MRI Contrast

[IFwczs]

A few of you have written about the MRI contrast lately. Ever since the lawsuit was filed by Chuck Norris' wife, I have done some research on the issue and encourage you to do the same. Gadolinium is supposed to be the least harmful contrast, and yet... Read about it. They don't really need the contrast to read your MRI, they use it to make the MRI easier to read and to bill more. Put another way, there is nothing hidden that contrast miraculously puts into view.

Nowadays I just lie (and I never lie) that I had an allergic reaction to it, and I get MRIs done without the contrast.

Maybe not all, but definitely our MRIs can be done without contrast. Start with this:

medicalxpress.com/news/2017...

[kycmary]

That makes me MAD !! an MRI is almost $1,000. & they want it to cost more! Thank you for the info about the contrast medicine.

[rjoneslaw]

Thanks for the info that backed up what I said.

[erash]

I believe there are differences in what can be detected between MRI with vs without contrast. This article also suggests this. Someone who is stable and has had no new lesions or new symptoms may not need gadolinium contrast.

It was thought that macrocyclic gadolinium was safer than linear gdm but recent research I’ve read suggests both are equally retained in the brain tissue. It’s unknown what the outcome of that accumulation will do but it certainly is concerning.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Let me point out that it also says, "But for most patients, "gadolinium retention has not been directly linked to adverse health effects," the FDA stressed in an agency news release. It also said "the benefit of all approved GBCAs continues to outweigh any potential risks."

So people with RRMS who might be having a relaspe or forming a new lesion, your Neuro needs to make sure of what it is! And what it isn't! My opinion!

So let's not scare the New comers in not having it done! When it's a vital part of the DX! 🤗💕

J🌠🦃

[kdali in reply to Jesmcd2]

Exactly, and thank you.

[Smartcloud1981 in reply to Jesmcd2]

I was just going to write something like that but you said it way better then I could.

[greaterexp]

Thanks for the info. We need to carefully consider all sides of an issue and make an informed choice that works for us and our doctors.

[Angela3445]

I don't like the contrast I'm allergic to it. I was in the hospital for a week. Now I tell everyone that's giving me an MRI that I took benadryl no contracts please.

[sashaming1]

I asked the MRI Operator about Gadolinium and she wasn't worried about it building up in my body since I typically don't get too much Gadolinium (i.e. low doses and not very often - every 6 months). My Neurologist always requests it and I understand that it allows one to distinguish between new or old lesions.