MRI Scan and pred

[olive2709]

Just got back from hospital after getting result of ultrasound scan have one every 6months ,they have found a area they can not read so Iam to have MRI head and neck this is the first I will have had while on pred any tips ie dose do I put it up before scan and if so for how long

Thanks

[HeronNS]

I am curious, why would you increase your dose of pred for a non-invasive medical procedure?

[polkadotcom]

I'm curious, too. Has anyone mentioned a higher dose to you?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No - it is a non-invasive scan as Heron says. You will lie with your head in a tube and a head scan takes about 10-15 minutes if I remember rightly. Nothing being done to cause stress at all - and that is the only reason you would want a higher dose of pred. It is a bit noisy, though they give you headphones - and you have to lie still.

You must be sure to remove all metal fasteners (including bra hooks) and jewellery/watches but often they give you a hospital gown to wear. I assume you haven't got a pacemaker?

asnr.org/patientinfo/proced...

[olive2709]

This will be my third MRI last one was 4weeks before GCA diagnosis, when I got out of tube could not stand up, double vision, balance did not go back to normal for 48hours migraine on and of for 5/6days

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to olive2709]

Then discuss it with the doctor ordering it - do you have to have contrast material injected into a vein beforehand? This is used so they can see what they are looking for more clearly. Sometimes they can cause allergic reactions - it won't happen the first time you are exposed to the substance but may at subsequent uses. There are no known side effects of the magnetic side but there could be for the contrast.

If you can't speak to the doctor then call the unit where it will be done and ask for their advice. But do it as soon as you can, don't wait until the day of the test.