Pre head injury I had several MRI scans for quite a few things even an MRI scan of my head and neck which picked up a broken bone and a bulging disc near the spinal cord. I never had a problem going into the tube and felt fine afterwards.
Post head injury I had many MRI scans to attempt to diagnose the extent of my injuries. I could never complete them as I always felt really ill and had to abort the scan. One in a high power scanner in a University actually got me admitted to hospital because I was so unwell.
Subsequently, I have had other MRI scans on my knees and hips and whilst I felt really rough during the scan, I managed to complete them. I felt a bit "off" for the following days as well. I always put it down to being placed in an uncomfortable position for a long time pressing on the disc in my neck.
Today I had another scan on my knee and during the scan it felt like my knee was being pulled apart by the magnets during the scan. I had never experienced this before any other MRI scans. I mentioned this to the technician and she didn't have an answer.
So off to the internet to see if anyone else had experienced the same. However, what I did discover is that if you have an inner ear problem or balance issues then the MRI can cause havoc with your balance. I have BPPV which simply put is you get vertigo when you change position. Which by coincidence I have had to mention to the technicians when I get on the scan bed.
Never has any technician mentioned it could be a problem for me or anyone else with an inner ear or balance problem. Quite bizarre because the findings have been available for the last 10 years or so.
So at least I don't feel as much better as I thought it was some psychological symptom I was experiencing.
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sospan
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I have had, I think, just about Every Possible Scan, over the years, and have Never had a Severe, if any, reaction. Mind you, the only Ear Problems, I have had are 'wax' build ups and a small 'skin tag'- inside the ear canal.
As regards, the Position, some scams Put You In...Well Yes NOT the most comfortable and, since you have neck 'troubles/ problems', I can understand how this may, very well, cause you pain/ dis-orientation. I don't think that I, know any way 'around' this, but maybe a Consultant might- maybe worth asking? Couple this with a, perhaps 'unknown' phobia to closed spaces, and you could, very well, involuntarily Tense Up making neck pain More likely.
Are you, lucky enough, to have a 'friendly/ approachable' GP? If so, a 'chat' with him/ her, could, very well, be an idea. (S)He may, very well, be able to recommend a different 'type', of scan, hopefully better for your neck- as I said above- might be worth asking? If your own Doctor, is not, 'approachable' then maybe try the Consultant Him/ Her self, the Registrar or a Hospital Administrator.
You DO need to, if only for your own comfort, speak to 'Someone' regarding this. I my experience, I have found anyway, that you need to find- the right- 'Someone' be it a Doctor/ Consultant/ GP/ Registrar, Pharmacist (don't Overlook them) or even a Nurse Practitioner. Once 'Found' hang onto them!
Sorry that I can't be more, actual 'Help', sospan- some Food For Thought anyway.
I small confined spaces aren't a problem, even these days I find my self under floors, cars, drains etc.
Counting it up, I must have had around 30 MRi scans, 4 heat scans and so many x-rays it is surprising that I don't look like the "ready brek" kids !
All my scans have been in Private Hospitals / Universities arranged by consultants whom want specific scans. The University one that hospitalised me was a higher power unit that they use for research. Where I am, it is rarely worth consulting a GP as we seem to get the least motivated and capable ones that nobody else wants.
Since my head injury, I have several head CT scans which put you in the same position as an MRI (but use different technology) with no problems.
It just shows how complex the consequences of a head injury can be
I've never had this problem Sos although I've had BPPV for over 40 years (started long before I was acquainted with MRi scanners) and I've never had an adverse reaction to scans.
What a curious business ! Like you, I'll be Googling the possibility of magnet interference ; maybe we'll compare results.
On a lighter note, the only time I had an issue was when I realised I'd inadvertently jiggled a leg muscle to the beat of the machine and the technician informed me she needed to re-scan a certain section as there'd been movement ! (I did own up & apologise).
I know, fidgeting in an MRI scanner brings the wrath of the radiologist.
The more recent ones I have been in, have cool air blowing through which makes things easier. Although having shoulders wider than the larger 70cm bore makes it hard to wriggle
It could be the power of the power of the MRI machine they are quite often 1.2 or 1.5 Tesla's. The University one that made me very ill was a 3 Tesla machine. The one yesterday was an upgraded model to the previous one. No idea of the strength but it felt like it was trying to pull my knee cap off. Which is something i had never felt before on any previous knee scan.
One of the pieces of research I found, was a study by John Hopkins University in the USA.
Yes Sos, John Hopkins is the only one I could find discussing research into MRI vertigo ; interesting about using nystagmus levels as indicators......but still w-a-a-y above my head ! The vestibular system is incredibly complex, but if fluid is being moved artificially it surely has to cause imbalance
Did you have the Gadolinium injections ? I've heard that the contrast dye can cause nausea & temporary dizziness....
I guess there'll always be temptation to achieve better & better resolution but maybe at the risk of as yet unknown side effects ? I think the highest strength is presently 7 but much stronger are used in research.
I've never heard of these complications from MRIs. Found on internet : Because MRI uses powerful magnets, the presence of metal in your body can be a safety hazard if attracted to the magnet. If you have tattoos or permanent makeup, ask your doctor whether they might affect your MRI.
I had 2 MRI head scans after my accident, both triggered labyrinthitis-type symptoms, vertigo and nystagmus, but this didn't start until the next day, nearly 24 hours afterwards, not there and then. I have damage to my inner ear. At the time the doctors insisted the MRI wouldn't trigger vertigo and nystagmus. I hope one day consultants will learn to see what is actually happening and not what they believe is happening.
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