Upright mri scanner

[bandicoot1987]

Hi,

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

[Ruadh]

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... !!

FONAR UPright MRI - London :

Fonar Upright MRI availability UK

Upright MRI in London, Leeds, and Birmingham

uprightmri.co.uk

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 ...

[Ruadh in reply to Ruadh]

Here are a couple of videos - This is the second one, and shows the Fonar UPright Open MRI - brain position.

youtube.com/watch?v=UGtgr2y...(Not working as expected?)

Then it goes through many of the various positions, showing how the machine caters for those who require an UPright and open machine. Clever stuff.

This is the introductory video - (the second one, above, is the better of the two.)

youtube.com/watch?v=zBM27As...(Not working as expected?)

[bandicoot1987 in reply to Ruadh]

Thankyou so much for your help.

His doctor said he didn't know there was one.

We have had 13 neurology appointments canceled in the last 5 years and he has only had 1 mri scan in the last 5 years.

He has chronic vertigo and can not lie down and his doctor has dismissed our options for an upright scan for my partner.

Doctor also has a feeling his medication isn't working but won't evaluate it until he has a scan.

We do not feel like we are getting the treatment or help we deserve one little bit!!

[Ruadh in reply to bandicoot1987]

Hope that this will do the trick.

Here's another clip, this is from the USA. Useful for general info -

youtube.com/watch?v=cKmgE5m...(Not working as expected?)

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 !??

uprightmri.co.uk/what-is-up...

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.

Interesting digging.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to bandicoot1987]

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! 🤗💕🌠

[bandicoot1987 in reply to Jesmcd2]

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?

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to bandicoot1987]

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? 🤗💕🌠

[bandicoot1987 in reply to Jesmcd2]

I absolutely will do, will find out Friday xx

[mrsmike9 in reply to bandicoot1987]

What about a mild anesthesia so your partner could tolerate laying down?

[bandicoot1987 in reply to mrsmike9]

We have an appointment on Friday so I shall ask then. Xx

[Ruadh in reply to bandicoot1987]

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.

[bandicoot1987 in reply to Ruadh]

Yes it is the brain.

He has chronic bppv and can't lie flat face up, as soon as we start to lay him down he's violently sick 😔

[pamgarner]

my neuro has told me,they are not as accurate,but is a wonderful idea

[Ruadh in reply to pamgarner]

Not strong enough, too weak.

Needs much by way of research -

[pamgarner in reply to Ruadh]

it's a great idea and they show the commercial of someone sitting there and watching tv,they are going to have to get better before I do it

[twooldcrows]

wow i guess he needs to keep asking or for someone else in the office .....