MRI with contrast.

[Avarose2010]

Hi , having my first watch and wait MRI with contrast , can anyone tell me what to expect? Many thanks. Avarose

[Bob36]

My MRIs with contrast have started with having images taken (10-20 mins or so), then they bring me out and put the contrast dye in (they put a cannula in before hand). The dye can sometimes feel a bit cold going in (not always!). Then I go back in for another 15-20 mins. Nothing to worry about. Hope the results are good. Best wishes.

[Avarose2010 in reply to Bob36]

Many thanks Bob for that .

[Lynsia]

Please, what is watch a d wait? My MRI is sept 14th with follow up call 28th October , neuroma is 7.4mm

[Avarose2010 in reply to Lynsia]

My AN was 13mm last July when I had a M R I after a dramatic change in my hearing on the left hand side . Watch and wait seems to be what most people are put on . Scans yearly to begin with , they wait and see if it grows , then decide what the next step is , think each case is different depending on size , where it is and if or how quickly it’s growing . Hope this helps .

[Lynsia in reply to Avarose2010]

Thank you, x

[Tabbycat]

Hi Avarose

I had a right side acoustic neuroma diagnosed in 2014 and was on wait and watch for 4 years with annual MRI scans. I was told that these type of tumours were very slow growing, but each year the tumour grew, so I had Gamma Knife Surgery in 2018. in Leeds, England. Now I'm back on watch and wait with annual MRI scans again.

The contrast dye is just used to make your tumour show up more clearly and in greater detail. In Leeds they put a cannula in the back of the hand before the scan is done. Then they take you into the MRI room and get you comfy on the motorised bed that's moved inside the scanner. The first scan is done without the contrast dye. Then they come in and put the dye in through the cannula and check you're OK. The second scan is done almost straight away. Once it's all over they take the cannula out and put a plaster on. I bruise quite easily so sometimes I have a bruise the next day. As Bob36 says the dye can sometimes feel a bit cold going in.

Hope that helps,

Tabby

[Avarose2010]

Many thanks , I always feel fore warned is fore armed .

[Shannon_TBTC Partner]

Hi Avarose2010, we have a dedicated webpage on brain scans and what to expect before, during and after your MRI scan thebraintumourcharity.org/b...

There is also a video included to show you what happens.

In addition, the NHS website outlines what happens with contrast dye nhs.uk/conditions/mri-scan/..., whilst this youtube video provides an overview of what to expect youtube.com/watch?v=5zQljEv...(Not working as expected?)

Do let us know if there is anything we can help with. You can contact our Support and Information team on 0808 800 0004(Mon-Fri, 9-5) or email [e-mail].

With best wishes, Shannon