MRI'S

rnb · Post by **rnb** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:21 pm

Iam sure this topic has been covered many times but I"am courious how offen a nuero will order an MRI for a patient. It has been 3 years for my wife seems like a long time to me. Thanks for any help

GeoGuy · Post by **GeoGuy** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 2:42 pm

rnb,

My neuro orders one about once a year.

Jack

oreo · Post by **oreo** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 7:05 pm

My neuro has told me I won't be having another MRI unless there is a significant change in my health.

robbie · Post by **robbie** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:41 am

just got one booked my last one was over 4 years ago.

TwistedHelix · Post by **TwistedHelix** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:04 am

As you can see, this kind of thing seems to vary a lot from region to region and between individual doctors, so perhaps it's worth having a chat with him to see what his reasoning is. Some of them feel that, because lesion load has little correlation with disability, it's not really worth doing; others feel differently and that it is a useful tool for monitoring disease activity.

I was diagnosed back in the dark ages, when "magnetic resonance" consisted of holding a really strong horseshoe magnet at the back of my head and sprinkling my face with iron filings… that's not really a beard in the photo

robbie · Post by **robbie** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 9:04 am

Some of them feel that, because lesion load has little correlation with disability, it's not really worth doing;

my neuro has this belief.

Lyon · Post by **Lyon** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:07 pm

daverestonvirginia · Post by **daverestonvirginia** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:42 pm

I have one every year.

GeoGuy · Post by **GeoGuy** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:18 pm

I was diagnosed back in the dark ages, when "magnetic resonance" consisted of holding a really strong horseshoe magnet at the back of my head and sprinkling my face with iron filings… that's not really a beard in the photo

Dom,

Couldn't you convince them to sprinkle some of those filings on the top of your head as well

Seriously though, we're still waiting to hear more of your music!

Some of them feel that, because lesion load has little correlation with disability

All the info I've seen says that is true, but I think periodic MRI is a good way to assess disease activity since new lesions don't always result in increased disability as you said. If my meds aren't reducing lesion formation (even if there not causing new symptoms) I want to know it and MRI is the best way.

Jack

Lyon · Post by **Lyon** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:30 pm

GeoGuy · Post by **GeoGuy** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:52 pm

Lyon,

If my lesion load is silently increasing in spite of taking a CRAB, I want to know so I can consider changing meds to one that could be more effective, or adding some alternative treatment, before more new lesions form, potentially in a debilitating area. I think that is a proactive approach to disease management. Waiting till I'm flat on my back, then having an MRI so my doctor can tell me "see this spot, it's why your unable to stand" is like closing the barn door after the horse has already gotten out.

And yes, I have had several friends accosted by the TSA when greeting me at the airport (just kidding, Big Brother).

Jack

Lyon · Post by **Lyon** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:19 pm

GeoGuy · Post by **GeoGuy** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 6:12 pm

I understand your point as well Lyon. There's nothing like health care run as a business instead of health care run for your health. Another reason for national health insurance for everyone.

Jack

gibbledygook · Post by **gibbledygook** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 5:16 am

With national health insurance you'll be lucky to see the neurologist once a year. Once diagnosed there is no offer of an MRI. After all the UK has fewer MRI scanners than the state of Florida!!

Just had my annual appointment with the neurologist cancelled which they failed to tell me about. The scenes in the hospital were chaotic. Still it's all free.

Post by **jimmylegs** » Fri Sep 26, 2008 5:43 am

i've only had my dx mri, and one follow-up which i requested at the end of an annual appointment when he said "is there anything else i can do for you today?" and i answered "follow-up mri?" the followup didn't have the enhanced deal, but i still think you can see a pretty drastic improvement in the condition of my cervical spine from one scan to the next. yay! i think they're worth having.