Brain MRI

[Galadriel1]

Hi all Brain MRI tomorrow, not sure what to expect, any advice? Has anyone had this before?

[Nathan12345]

Hi Galadriel1 I've had an mri scan before, wasn't as bad as i anticipated but you do get a little dizzy afterwards, the nurses give you a button you can press if you start getting distressed so there's nothing to worry about

[humanbean]

I've had a couple of head MRIs. They are a doddle.

MRI machines are noisy. They always supply you with ear muffs, and sometimes music is played through them too. I found the music was turned up so loud to block the noise of the machine that I refuse it now. The noise of the machine isn't that bad.

[Hidden]

Yes. Very noisy. You might ask for a wedge to go under your knees. Just relax as well as you can, and keep still.

[fbirder]

A friend of mine loves having MRI scans because she thinks the noise is great. She gets strange looks from the technicians when she tells them.

[solarised]

The music is dreadful but you can count the tracks to give you a sense of time.

My advice would concern the letters it will generate.

In my case the neurologist requested the MRI. After the scan the neurologist wrote to me informing my brain scan was fine and I had some minor degeneration of the lower neck. This letter was cc to my Doctor.

The Doctor simultaneously received a second letter from the neurologist which said I had brain lesions consistent with small vessel ischemia and moderate degenerative disease in the lower neck.

Same MRI, two different letters!

Until just recently, I didn’t know about the existence of these second letters sent to Doctors from consultants and I didn’t know you can actually request these “second letters” from your NHS Trust to be sent with your letter.

Make sure you get a copy the second letter; I requested mine from my Doctors.

[sweetnessandlight in reply to solarised]

How long did it take to receive your letter from the time of the scan, solarised. Did you have a follow up appt with the Neuro? Was any treatment or management regime advised? Sorry to be so nosey but I am in post-MRI stage.

[solarised in reply to sweetnessandlight]

I’ve had two scans now and both have taken over a month for the neurologist to write back.

I’ve had two appts and awaiting the third.

The Neurologist was pleasant and he probably would have stayed that way if I had swallowed everything he said. He has a very poor grasp of b12 d and I’m not really any further forward. The only benefit I can see, is the information from the MRI.

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi Gladriel 1. I've had a couple of these. Nothing to worry about, a doddle really.

Depending on what kind of a machine it is, you'll either get a smallish machine that turns slowly around you head (with a click click noise), or a larger machine with a tube that you get slid into (these have more of a hum and the click click noise).

The nurse will give you a buzzer to ring if you need anything and they come quickly if you need them.

It will all be over quite quickly.

At that time in my life, it was a rare opportunity to do nothing, so I really enjoyed the 'down-time'.

I used my scan time to relax, close my eyes and imagine a wonderful white beach, blue sea... and a very large cocktail! Or ten!

Hope all goes well. Cheers.

[fbirder]

When I had my Octreotide scan (for gastric carcinoids) I was told to bring in a couple of CDs for the 90 minutes I had to lay still while they looked for gamma rays. Luckily the nurse was a Pink Floyd fan.

[deniseinmilden]

It is noisy and some people feel a bit confined but the nurses are used to that and have always been kind to me.

Remember you will be fine and it doesn't hurt at all so relax and they'll get a good picture!

The more you have the more OK you are with them so that shows they are easier than the thought of them!

Good luck!

[Jens100]

I've had quite afew, I try to make a rhythm out of the noises the machine makes, if you need a minute don't be worried to press the button or tell them you need a minute, and they can pause the scan, you can also have someone in the room with you, I found having my husband in the room holding my leg, reassuring and calming, also I always get abit dizzy and lightheaded afterwards when getting up (could be my broken brain) take your time getting up, good luck and hope it's all ok x

[E-A-S in reply to Jens100]

I did not realise that if you pressed the button the scan would merely be paused. I thought it would be stopped and I would have to return to get the whole thing done again. Why oh why don't the professionals explain these simple things properly?

[Jens100 in reply to E-A-S]

They didn't tell me straight away id had about 4 before they told me and that's only because I kept blacking out (after a brain op) but yes they should tell people before the scan, it would make people relax more, I've pressed it afew times now when I feel like I need to.

[sweetnessandlight]

I had one 10 days ago. Mine was brain and whole spine so it took 40 mins which is a long time to stay still. I quite enjoyed the challenge and was told I had done really well for a first timer. I was not allowed to have anyone in the scanning room with me so don't bank on that. It was noisy and vibrated a bit but I took a Queen CD with me. It was hard not to move to the music! I did feel very disoriented afterwards but if it is just your brain you won't be in there too long. Just awaiting my results. Good luck.

[asaund]

I have had 3 scans for different reasons and found it noisy and confined like everyone else but the staff are great. You need to express your worries and they will support you. I really don't like confined spaces and staff spoke to me through earphones telling me I was doing well and had not much longer to go. I found this helped a huge amount and also concentrated on the music and happy memories.

[Tiki15]

I had a brain MRI a couple of years ago. It does not hurt but there is a very loud noise as it scans. You are given headphones to wear. I hope all goes well.

[CJA2012]

I've had two brain MRI scans. The noise can be intolerable. Not all hospitals give you earphones - sometimes they use padded bean-bags either side of your head to keep you still, and this muffles some of the sound. It's a knocking and drilling sound. Irritating at first but you soon make a rhythm out of it. Before you know, it's all over.

They take around 17 minutes.

[Galadriel1]

Thanks everyone, I just closed my eyes and zoned out for a bit, was noisy but ok.