MRI Scan

[JK2]

Not a question, just wanted to pass on my experience to anyone who has to go for an MRI brain scan and is scared.

I had one this morning and as I had panicked a bit during a recent CAT scan & felt very claustophobic, my consultant suggested that I got some valium from my GP as he said that an MRI is more claustrophobic than a CAT scan, and very noisy.

I took his advice and had some diazepam an hour before the scan, took my favourite jazz CD along to have it played through the headphones & asked them to cover my eyes - which they did with a paper towel anchored by the headphones. It was fine. I couldn't always hear the music because of the noisy machine - it came & went - but it was an enormous help having my eyes covered. Can recommend all of the above if you are nervous about it.

[SRH]

Fingers crossed I'll never need one - but what a lovely thing to do (posting on AB). Hope all goes well - wishing you all the best with whatever you're facing x

[Jillius]

I had one a few years ago and I was scared that I would panic and feel claustrophobic but it wasn't too bad . Very very noisy though. I think if I had been totally enclosed I would have freaked out but they left the end open where my head was.

[Drisgirl]

I would agree with you JK2 - if youre not claustrophobic hence not nervous then it will be a cake walk.I am claustrophobic so like you was nervous and the main thing is dont open your eyes - request a blindfold.

Hope things work out OK for ya JK -my results were fine.

[JK2]

Thanks SRH - very kind of you. Feel a bit of a fraud really cos I feel fine but when I tripped up & cut my head in Las Vegas recently they did a CAT scan, sent me the X-ray & told me to see my doc when I got home because they thought I'd had a stroke at some time in the past!! My Neurologist confirmed this but says it was a TIA on an obscure part of the brain that I don't use so I was completely unaware as it didn't affect me. So now they are putting me through a million tests to check me out. I'm a great beleiver in fate and now think that the accident in Vegas was pre-destined to enable me to discover this possible more serious problem - I'd never have known otherwise.

Now of course I'm unlikely to have any problem because the wonderful St Mary's in Paddington will be checking me regularly. So I'm not too worried.

[JK2]

Glad you were ok Drisgirl - It's just made me think more about how precious time is - just got back from China 3 weeks ago (visiting & cuddling the pandas) and have now gone straight back on the internet looking for where I can go next at New Year!! It's looking like a safari in Kenya I think.

[cymruambyth1]

I recently had to have a brain scan, I wasnt too worried about it, until I got there and they decided they wanted to inject me with dye so more would show up - that I wasnt happy with!!

It is a strange feeling, I am not claustrophobic but it is just a weird feeling being in a scan. Luckily scanning machines have advanced over the years, my bro has a brain tumour which will never be removed and has to have 9 monthly scans and he is very grateful that he now only has to spend a few mins in a scan rather that 40mins like he previously had to!!

[Drisgirl]

Good on ya JK -any room for me -lol.Have fun -remember and post where you decide to go -great to have something to look forward to !