Awaiting MRI result

[Soulsister50]

Hi.

I wondered how long people had waited before receiving results of an MRI scan?

Having developed tinnitus (constant white noise rather than ringing) for about a month, I then got sudden deafness in one ear and was referred to ENT promptly. Had high dose oral steroids and then injected steroid through my eardrum but without a discernible improvement.

I was told that I was being referred to an ENT consultant and for an MRI scan.

I had the MRI scan with contrast several weeks ago now but haven’t heard anything further. I was working on the theory that if it was really bad they would have contacted me, but given the massive NHS waiting lists I am a bit concerned.

How long have others had to wait for an appointment following MRI scan?

[Bob36]

In my experience, the consultants usually meet once a fortnight to discuss cases. Appointment should be shortly after that, but mine are usually booked in advance. My first ever MRI, there was also a follow up booked to discuss and this was relatively quick. But this was back in 2009 or 2010?! Subsequent watch and wait and post treatment MRIs, the follow up has always been booked in advance too. Give the hospital a call if you’re concerned.

[Sherwood]

Hi, I was the same and waited 3 weeks after my MRI scan, I finally rang the Consultants secretary and they chased it but did say it could be weeks of waiting with the back log they had. My result was positive for a 6mm AN

[flappers]

Hi, I’m sorry you’re having this experience. I had an MRI scan in Sept 2020 as I had a sudden onset of screaming tinnitus in one ear only, no other symptoms. I got a phone call 2 days later from my GP to say they’d they’d picked up a 12mm AN and I’d need another scan with contrast and a referral to King’s in London. All that happened within 2 weeks and the plan was agreed to put me on watch and wait. 5 months later another scan showed only a tiny growth so another year on watch and wait, then showed a fairly big growth to 25mm so I had radiosurgery at Guys in June 22. Results tend to take two weeks but I always emailed the consultants secretary to say I’d had the scan and can they get back to me quickly with the results! But now I have to wait until Dec 23 for next scan, to see if it’s stopped it growing…because it shows swelling anyway before they can tell if it’s worked. Other than that first result, I’ve had to get used to the wait, as these things are often best left alone until it’s really clear treatment is the best option. I hope you soon hear, but also I would focus on whatever helps relieve stress for you, lots of self nurture and care because whatever the outcome, that’s the stuff we can do for ourselves and it helps. Focus on finding out how to manage tinnitus, for example, and hearing loss, rather than the actual cause, until you know. I know it’s really scary, but even if it is an acoustic neuroma, they are benign and treatable, and most of them don’t grow or need any treatment at all. Breathe, I wish you the very best of luck. Let us know how you get on.. Lin

[Pinkrose1]

Hi, i had my MRI around Aug 2020, i received a letter in the post from Nuerosurgery a few weeks after and given appointment to see surgeon. It seemed to all happen quickly in my memory of it. I hope things are ok for you and you don't have to wait long and its good news.

[Avarose2010]

Hi , I am afraid that things have gone down hill since the pandemic. I used to have my results and an appointment two weeks after my scan . Last year I had my scan in July and didn’t get my results and an appointment until October. This year had my scan in July and when I asked about my results was told in late August that they hadn’t been looked at yet and it would be two months or more before I would get my results and they would contact me if they wished to see me .

Hopefully you will not have to wait as long .

Kind regards Beverley.

[Bad1]

Hi. I waited 8 weeks (west Birmingham) for my results ie small A N .A lot depends on postcode and availability of trained staff to interpret the m r i if you use nhs, times can vary enormously around the country

[JDN57]

I had my MRI in October 2021, told by my GP i had a 11mm AN and would be referred but didn't speak to consultant until 17th January 2022 who told me its small and wait another year for another MRI. You just have to learn olive with it and try not to think about it.

[Poppies4life]

I was classed as urgent in April for MRI and Audiology due to my symptoms and failing of tests that were carried out. Ended up having MRI in May who told me results will be in 3-4 weeks. I heard nothing so rang the secretary to ask and she stated that because I was waiting for an audiologist appointment that I wouldn’t been seen until they had those results which was frustrating. There was a months backlog of appointments in audiology, was finally seen in July and I received my final diagnosis in September. I hope you get some clear answers soon because knowing what you are facing can help.