Differences Between MRIs

Highlights Only
V

variousparker

Active member
What is the difference between all the different MRIs people have? Like brain MRI, c-spine MRI etc? I thought an MRI machine was one big machine your whole body goes in, so wouldn't it show your whole body and if there were any problems?
Also, would regular X Rays show anything related to **? Thanks!
 
variousparker,

You can have a MRI on just about every part of your body, depending on what the doc ordering the tests are looking for. For instance, my neuro ordered a brain and c-spine MRI because he was looking for MS lesions, they mostly occur in the brain, but can be found in the c-spine or thoracic area also. They usually do the c-spine because if there is a lesion located there it would short circuit from there down, so anywhere there is a lesion, it can control from that area downward. I myself have had 3 MRIs done, 2 of the brain, and 1 c-spine, everything was normal except both brain MRIs a year apart from each other showed sinus infection, worse this year, and my c-spine showed a bulging disk at C-3.

Contrast is used to show any new lesions. The old ones don't show up with contrast, but new ones do.

Hope this helps.
 
I am a Radiolgist. MRI's are done to rule out MS and discs impinging on nerve roots that may be causing some of the symtoms that we are having. Contrast is given to to see if any areas in your brain or spine that look "funny" take up contrast which is usually a bad thing. Having said that, in most of our age group of less than 50 (I'm getting close), I would think that the brain is normal but the spine will usually show some disc disease. Most of us older than 30 will have some disc disease with small buldges. You should not need contrast unless there is something seen but often it is given anyway...so don't get worried.

Chip
 
Ok that makes sense. So if you have an MRI no matter what area of your body they are looking at your whole body has to be in that tiny enclosed space? Scary!
 
Ok not AS scary...
weird question but when you have an MRI you have to remove all jewelry etc? I have hair extensions and they are attatched by little "metal" clip things...would I have to take those out?
I know totally random question but its expensive haha!
 
No. Usually a report goes to your doctor who will call you (or you call him/her). I usually get a report to the refering doctor same day as the MRI study. Good luck....
 
A sad story about metal and MRIs. This goes back a couple of years. I had read about a young boy who was sent to (I think Weschester med. Not sure)Any way, they left an oxygen tank in the room,when they started the MRI the Tank slammed into the MRI machine, Killing the boy. The most incredible thing is that it was MY doctors patient he had sent for the test Certainly this was not his fault ,although he felt terrible :crying: It just goes to show you the power of these machines :eek: By the way, dont freak out obout MRIs, this has probably about a 1 in a billion chance of something like this happening. They are EXTREMELY safe and an incredibly usefull tool.
 
One MRI hint that has worked for me: When I go in the tunnel and the machine starts its humming, I NEVER allow myself to open my eyes. I just hum a tune corresponding of the beat of the MRI banging, and after awhile, I forget that I'm in a tube that about hits my nose. I then find the experience rather relaxing. The brain coil they put on you (sort of like half of a hockey goalie mask) is rather unique itself and takes getting used to.

LivelyCheer, it is great to have a Radiologist in our midst. Expect to get some questions PMed to you, but you're in a great position to help many on this board with questions about brain and spine imaging. One thing I found that could use a treatise if you've got time (especially for those with *S fears), is what to ask about when selecting a facility for the scan and what to make sure happens. For example, I was supposed to get a brain and C-spine scan, but the latter did not get done and I didn't double-check with the tech to make sure it was programmed. Also, they gave me contrast and immediately started that poortion of the scan, when I heard later from a knowledgeable *S source that 15 minutes is supposed to elapse between pushing the contrast and imaging for best results. Many people also don't realize that not all MRI machines are created equal for quality of images and diagnoses.

Anything you can contribute from your view towards lowering the anxiety of those thinking they might have *S would be a real help here. None of the boarders to my knowledge have ever been diagnosed with *S, but many enter here freaked out with the potential and how to rule it out.

Thanks.

Dave
 
Usually,While having an MRI, They will let you bring in your own music to listen to,Or they will "PIPE IN" whatever you like, At least this is my experience.
 
ALS is not diagnosed on MRI. I have not had one done on my brain or spine since symtoms began. Had L-spine done years ago. Just about any MRI machine can give you a good look at the brain or spine. The closed MRI's are better (1.5 T or higher). I think that the MRI's are requested to look for other stuff, dics disease, MS etc. If you have ANY anxiety about getting into a MRI, have your doctor give you some Valium or the like (or take extra whatever anti-anxiety drug you got that works). NO ONE has ever been crushed by the MRI...metal objects are different and I think that all sites have learned. If you hear the tech say "fire topedo 1 capt" get ready....just kidding.
 
I don't know for sure if I even have to get an MRI, thats just my imagination running away with me! Just wanted to be prepared if I do. Its reassuring that no one on this site has ever been diagnosed with *S.....I don't worry about *** at all, I am a 26 year old female, and have been twitching for 8 months, and run 2 miles a day. I only worry about *S because my toes tingle and my leg gets stiff and "weak" perceived weak randomly. But I also think that in *S if you had weakness it wouldn't come and go, it would be permanent right?
 
Brain MRI is may not be a bad idea. It should help to rule out MS...sounds like to me, though, you got what the rest of us have. Talk to your doctor...if he/she is not worried about MS, forget about it.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)
Back
Top