Mri scan for head

[rallytog1]

I posted a few days ago about a maxillofacial referral. I had lots of poking and prodding today, as well as detailed x-ray of my jaw, and it turns out my symptoms are consistent with precisely nothing.

But the pain keeps getting worse.

The next step is for an MRI scan on my head. The doctor really didn't want to be drawn on what they would be looking for with this (he just presented it as the next step available to them in diagnosing the problem), so I just wondered if anyone could shed any light on what they might be looking for? I'm too scared to google.

I'll apparently need a dye injection and will be in the machine for around an hour.

[pointyshoes]

They may not be looking for anything specific, but an MRI will show if there is anything to follow up on as a next step or, just as importantly, if there is anything they can rule out. The dye injection just means that the scan images become clearer, nothing to worry about, just make sure you drink plenty afterwards to help flush it out. MRI scans are very noisy, often they give you headphones with music so that the noise isn't quite so bad.

[2kidsintow]

Hi rally. I didn't see your other post, but am replying because I've had a brain mri.

What are your symptoms?

I had an mri and then one with dye to look for a cause for my trigeminal neuralgia. The dye helped show where an arty is compressing a nerve in my head.

[rallytog1]

Thanks both. Symptoms are constant pain through the whole right side of my face. It never stops hurting but it does change. Sometimes it feels like toothache, sometimes like swollen glands or earache. I can't remember the last time I slept through the night as I always need to take more (prescription) painkillers.

The following things have been ruled out: anything dental, TMJ, other problems with jaw bones and joints, neuralgia, infection, salivary gland stones.

The doctor yesterday mentioned atypical anaemia and possible issues with nerves. He also did another blood test for creatinine and b12/folate. I can understand the nerves bit, but not sure how the other things would relate to face pain.

I guess I just need to sit tight and wait. Thanks for sharing your experiences though - I'm dreading being inside that machine!

[2kidsintow]

Are you claustrophobic?
I first found the MRI tube interesting - lots of banging noises and no option of headphones or music where I went, in fact they put earplugs in to lower the volume for you.

I had a little moment where I kept trying to open my eyes, but the roof was too close to focus on, making it a bit weird. But once I either decided to close my eyes or keep them unfocussed, it was ok.

After that, it was just boring. Boring. Boring.

[pointyshoes]

Agree its very boring. They always put an angled mirror on the frame thing that slides over my head so that I can see "out" and the staff in the next room behind the window. Nice idea, but as I don't have my glasses on I can't see them anyway! I just keep my eyes shut and think about anything else and generally "tune out". I'm sure you'll be fine, this type of thing is never usually as bad as you think it might be. Let us know how you get on.

[rallytog1]

I am claustrophobic, and also have an irrational fear of large objects and loud noises. Perfect for an MRI

My understanding is that my gp can give me a mild sedative to help, so I'll explore that option I think.

Thank you both for sharing your experiences - I hope it's one of those things where the thought is worse than the reality (although I thought that about labour!)

[rallytog1]

Well, I had the MRI today and, like you say, it wasn't too bad.

I kept my eyes shut for most of it and was a bit freaked out by the noise and vibrations, but it wasn't half as bad as I'd feared.

Now I just need to fear the results... Thanks so much for your tips

[2kidsintow]

Well done Rally.

Did they say whether you would have an appointment to discuss your results or whether they would write to you with them?

My results came in a letter. But I got a completely different slant on them when I saw the neurologist.