Has anyone in the UK had an upright mri or was even aware an upright mri scanner existed?
My partner is overdue a scan (5 years) and Ive just come to Learn that this option is available for people who can not lie down flat. Brilliant!!
We have spoken with his ms nurse who's first reaction/answer when he asked about this option was "No" 😳 he desperately needs this scan so why on earth would you tell him he can not!!
He's repeatedly being told he has to lie down.... What on earth!
Any information grately received 🙏 xx
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bandicoot1987
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Hi bandicoot - Yes, indeed, the Upright 'FONAR' MRI has been in existence for a number of years now. Is an expensive machine, and not many hospitals carry it. One drawback is, that it tends not to be as powerful as the supine machines, but that is older information and might well have been addressed. Know there is a Fonar at Aberdeen Hospital. Also, in London, a pvt imaging radiology outlet. There are also other pvt outlets i the UK. Last time I checked, about four of them. Leave it with me, and I will come back to you with more information. Meantime, check Fonar, might contact the firm directly.
Telephone your nearest clinic and have a chat. Be warned, is expensive... !!
Upright Open MRI in London, Leeds, and Birmingham - the ideal solution for claustrophobic patients. ... established operator of upright and open MRI technology in the United Kingdom, and we ... Appointments are available within 48 hours ...
Here is another, pertinent info, as points out what the UPright can and can't do. The problem being, the UPright is not that powerful, only 0.06T (London) and 0,05T (Leeds and Birmingham). Will do brain scan, but how well to show MS lesions or ?Lacunas I don't know. You would have to discuss in detail with the clinic, and would suggest written confirmation of efficacy !??
I see that they don't do contrast enhanced MRA, but do do non-contrast Circle of Willis and the carotids. Which suggests the lower power Tesla is unable to pick up the necessary detail that the 1.5T can pick up, including without contrast dyes being used.
For further info, the London Clinic has a 3-Tesla MRI machine, but don't seem to have the UPright MRI availability.
Hi bandicoot1987 like Ruadh I was interested in this also! I can understand your frustration with the MRI and your neurologist. But I can see his point of view here. A typical MS MRI is done with a strength of 3.0T where as the sit down ones are at a .06T.
His neuro wouldn't get a good reading.
This MRI would be great if the Tesla's were higher! 🤗💕🌠
Yes your right, it's just not strong enough, I should have looked into this more before ranting about it a d getting my partners hopes up 😔 maybe he can lie in it face down?
I don't know if he can do that, it is something to bring up to his Dr. tho! I really wish it would work tho!! It hurts so much laying down for so long.
And venting and ranting is always aloud here!!!
Not to mention we learned something new! bandicoot1987
Can you email your neuro about laying face down? Let us know what they say? 🤗💕🌠
If it is the brain that is being scanned...?? Got to fit the helmet on, the helmet contains the coils. But if for a body scan, spine etc, then would think possible. I will ask a friend.
"Yes, most scanners for most things can scan patients side-on or even prone.
For brains however you generally have dedicated head coils than require the patient to lie supine."
IOW the cask has the coils - can't lie prone in a cask.
0.05/6-T insufficient strength to do a good job of it.
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