Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

But, not just an MRI...You get a shot which makes your brain have contrast so that the doctor can get a better view.
Has anyone ever had this done?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! TIA!!!!!

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

I had it done about a year ago. It was not a bad tes, but I recommend going to Zwanger-Persiri over Nassau Radiology if you have a choice.

The test in total took about 40 min. the first half was done without contrast. The second half was with. The Dr put in a long IV line so that he could push in the contrast liquid without removing me from the tube. The tube was a little tight, but there were mirrors on it so I could see "out" and I saw the techs in the other room (behind glass) & my mom, who went with me & was allowed in the MRI room with me. They played music too

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

Posted by MsMBV

I had it done about a year ago. It was not a bad tes, but I recommend going to Zwanger-Persiri over Nassau Radiology if you have a choice.

The test in total took about 40 min. the first half was done without contrast. The second half was with. The Dr put in a long IV line so that he could push in the contrast liquid without removing me from the tube. The tube was a little tight, but there were mirrors on it so I could see "out" and I saw the techs in the other room (behind glass) & my mom, who went with me & was allowed in the MRI room with me. They played music too

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

Yes, I had one in November.

I went in expecting the worst but it wasn't too bad. You lie on a table which slides your head into the MRI machine. The machine seemed to work in cycles and was very loud even with the foam ear plugs they put in my ears.

I didn't have any side effects from the contrast shot - that's about the only thing I can say about it.

The whole thing took about 45 minutes to do the scan with and without contrast.

If you are clausterphobic, I recommend keeping your eyes shut the whole time. Oh and my dr offered to prescribe me a valium to take the test to take the edge off if I thought I needed to.

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

No not at all. It was surprisingly comfortable actually, that is why I liked Z-P over Nassau radiology. I found their staff to be more knowledgable and accomodating. They contrast they injected did not hurt at all either (& I am such a baby when it comes to that stuff). They told me that the contrast is actually a type of non-magnetic metal or something that glows on the test but does not have a bad reaction to the MRI magnets themselves....they were pretty cool & they came over the loudspeaker to talk to me every once & a while to make sure I was OK. Actually I fell asleep at one point & they woke me up

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

I have a stupid question...You can leave your clothes on, right?
You don't have to wear a gown, do you?

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

Message edited 4/19/2007 5:20:36 PM.

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

I have been getting these about once a month for the last 6 months. It does not hurt at all. However, if you are clostrophobic (ok I butchered that spelling) you should ask for a script for ativan or something similiar to that (anything that will help relax you a bit)
I feel like an expert on this one so feel free to M if you any further questions.

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

Thank you all for your help!!

I really appreciate it, I may still be nervous but at least I know what to expect.

Thank You!!

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

i did during one of my big migraines. but i was knocked out to take the pain of the headache away so i dont remember any of it. sorry

Message edited 4/19/2007 6:26:15 PM.

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

I had an MRI with contrast only once when I was about 12 but had a bad allergic reaction to the dye. I have had many over the years but I cannot get with contrast because I am allergic to the iodine based dye.

ETA: when I get an MRI I usually lay down & fall asleep.

Message edited 4/19/2007 6:49:55 PM.

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

Its not bad at all....you will be surprised at how ok you are.

Try not to look aroudn when your in there and sometimes it helps to look back OVER the back of your head toward the opening in the back...since your closer to that opening, it will make you feel less claustrophobic.

Re: Have you ever had an MRI on your head (brain)?

I had to have one when I was pregnant, but they didn't inject me with anything. The hardest part was staying still for it. The baby was going crazy in my stomach. I thought she might jump right out I still have a hard time thinking about it. But the procedure really wasn't all that bad.