This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

Hey I know i am a wimp for asking this. I had an MRI that showed "artifacts" and now they want to do a CT of my spine with contrast. 1) I am scared of dying from the contrast 1 in 75000 (estimated one in 2000 if you have asthma). 2) There are many studies now stating that the radiation in a CT has greatly increased cancer risk (sometimes 10-12 years down the road) and the statistics are staggering.

Now, I really want to know what is wrong with me (see my post in introductions) and the neurologist is believing that a CT scan would be a better way to see my spine and he is not worried about the risks (but it is not HIM that is getting this done). So, I don't know whether to do it and take the chance, or insist on an alternative, or what. I heard that CT scans are up to 1000 times the radiation of an xray. HELP!

We discussed CT scan radiation a little while back. Hopefully, this will give you more information to work with.

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NHE

I am no Doctor or diagnostic specialist by any measure. But, I have had a chest CT scan, and had an MRI of my spine. I do not understand how a CT scan would show up something that could not be viewed via an MRI (with contrast).

I would definitely ask the question if an MRI with contrast would suffice? I thought that a CT was usually chosen as a cheaper alternative, but I could believe that it may be better at showing some particular tissue matter better. However, I would expect that the contrast would be aimed at making that particular tissue visible under the system used (ie CT or MRI).

Any place they do the scans is going to be equipped to handle the chance of allergic reaction which means that even if you are one of the luck (you estimated 1/2k) to have an allergic reaction they are almost certainly going to be able to treat the reaction then and there making it much less likely you will die.

stop creating barriers within yourself to your own treatment and diagnosis. This may sound harsh but really, that's what you're doing. There are enough challenges in life, let your challenges be the ones you can't avoid, not your own fear.

(I would focus on the "let" in that paragraph, it's meant to read as a zen thing not as grampa telling you to do what you gotta)