Brain MRI ?

Alice · 02-25-2008, 03:13 PM

Hi,

I don't post often but I read a lot. Any information anyone can give me will be greatly apreciated.
I just returned from my bi-yearly regular apt with my onc. I told her that most things were going along well. I mentioned to her that I had a dizzy spell last week and another today. The one today was not as severe as the one last week. She immediately said that she wanted me to have a brain MRI. I have also had frequent headaches. Not constant and not severe. I guess it suprised me a bit since she is one that would rather not do scans and she wants this one done by the end of the week. Now that I am home and have had a chance to think about it, it scares me a LOT.
Can anyone tell me what to expect durring the scan? Is it similar to other scans? With other scans does the contrast go into the brain?
Thank's in advance.
Alice

Sheila · 02-25-2008, 06:07 PM

Alice
I fake the headaches so I get an MRI done once a year, for my own peace of mind...my insurance won't OK them otherwise...it should be standard of care for us Her2 people, but not yet. My MRI is done without and then with contrast that they inject via IV line. If you have a tendency to get claustrophobic, ask the Dr for Ativan ahead of time, and get someone to take you. They do put your head in a loose brace, The whole thing takes about an hour, lots of noise, banging in that cylinder...they give you earplugs, but its still loud. I use visualization and put myself somewhere else, like a warm beach with palm trees, hot sand and a gentle breeze.... if I can do it, anyone can....I don't like them, but I always ask for one....the peace of mind is so worth it. Hoping you get great results!

Joan M · 02-25-2008, 06:26 PM

Alice,

Try not to worry about the scan. Perhaps you're feeling light-headed for other reasons.

Your oncologist just wants to rule out any problems, and it's good that she's responding to your symptoms. Although many oncologist are reluctant to give follow-up tests, you'd be surprised how they can spring into action when a patient is having symptoms.

I had a brain MRI in an open MRI. I had a brace over my face, but it wasn't tight, meaning that if I wanted to slip out of it, I could.

Find out if the radiology facility has an open MRI. If not and you think it would be more comfortable to be in an open machine, check around in your area for a facility that has one, or ask your oncologist.

Joan

kcherub · 02-25-2008, 07:02 PM

Hi! My husband does MRIs, so I have had a few! I have not had contrast, so I am unable to give you any info on that...I will ask him and post again.

If you are worried about becoming anxious (clausterphobic--maybe NOT spelled correctly), ask them the put a dry washcloth over your eyes BEFORE they put you in the machine. I do have anxiety/panic attacks, but I usually don't have any problems with clausterphobia in the machine. My husband has always done the washcloth thing for me, and I think it helped to combat it!

More later,

kcherub · 02-25-2008, 07:02 PM

Hi! My husband does MRIs, so I have had a few! I have not had contrast, so I am unable to give you any info on that...I will ask him and post again.

If you are worried about becoming anxious (clausterphobic--maybe NOT spelled correctly), ask them the put a dry washcloth over your eyes BEFORE they put you in the machine. I do have anxiety/panic attacks, but I usually don't have any problems with clausterphobia in the machine. My husband has always done the washcloth thing for me, and I think it helped to combat it!

More later,

Bill · 02-25-2008, 09:24 PM

Alice, these amazing women have given you great advice. (Sheila, you are so clever) I will be praying for positive results for you and a sense of calm to surround you during the test. I had an MRI done once, and there was a lot of beeping, pinging, and a whole bunch of science fiction-type space noises, and I thought to myself, "what in the heck are all those goofy noises? They don't need to make all those noises for this test." Actually, they became soothing and at some point I fell asleep, and the next thing I knew, the test was over. Often, the fear of the unknown is the worst part. I know you'll do fine. We will all be with you in spirit and prayer. Let us know how it goes. Love, Bill

hutchibk · 02-25-2008, 11:46 PM

You can also choose an open-sided MRI machine if you are claustrophobic. I don't find the normal machine very confining or that much different from a CT machine, personally. I have always felt that the bone scan machine is more freaky and claustrophobic...

I agree with your Onc. It is always best to rule things out, and err on the side of caution. Her2 has a way of showing up in the brain.
I always fall asleep in the MRI machine. I like the sounds and vibrations... I get a brain MRI every 3 months these days, and I can promise you that it is not as scary as it might seem.

Let us know what you find out!

Mary Anne in TX · 02-26-2008, 04:52 AM

Hey! I found the brain MRI noisy but simple. I just closed my eyes before they started and talked to myself about where I was (make believe) during the adventure. Turned out that my headaches etc were all from high blood pressure! I hope your symptoms turn out to be something simple to deal with. You can do this. It will tell you what is happening and relieve those anxious thoughts. Can you even believe how many things we have to try to stay sane and healthy!!! I'll be thinking really good thoughts for you! ma

LAURIE · 02-26-2008, 07:20 AM

what are your dizzy spells like. I have been having them for about 2 months. They only seem to happen when I am at work. Especially when I am walking the mall (I work in a mall). It always seems that once I get down to one part of the mall my dizziness starts. I also have been having eye twitching for about 3 months. I see my Onc in 2 weeks. I too am worried but am curious to hear what he thinks I need a brain mri. I have tried to get one from the onset in 2006, but he did not think I needed it. In the meantime I stopped my water pill.

Alice · 02-26-2008, 01:30 PM

First I want to thank everyone for their replies. It means a lot just to know you are there for me. I am much less anxious today after having a day to think about it. In answer to Laurie's question, my dizzy spells were as if the floor was moving underneath me. Not exactly like the room spinning, it is a little hard to explain. Anyway I had to lean against the wall or sit down as I felt as though I was about to fall down. If you have stopped taking your water pills have you had your blood pressure checked. I am hoping that my spells are just from low blood pressure. The last few times I have had it taken it was on the low side of normal. Now all I have to do is get past the paperwork from insurance for aproval of the MRI( Oh joy!).
Alice

Colleen007 · 02-26-2008, 01:45 PM

Like Sheila, I get what my oncologist refers to as my "January Headache". If she has to say I have a headache to get insurance to cover it, then I'm happy to play along! It is similar to other scans...you just lie there in a noisy tube. I have also fallen asleep in the tube...the banging sounds like a beating drum. The scan itself will be a breeze...it is the anxiety of waiting for the results that will be hardest to take.