What is the point of MRI if many times they don't show

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niceguyVZ

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Like EEGs, MRI's dont always show anything. You get normal MRI.
So what do MRI actually detect? Do they only detect really physical and big damages but won't be able to detect any microscopic damage that although invisible has effects on the brain?
 
Don't know.
Mine didn't show any epilepsy, despite witnesses.
Mine did show other things, including a pineal cyst, but apparently, it's not the cause of my seizures.
 
My Neurologist said she was looking for tumors, blood clots, or loose marbles. In my head she saw none and so ruled out tumors, blood clots and marbles. She also did spinal fluid and flashy lights and other stuff. I am glad she was thorough on me because as an engineer and troubleshooter I really need to know what is the cause for my seizures. Anyway I am not a doctor so I cannot tell you exactly for your case, although I kid about marbles, but you knew that.
 
An MRI looks for structural issues -- tumors, lesions, vascular problems -- that might be causing seizures, or resulting from them. It's an important tool to rule in or out those features aspects, particularly if the seizures are refractory to medication and surgery is being considered.
 
After reading so many post on form see where so many get MRI's. Have appt with neuro in September. I have had a couple of ct scans but have never had MRI. My question which I guess I'll ask neuro is why ct scan and not MRI? What is the difference???
 
Aside from differences in technology (x-ray vs magnetic imaging), the main relevant difference is that an MRI is more sensitive and specific for abnormalities within the brain itself.
 
Well I've just add an EEG and was surposed to be given a sleeping pill but they couldn't because of my Tegretol and chemo med incase counter reacting took place...so I went into a Partial seizure sleep.
Saw the neuro yesterday and we was discussing EEG's & MRI's because of my past history and with MRI's besides checking for Tumours etc, they also know if the brain is working properly by watching the receptors in the brain...such as thinking itself makes an area show on the brain and shows if the receptors are working fine.
 
Hmm, i get them once a yr now, i was getting them 2x a yr and once, after my tumor was taken out, i got it every 3 months for a yr. What can they tell, well they can tell a lot more than a CT scan does. A lot better pictures. CT Scans are like a bunch of X-rays pictures in one, like 500 x-ray pics. That are supposedly harmful.

But most importantly for me, they can tell if my tumor has decided to return.

:piano: :pop:
 
Zolt said:
Hmm, i get them once a yr now, i was getting them 2x a yr and once, after my tumor was taken out, i got it every 3 months for a yr. What can they tell, well they can tell a lot more than a CT scan does. A lot better pictures. CT Scans are like a bunch of X-rays pictures in one, like 500 x-ray pics. That are supposedly harmful.

But most importantly for me, they can tell if my tumor has decided to return.

:piano: :pop:
Click to expand...
Hi Zolt,
It sounds like you've been through abit and fingers crossed your tumour keeps at bay for you :)
 
Zolt said:
Hmm, i get them once a yr now, i was getting them 2x a yr and once, after my tumor was taken out, i got it every 3 months for a yr. What can they tell, well they can tell a lot more than a CT scan does. A lot better pictures. CT Scans are like a bunch of X-rays pictures in one, like 500 x-ray pics. That are supposedly harmful.

But most importantly for me, they can tell if my tumor has decided to return.

:piano: :pop:
Click to expand...

MRI ever year! wow. I'm guessing you have an excellent health insurance.
 
Hello Katzy,
My neuro does an MRI on me yearly to check also for fractures to the skull, as my head is like the map of the world otherwise...my neuro is always shocked that no fractures have occured over the years.
 
katzy said:
MRI ever year! wow. I'm guessing you have an excellent health insurance.
Click to expand...

I have company insurance with Kaiser, an HMO. I get meds for 10 dollars and doc visits are also 10 dollars. They took real good care of me when they took out my baseball size tumor and i didn't need to pay for it. PPO is the other health care system here, where you can choose your doctor, but for me i don't know one doc from another and PPO wants you to pay 10% of all costs.

As soon as i get an MRI i go to the imaging center and pick up a copy and i'll go home and see if there is any new growth.

:piano: :pop:
 
Zolt said:
I have company insurance with Kaiser, an HMO. I get meds for 10 dollars and doc visits are also 10 dollars. They took real good care of me when they took out my baseball size tumor and i didn't need to pay for it. PPO is the other health care system here, where you can choose your doctor, but for me i don't know one doc from another and PPO wants you to pay 10% of all costs.

As soon as i get an MRI i go to the imaging center and pick up a copy and i'll go home and see if there is any new growth.



:piano: :pop:
Click to expand...
$10 copay is really low/good. I've seen people with $75 co-pays at my job. Do you pay anything for your MRI?.I didn't know the difference between HMO and PPO even though I deal with insurance eligibility at the doctor's office where I work.

When is your next MRI?
Tez_20 said:
Hello Katzy,
My neuro does an MRI on me yearly to check also for fractures to the skull, as my head is like the map of the world otherwise...my neuro is always shocked that no fractures have occured over the years.
Click to expand...
what happened to your skull? Sounds dangerous if you're prone to getting fractures.
 
katzy said:
$10 copay is really low/good. I've seen people with $75 co-pays at my job. Do you pay anything for your MRI?.I didn't know the difference between HMO and PPO even though I deal with insurance eligibility at the doctor's office where I work.

When is your next MRI?

what happened to your skull? Sounds dangerous if you're prone to getting fractures.
Click to expand...
Katzy I've not fractured my skull of yet in 30yrs but MRI's are run yearly to make sure there's none but my heads full of cuts and bald patches from my seizures.
 
I couldn't have a MRI it would rip my pacemaker out ofmy chest. I can have CT scans petscans and any other test just so it doesn't have iodine contrast.

I have lousy insurance with high co pays ttest I mentioned copay are 200.00
 
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