MRI

[Paper2021]

I am having an MRI this week can anyone tell me what to expect? I have had MRIs on my knees before but not my brain/spine.

[edfosho]

Hi Paper2021,

I had a head and spine MRI in Feb 2020 - it took around 45 minutes (excluding prep time, I had to change into a gown). I was asked to stay still as much of it as possible, and during the scan I could see the technicians whilst lying down, and I could easily signal if I needed to stop for any reason.

I'm sure others have slightly different experiences.

Ed

[Paper2021 in reply to edfosho]

Thank you for replying. I am dreading going in headfirst and struggle to stay still. Can the Neurologist tell which Ataxia you have from the scan or is it just a confirmation?

[edfosho in reply to Paper2021]

For me, the first neurologist ordered the MRI (in addition to blood tests and an EMG), and the MRI showed the damage to my cerebellum. This lead to a referral to National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, where I was triaged to their Ataxia Centre. The specialist ataxia neurologist used the MRI scan to help her diagnose my condition.

I believe they can't tell exactly which type of ataxia you have if you're presenting symptoms, but they can see your cerebellum and decide whether it's damaged or not.

Everyone is different when it comes to when and why an MRI on the head and spine is required.

[Paper2021 in reply to edfosho]

Thank you for replying.

[springlove in reply to edfosho]

That's right. You're dead on Ed. nothing to it.

[12monkeys in reply to Paper2021]

It took 4 MRIs over 2 half years to see shrinkage in my Cerebellum which only confirmed what they knew but after a further 3 years type I have is still unknown and I’m not expecting to ever find out 😢, they are loud and trying to stay still is a challenge but all you can do is ur best, good luck

[coat2003 in reply to 12monkeys]

all the best 12monkeys.IT IS CALLED IDIOPATHIC (unknown), I am hereditary.

[cocoa]

There's no need to worry ... I was apprehensive the first time but have now had several.

I was offered music and even given a choice. The technician will talk you through it and explain what to expect.

I did not receive the results on the day .

Best wishes

🤞

[Paper2021 in reply to cocoa]

Thank you.

[happyinlove in reply to Paper2021]

I wish you all the best

[coat2003 in reply to cocoa]

sometimes fear has bigger eyes....mx

[BlanketTime1]

i used to require anaesthesia b/c i'm extremely claustrophobic. now i have involuntary movements so i have to be put all the way under... years ago they gave me valium, which helped a little.

as long as you're not claustrophobic, it should be fine. i get brain and spinal when i go and it takes about an hour and a half to two hours. the technicians are usually nice. oh, i'd get a disc and radiology report before you leave. they're supposed to send it to the dr, but it's always good to have your own records.

[coat2003 in reply to BlanketTime1]

depends on how busy they are and mine very.I metmy neurologist in November and mri scan in June.

[Paper2021 in reply to coat2003]

Seeing my Neurologist on the 5th November. So waiting 2 weeks for confirmation of the diagnosis. You had a really long wait.

[coat2003 in reply to Paper2021]

just in time to blow up the English parliament ha ha ha 500 years LATE.GOOD LUCK AND GET IN TOUCH IF YOU NEED TO KNOW STHG.MX

[BlanketTime1 in reply to coat2003]

'remember remember...'🔥😀

[Paper2021 in reply to BlanketTime1]

I will ask the hospital to send me a copy. They should have details in 2 days. Doubt I will understand them though.

[EireAtaxic]

It's very daunting at first because of the the noise and the possibility of something being wrong. I've had between 1-3 each of the past 25 years. I suffer from vertigo so have to be lying flat on my face, very uncomfortable.

I pass the time doing simple breathing meditations. Try and stay calm, it helps. They will give you a clicker and there will be a mic. Don't be afraid to speak if it is too much, they will hear you through speakers.

Try and visualise every minute of your favourite holiday. Mine are 25min.

All the best with it.

[PatsyIpswich]

Just noisy but they look after you well so don't worry. No metal to be worn so jog suit is good. Saves changing into gown and using lockers x

[paul456]

Morning Paper

Nothing to worry about at all, an absolute doddle to be honest, all you need to do is to listen to strange noises which reminded of the time I was kidnapped by aliens and used as medical experiments.

The time it takes depends on the scanner so can vary quite a bit.

Some people work themselves up several days before and on the day end up stressed.

NOTHING can go wrong (trust me).

Just get comfortable and enjoy the noises from space.

You take care my friend.

Who Cares Wins.

[coat2003 in reply to paul456]

Halloween here we go.practise your sounds ha ha ha mx

[Paper2021 in reply to coat2003]

That’s good advice. 🤣

[pinjem]

I too suffer from claustrophobia and have a low dose of diazepam to take an hour before. It also helps to get comfy, I have a support under my spine and legs or I get backache which is not good half way in! Some machines are quieter than others, music helps.

[UKWeeble]

I’m really claustrophobic and dreaded it but managed fine in the end. I read somewhere that a good trick for people who are claustrophobic is to close your eyes before you go in, and keep them closed! Worked for me. Very noisy but I had Radio 2 on headphones and listened to Paul O’Grady throughout. By the time they finished I was properly relaxed and felt quite chilled.

[Paper2021 in reply to UKWeeble]

I kept my eyes closed. Still felt claustrophobic. Had to breathe out a few times to control my breathing. Also had to have the contrast dye towards the end. The music wasn’t great. I only recognised one song when I could hear it. I felt very dizzy when I finished.

[UKWeeble in reply to Paper2021]

You did brilliantly to get through it when feeling like that 👍

[Paper2021 in reply to UKWeeble]

Thank you.

[coat2003]

PLUG YOUR EARS,KEEP YOUR EYES SHUT IF C,LAUSTROPHOBIC.It is manageable a range from nuclear like warning, psychadellic 60s music on LSD, banging like a blackbird into a tree, make sure all metallic things off, like glaxsses, rings...and good luck, it is a very useful exam.it took my brain (I have one ha ha ha) up to a point of cerebellum and spinal part, DON'T WANT ANY MORE. KNOW ENOUGH HOW i walk...dont need to see the scan. GOOD LUCK!

[coat2003]

if nerves USE CALMING DOWN MEDS. YOU NEED TO BERELAXED AND STILL, TRUE if for any reason CANNOT DO IT, don't know how they do it. ed is very right! get into a gown, just make sure all your bits covered NOT LIKE ME DOING A STYRIPTEASE THERE. THANK GOD DOCS ALL, SAW IT ALL BY NOW, BUT EMBRASSING.

[Paper2021 in reply to coat2003]

Thankfully got to wear my own clothes. Nothing metal. At least it didn’t feel too medical.

[coat2003 in reply to Paper2021]

good job sounds like you had it, grt.just result now.TAKE IT ALL IN YOUR STRIDE, IF GOOD.WELL, IF NOT GET IN TOUCH,PLENTY OF SUPPORT here. My cerebellum shrunk, degenerated. I know myself the way I walk semi paralysed.NOT THE DEND OF LIFE, JUST BEGINNING, THERE IS WORSE. No pain this JUST AN INCONVENIENCE!

[coat2003]

I AM VERY FORTUNATE,LIVERPOOLHERE, WALTON CENTRE ROUND THE CORNER. they take blood sample and it cld take upp to 3 months,precisely type of ataxia sca type 2.I am north, no idea if scotland, NI, Wales...Some Isle of Man people here, patients.

[Driven1]

Make certain you get a copy of the results. The data is about 500mb so take a USB stick or writeable blank DVD with you. Then use ORIX software to have a look yourself on your own computer. It is so fascinating and makes great dinner conversation and viewing.

[coat2003 in reply to Driven1]

my specialist offered me to view the scan and I said, I don't need to see, shrivelled prune like, I LIVE WITH IT 24/7.I feel it. fatigued all the time, BUT CLD HAVE BEEN WORSE.that is how I LOOK AT IT.have warm, roof over my head, eating healthily, cooking myself,support vits, exercise, good humour.doing my bit.doing cleaning, VERY DIFFERENT.adjusted according my new needs.DO YOUR BEST! I BURIED MY HUSBAND 2,5 AGO.He was ill and older than me. 80. I was 43.

[Paper2021 in reply to coat2003]

Do you still work? Do you have some support if needed? I love your outlook. At the moment I feel like it's the end of the world. I know it's not but I have a 21 and 19 year old and want to be healthy for them. At least for the next 20-30 years.

[coat2003 in reply to Paper2021]

step by step.1.wait for a consultation to review your scan by a specialist.YOU CAN DO THAT FOR YOUR ADULT KIDS. Looking after yourself well, exercise well, eat well, supplementary vits...depends on a stage you are in by the sounds of it INITIAL STAGE. NOW, NO EMOTIONAL UPHEAVALS. CLD UPSET WHATEVER YOU HAVE.It is hard I know, no funerals, family, friends...My neurologist gave advice,mit is unquantifiable the damage caused to you by going to it...Nobody can guarantee the outcome.what's the hardest if elderly parents, not to go to their funeral, unthinkable. try not to.VERY UPSETTING. MY LATE HUBBY DID NOT GO.upset so much.took his advice.THINK YOUIRSELF FIRST, THE PASSED NO DIFFERENCE TO THEM, can say goodbye ON YOUR TERMS WHEN READY. STAY POSITIVE, good humour.it all helps. 2,5 years since his passing late husband and 4of his kids from 1st marriage, so upset, all promissed and kept their word...one a psychiatric cxase, no meds wldn't go.one so confused, wld think DOING STUFF ON PURPOSE...TO ME, very uncaring...with his passing passed on his fam.I AM A FOREIGNER, ALL MY FAMILY ABROAD.left on my own pass funeral no nothing.one his daughter jealous of me, one son knew me best. the others no comment.

[Paper2021 in reply to coat2003]

Sorry to hear that your husband's family are not interested. So upsetting. I have a Diagnosis letter copied to me that was sent to my GP but I'm guessing the MRI is the confirmation. I have so-called friends of 20 years that were concerned about me but now don't even ask if I have sorted anything out. I am looking after my Nan (83). She is in care with Alzehemeirs, that's taking its toll on me. Last year hasn't helped matters. I haven't said anything to my mum or dad yet. My dad has his own health issues and is a worrier. My mum lives in Australia and is fairly distant.

[coat2003 in reply to Paper2021]

your nan bless her 83.has a hard condition.how progressed she is.my so called friend BOTH OF US 15 YEARS AGO WEDDING WITNESSES. she personality change, keep smoking and doc said, stop smoking even 3 ciggies a day. and afyer 15 yrs of smoking 3 a day, he said 15 yrs max I can give you OF LIFE. moved flat cldn't be hapopier disabled access, no stairs that was a killer.so CELEBRATE YOUR FRIENDS!parentss are difficult.m my non existant dad passed on in 2003, i ONLY HAVE MUM AND VERY CLOSE WE ARE.better AS WHEN KID.my bro has the same but milder, it isALL HEREDITARY, confirmed with blood testt.

[Driven1]

If you have tattoos talk to them read webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/new...

[Paper2021 in reply to Driven1]

I don’t have any.