring for me to rule out all other negative possibilities. My only problem is that I got an itch an I got yelled at for moving... opps! LOL Other than that I am glad to know about what is going on in that head of mine.

I too am impressed by the technology of the MRI, but am confused by it's capabilities, or lack of.. I was recently diagnosed with TLE, and informed my doctor that I was highly suspicious that I had suffered one or more concussions in my youth while playing football. He then ordered an MRI, although in my own personal research I find that there's no way to tell so many years later that I had a concussion! I am now 62. If anyone can shed some light on this perplexing situation, I would very much appreciate it.

JohnGee,

I am confused. And that is not hard to do. What is your perplexing question?

Well, I've pretty much decided to get an MRI done. The specialist who is helping me thinks it's a good idea (presumably to rule out any other issues). So:

- Use earplugs
- Close eyes before entering tube
- Keep arms close to sides to avoid touching the tube
- Visualize a spacious and peaceful scene

Any other suggestions?

When I had my MRI done, there was like a little window in the top of the machine which I could see some trees outside upside down. That was nice. I had access to headphones but I had to keep asking the MRI tech to turn the music up because the noises of the brain scan over-powered the music. I don't know if you like music but I can use music as a great coping mechanism. They let me pick my own radio station and everything! One important thing to remember is that it is absolutely painless and to stay still no matter what because they won't be able to get a clear picture if you're moving. I actually went to get mine done during my lunch break and I almost fell asleep. When it was over, I didn't want to get up...a nap seemed pretty appealing because they make the thing you lay on pretty comfortable.

I've been getting MRIs and Contrast Cat Scans since 2010 for my TBI (auto accident in 09). I called around to the hospitals in my area and found several that had Open Bore and Wide Bore MRI scanners. Claustrophobia kept me away from a regular MRI. I used the Wide Bore with no problem. It's very wide and roomy and I wore virtual goggles that took me on a virtual tour of Ireland. I could still hear the noise of the machine, but it was tolerable. I also had a "trigger" that at any point I needed to stop, I could just hit the button and we could pause~Never needed to use it. It cost no more than a regular MRI to use and I didn't need any thing other than a regular rx for an MRI. The Wide Bore is is open at both ends, the Open Bore is in the shape of a big "U" and isn't completely closed in. Both are much shorter than the traditional MRIs. My MRIs are useful to my Neuro and my family (They actually got to watch the MRI scan with the Tech and saw my injuries). I'm one of the rare people that the impact lesions actually showed up clearly on the MRI. Unfortunatley, it's common for MRIs not to show injuries to the brain.

As far as TBIs go, one thing I've learned is that they can be as individual as our own finger-prints. There are somethings that are similar, but we each have a unique set of TBI issues. I finally got fed-up with jumping through hoops for everyone and told my Neuro that I was taking charge of my own TBI and that I would be making some of the decisions that he may not agree with. I'm fortunate that my Neuro is sensitive to the patient and promotes being proactive in my own treatment.

There will be many people that won't agree with this, but please give it some thought...I was very much a "naturalist" before my TBI. Didn't like meds and pills. I struggled with that for quite a bit after my TBI. Now, I whole-heartedly believe in better living through GOOD chemistry. A good Neuro will "teach" responsible use of pain-killers (narcotic and non-narcotic) for pain management. If you don't have a Neuro that specializes in TBIs, please consider seeking one out. If your insurance requires a refferal, insist on one from your physician.

@ Milesa7...Wish I could explain the emotional flatness. It really isn't about not having emotions, but rather that part of the brain that just shuts down at times. We like to romantically think our emotions are all from the heart and soul, but they're really dictated by our brain. I was only married 4 months when I acquired my TBI...Not only did it change my life, but my husband's as well...Neither of us had a clue this was what we were signing up for. It's difficult at times to think outside of our own "TBI box", but it's necessary for us to do so and be sensitive to the needs of those around us. TBI therapy helps immensely with that, for both the TBI survivor and the survivors loved ones.

Long live spell-check~Jinxicat9

First I did an MRI at the hospital and it doesn't have an open end (all closed) and towards the end of procedure I freaked out. But after that I did many open bore MRIs (thanks to Jinxicat9 for technical term) (1.5 T magnet - heard 3T is better but can't find one) . Doctor prescribed 0.5 mg Xanax but I took only .25 mg and it sure helped a lot to relax. But open bore MRIs as Jinxicat9 mentioned doesn't give me the intense claustrophobic feeling.

Staying still is a must or they have to go over some procedures again to get a clear picture.

Jinxicat9 : I also had brain contusions in temporal and frontal lobes. You mentioned going natural way helps. If you don't mind can you tell us where did you had the lesions and what symptoms you struggled/struggling and what natural ways helped you?

Thx.

There were two impact contusions. The first on the initial impact, slamming the right frontal/forehead area and a second impact when the car spun around and slammed the other car again...That impact contusion hit the right side also, but more to the back of my head. All my scans show lesions on the left frontal lobe and left temporal. There are spiny barbs in the interior of the skull and it's been explained to me that when my brain slammed against the left side of my skull, those spiny barbs hooked the brain and tore off small, but essential parts of the left-side.
I also have bone fragments between C5, 6 and 7. I have extreme short-term memory loss, word retrieval, loss of balance/vertigo, visualizing numbers, migraines and as a result of the TBI I developed epilepsy~Petit Mals/Absences seizures and Partial Complex Nocturnal seizures. My "day" seizures are subtle, like daydreaming.
Because my other bodily injuries were so severe, the TBI wasn't the priority at the time, so precious time was lost and things will progress much slower in therapy. My Neuro also encourages me to get monthly B injections, take 500 mg of Magnesium daily, 300mg of DHA fish free Algae based Omega3 and Vitamin D...All of these for aiding in higher brain function and memory. I also take (w/Neuro's approval) Resveratol 500mg and 4500 mg of Glucosamine for my neck. I take additional natural supplements depending on what I feel I need, but not without my Neuro's approval to avoid any drug adverse reactions with my anti-seizure meds.
I also have absolutely no aversion to the hard-stuff when I needed it-Vicodin for migraines and Xanax for stress works miracles when I need one.
I try to avoid MSGs, Tofu and processed soy as there are now concerns that these may change or slow brain function. I'm an ex-vegitarian as I have added organic grain fed free range chicken, wild caught salmon and albacore tuna to my diet since my TBI. I eat nothing that may have growth hormones in it. I'm new at this TBI stuff, but trying to learn as much as I can about it. If not curing it, at least keeping it from getting worse. However, I do enjoy a nice glass of wine or a cold brew for my own cathartic therapy too.
~Jinxicat9

Jinxicat9 : Thanks much for the explanation and other information. You sure went through a lot and going through a lot and seems like you are facing it strong. I was strong in the beginning but after 2 years still suffering with lot of symptoms and thinking positive getting tough when I cannot find any workarounds or progress.

Mine happened after a fall and got hit in the back of head and my brain bounced and scratched by bony edges of skull as you mentioned and so the bleeding in left temporal lobe and bilateral frontal lobes.

We have few common symptoms. My terrible symptoms mostly are dizziness/imbalance, fatigue, facial pain, dull headaches etc., No meds helping with these symptoms and some of them made it worse I think. Xanax helped me for dizziness/dull headaches but later on there is no effect. If I drink a glass of wine it sure helps me to numb the symptoms but the next day morning becomes a disaster. I was on Xanax and then to Klonopin and then to Xanax before quitting. Klonopin was worse and I switched to Xanax before quitting. When my symptoms are terrible even Xanax doesn't do a thing.

I only take Elavil 10mg at night and it keeps my stomach calm and helps to sleep and nothing else. My new Neuro wants me to stop it if I can and wants me to try low dosage Topomax for headaches etc., My EEG doesn't showed ay seizure activity and Neuro also doesn't think I have any. I do day dream and stare blank at T.V/computer at times and not sure I am having any seizure activity.

Learning about mTBI/PCS seems like never ending journey. Ofcourse each TBI is unique and I am still trying to find something which gives some relief and no luck yet.

Again thanks for sharing all the information and learnt some more.