MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Discussion & Experiences & Questions

[nogood]

Foam ear plugs or roll cotton into ear plugs..
Open mri is more comfortable than normal tube one.. in normal mri Basically u will be pushed into a small tube which will be bit noisy. . Lots of hammering and humming sounds. .

 

[Marlene]

When I had mine they piped music into the machine,give them a CD of your best relaxing music,best still if you have learnt meditation even better,take that music in with you.Whilst in MRI,they talk to you,tell you what they are doing.Look at it this way it's a means to an end.nothing to be at all worried about. The technicians were brilliant,
Like everything in life,it's the fear of the unknown.Your come away and think that was a walk in the park,people have it done every day Shan.We all want answers and this is a way to get yours,and it had no effect on the tinnitus .

 

[Karen]

Hi, Shan,

I had an open MRI about a year and a half ago. It was still noisy, but less claustrophobic for me, because I wasn't placed in a confining tube. One side of the table was open. You will probably still want to use ear plugs, but it wasn't so bad. Also --- my tinnitus did not get any worse after the procedure.

I wish you good luck, and want you to know you don't have anything to worry about. Just relax, take ear plugs, and you'll be fine!

 

[Katkin]

Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I am looking for some advice from those of you who have been through similar:

I have persuaded my general practitioner to request an MRI scan for me. I have had tinnitus since July 2013 (a year this month). In the last few months, every couple of days or so it hypes up into a continuous very high pitched tone/buzz/hiss that I struggle to cope with and cannot focus my attention off. The lower tones I can cope with and they disappear.

I have had two neck injuries, one recently, and sometimes get an ache in my neck and asked my GP for an MRI scan to see if I have any trapped nerves, or any other MRI detectable problem in my auditory system that may be contributing to the tinnitus.

My GP was unhappy that I had turned down CBT and that I initially refused to take Remeron (mirtazapine) although I have taken it occasionally to help me sleep, and for the last three days I have taken it each night and my GP was pleased that I am giving it a try. I tried to explain that I am worried about taking/doing anything that might make my tinnitus worse, which is why I held back on the Remeron. He did eventually agree to my having an MRI scan though.

I don't know if this hyping up of my tinnitus to a high pitch is due to some sort of stress/lack of sleep cycle, or neck injury, so I though I would ask for the MRI scan, if only to rule out a physical cause.

Could the Remeron have made my tinnitus worse? Also is an MRI scan likely to cause an exacerbation of tinnitus, as I have to decide whether to go ahead with it or not?

Thanks for reading

 

[attheedgeofscience]

Also is an MRI scan likely to cause an exacerbation of tinnitus, as I have to decide whether to go ahead with it or not?

See this: www.tinnitustalk.com/threads/any-bad-experiences-with-contrast-dye-for-mri.4081/#post-50781

Remember earplugs (and remember to use them correctly).

 

[citigirl13]

Hello everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I am looking for some advice from those of you who have been through similar:

I have persuaded my general practitioner to request an MRI scan for me. I have had tinnitus since July 2013 (a year this month). In the last few months, every couple of days or so it hypes up into a continuous very high pitched tone/buzz/hiss that I struggle to cope with and cannot focus my attention off. The lower tones I can cope with and they disappear.

I have had two neck injuries, one recently, and sometimes get an ache in my neck and asked my GP for an MRI scan to see if I have any trapped nerves, or any other MRI detectable problem in my auditory system that may be contributing to the tinnitus.

My GP was unhappy that I had turned down CBT and that I initially refused to take Remeron (mirtazapine) although I have taken it occasionally to help me sleep, and for the last three days I have taken it each night and my GP was pleased that I am giving it a try. I tried to explain that I am worried about taking/doing anything that might make my tinnitus worse, which is why I held back on the Remeron. He did eventually agree to my having an MRI scan though.

I don't know if this hyping up of my tinnitus to a high pitch is due to some sort of stress/lack of sleep cycle, or neck injury, so I though I would ask for the MRI scan, if only to rule out a physical cause.

Could the Remeron have made my tinnitus worse? Also is an MRI scan likely to cause an exacerbation of tinnitus, as I have to decide whether to go ahead with it or not?

Thanks for reading

I think it is best to have a MRI scan to be on the safe side. It won't do any harm, but as you have been advised above, please use earplugs as it is very loud. Hope you are okay.

 

[Steve]

Agree to get the scan with ear protection as it is horribly loud - if there is something that you think is wrong they should try and find out.

I am amazed that you got offered CBT, not many will get offered that on the NHS. If you can't find any physical cause that can be treated then you have nothing to lose by taking them up on that offer.

 

[Katkin]

Thanks everyone for you replies. Steve, I was offered CBT by a trainee who wanted to video the session. I turned it down as I think the only people who would be able to help me would be those who have tinnitus themselves and understand its impact.

 

[Cassidy]

So I just got my results back for an MRI IAC that I had done without contrast on a 3T scanner 2 weeks ago. Fortunately no acoustic neuroma but instead something else to worry about:

"T2 axial images through the brain were supplemented by fine T2 axial and coronal sequences through the IAMs. There are a number of foci of T2 high signal mainly in the periventricular white matter of both cerebral hemispheres largely perpendicular to the lateral ventricles ad a possible further area in the right middle cerebellar peduncle. no cerebellopontine angle mass lesion is seen. The appearances are suggestive of a demyelinating process. In particular there is no evidence of a vestibular schwannoma and both membranous labyrinths appear normal. Movement artefact obscres some of the fine detail images through the IAMs."

I will be seeing a neurologist shortly but in the mean time if anyone can make sense of the above and answer these three questions I would be most grateful:

1) Do you think this is something I should be worried about? Multiple sclerosis?? Or is it possible this could somehow be benign? I just have tinnitus and random 2-3 second muscle twitches around the body every now and then.

2) While the acoustic neuroma has been excluded could the high signal foci be a cause of the tinnitus?

3) Can these results (high signal foci) somehow be results with good diet or something of that sort?

 

[dan]

Let me just go thru 4 years of med school, 3 years of brain specialization and a couple years internship and I'll get back to you.

 

[Cassidy]

I was hoping that others who had MRIs to rule out acoustic neuromas might have had similar results and consulted neurologists or doctors. And I did say I was seeing a neurologist -___- so no need!

 

[attheedgeofscience]

I was hoping that others who had MRIs to rule out acoustic neuromas might have had similar results and consulted neurologists or doctors. And I did say I was seeing a neurologist -___- so no need!

I often criticize certain fields of medicine quite heavily on this forum, but if there is one thing that doctors universally are quite good at, then it is anatomy and interpretation of clinical results. Feedback from an MRI is usually lengthy and not easily interpreted by the average patient. And you can be sure that an MRI will always reveal something! Even perfect human beings have slight deformities. Most of it is (clinically) irrelevant.

If you really want my opinion - although, I am not sure why - then, I would say that anytime the words "demyelinating process" are used, then it is potentially a cause for concern. But again, you need to discuss such things with people who truly know. Which does not include me...

 

[Nich]

1) The radiologist used soft terminology, 'suggestive of'. This means while these lesions could represent a demylelinating disease he is not sure and is bringing up the possibility so the neurologist will rule this out. Don't worry until all your testing is done. These type of lesions could be from several etiologies, not just MS or other demyelinating diseases. The differential depends on age and risk factors. As a physician, if this were my MRI I would be concerned but I would not get overly concerned just yet.

2) No. An MRI is an anatomical study. There is no anatomical difference in the brains of tinnitus and non-tinnitus sufferers. To see activity in the brain you have to use labeled tracers that you can measure over time.

3) No. They may represent anatomical variation and not be important. But, because these types of lesions can be seen in demyelinating diseases they want to rule those out.

 

[Katkin]

Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a good day.

I have to decide whether to go ahead with an MRI scan of my neck tomorrow or not. The only reason I am hesitating is because I am worried that the noise will damage my ears and make my T worse.

Also, I was expecting to have an MRI of my head and neck, but my doctor has only requested a neck MRI. I have not found my GP particularly helpful for my tinnitus, he only seems to want to treat my T induced anxiety, with CBT and medication, and I do not feel that he has been particularly understanding or helpful in trying to rule out a physical cause.

So, I have to decide whether or not to expose my ears and brain to the noise of the MRI in order to investigate only my neck, or whether to cancel the MRI altogether for the time being and gather more information and ask if I can possibly have a full head and neck MRI in the near future.

Has anyone else had the same dilemma?

 

[LadyDi]

I have a chunk of metal in my brain, so I cannot have any magnetic tests. But I think its important to rule out any possible physical reasons for your tinnitus. Will ear plug not work?
You also could opt for a non-noisy CT scan, which is what I did when I first had tinnitus, given I cant have the MRI. But the MRI is the better test for this issue.

 

[Marlene]

Hi Kat I had an MRI after my tinnitus,it didn't alter the tinnitus,like you I suffer with anxiety,tinnitus ?hormones ? I can't put a finger on it.The MRI best to get done ,you can take a CD with you and they will play it.Ive had a CT scan last year again it was okay in regards to tinnitus scan was for neck ache / pain. Honest Kat I was so glad to get these done,it a way of finding out,if yours is anxiety / tinnitus related. I've been where you are right now.Why didn't your dr ask for a full head scan?sounds like he thinks it's neck related,got mine through ENT after a 3rd hearing test. Hope you go ahead ,peace of mind .then go from there.Anxiety is the pits for anyone who has it ,with or without tinnitus .X

 

[Marlene]

My Lady Di you've certainly had your fair share,was taken back reading your post.You always sound up beat,but I know it's not always like that ,If I could send you flowers I would.So a big hug from me to you XX

 

[attheedgeofscience]

I have to decide whether to go ahead with an MRI scan of my neck tomorrow or not. The only reason I am hesitating is because I am worried that the noise will damage my ears and make my T worse.

I believe I already answered one of your posts earlier on about the same topic. I already mentioned the use of earplugs - and their correct usage (= allowing the foam to expand while keeping the earplugs pressed in). Additionally, radiology clinics should also provide earmuffs (but do not always do it, admittedly). An MRI scan of the neck alone will not take more than 15 minutes. With earmuffs and earplugs, there is no way your tinnitus is going to increase because of such a short noise exposure. Medical units are - after all - designed to be safe. Or relatively so...

Also, I was expecting to have an MRI of my head and neck, but my doctor has only requested a neck MRI.

That is because public healthcare will only provide the bare minimum that is asked of them; head and neck exam = more cost.

I have not found my GP particularly helpful for my tinnitus

I am not surprised.

Has anyone else had the same dilemma?

Not really. Although I have had an MRI after developing tinnitus but I wasn't worried; I believe you are making this more complicated than it needs to be. Have the exam, and take it from there.

 

[LadyDi]

My Lady Di you've certainly had your fair share,was taken back reading your post.You always sound up beat,but I know it's not always like that ,If I could send you flowers I would.So a big hug from me to you XX

Thanks, that's very kind.
Yes, in 1999 I had a massive cerebral hemorrhage, followed by a stroke, due to an undetected congentital aneurysm in my brain. I was in my mid-40s. Came out of nowhere. Most people do not survive this medical crisis, and the few who do often end up with brain damage, unable to walk or unable to speak. I was in a medically induced coma for three weeks.

I initially could not use my left hand or leg (talking, however, never was a problem! I apparently yacked away through my brain surgery). Today, I have a very slight left hand impairment that I never notice, because I am rightie, and very rare short-term recall issues because of an area of brain death. My neurologist and neuro-psychologist have speculated that area may be playing a role in my habituation, although it certainly did not cause my tinnitus. Doesn't really matter, because there isn't anything that can be done about it. I also never will be able to use any of the electro-magnetic devices being tested for tinnitus treatment -- but those that are strictly electrical should be OK.

So yes, I am a lucky girl. I try never to forget to be grateful.

Oddly enough, though, I have to say:
It was easier to recover from this very traumatic, usually fatal medical event (I was in the hospital, a nursing home and rehab for three months) than it has been from tinnitus. I think one reason is that from the moment I came out of my coma and realized what had happened to me, I had doctors and therapists and all kinds of people telling me I was going to get better, that they were going to help me. I believed them. And I believed if I worked hard, I would get better and I did.

When I suddenly came down with tinnitus and panic, I had doctors telling me they couldn't help me. They said there was nothing I could do (not true, of course). Friends told me I just had to "get over" my anxiety. I had to work out a treatment plan completely on my own and, in the beginning, without much support from anyone. The first real help and understanding I received, my first ray of hope, came from here: at Tinnitus Talk.

Anyway, sorry for a much longer post than you imagined you would generate, @Marlene. But I have been wanting to tell this story for some time, and you opened the door for me. I wish every ENT out there would read this. They have no idea, when they are dismissive, how much they hurt our chances for success.

 

[Marlene]

What an insight,sad but enlightening,you've come so far,can't believe how well you've done Di,your a fighter I'd want you in my corner any day.You wrote an excellent post,when I have a crappy day (which is often ) I will come back to it and have a re read.Wont forget your story Di.You had such good after care support,and it got you to where you are today,but you participated that's shows it's not doom and gloom ,again your post is proof of that,you work,so that's not hindered you,amazing recovery.
People friends etc well words fail me when they come out with stupid statements Like get over anxiety,think there's a time when people who've never experienced anxiety on this level,should maybe just keep quiet,to me there opinion means diddly squat( nothing) .no matter how well intended.I believe in Karma,it could be them tomorrow.
I hope some from ENT s not only in US but other country's,read your story,and take on board that they can and do more harm than good by there attitude to some of us with this ,my last audiologist,was the only one I've met with tinnitus medically at hospital,she hears what I do,plus she had anxiety,was I blessed that day,I say yes.
God bless you Di,and thank you for sharing,your a winner that's for sure,you came out on top.despite it all XX

 

[Katkin]

Thanks all, I wish you all good health, no T and happiness xxx

 

[Marlene]

Hope you continue to get the help that's been handed to you,grab it with both hands Kat .Lots would.X

 

[alifalijohn]

Hello Lady Di, your post is inspiring , you live through so much! you are strong..All the best!

 

[LadyDi]

Thanks to you, @alifalijohn and @Marlene, you are wonderful TT friends. It helped to write down this story after all this time. Sometimes, it almost seems like a dream, that it didn't really happen to me, because I amazingly came through it so well.

And hugs, @Katkin. Don't worry, you will be OK. Like ATEOS said, you will be fine in the MRI with some ear protection.

 

[UserID]

I've been through countless MRI scans over the decades I've had T. I simply make certain I take with me a pair of 33 dcb. foam earplugs, or borrow a pair at the diagnostic center, which they always have around. You can choose open or closed MRIs, so if you are fearing the enclosure more, then insist on the open MRI. The noise is definitely loud in those things without protection, but with protection, it's nothing more than a bother to me. I take a xanax before being called and by the time I hear my name, I'm about ready to nod off anyway.

 

[Flexi]

Hi guys.
Had my mri results given to me by gp over the phone as ent gave me an appointment of a further 6 weeks just to discuss my reults on top of 4 weeks already waiting for the results.

Gp said everything was normal except the report said something about a absence of fluid in the pitituary gland.
Hes ordered a blood test of some sort.

Im a bit worried as to what this means. Ive googled it but doesnt make much sense.

Can anyone help to put my mind at rest.

Thanks

 

[attheedgeofscience]

Gp said everything was normal except the report said something about a absence of fluid in the pitituary gland.

An "absence" of fluid or an "abscess" of fluid?

Don't ask me - I am hopeless at anatomy . But I know this much: details do matter, from time-to-time...

Can anyone help to put my mind at rest.

I can help with any tinnitus related stuff; why not ask your doc - that's what he/she is there for.

 

[Flexi]

No not abscess. He said absence of fluid.

 

[Rube]

hi everyone,

just wanted to double check on mri. is the general consensus that the mri's magnetic field or injection fluid will not cause t to get worse? im having an open mri to rule out everything that may be causing t. i will use earplugs as well. im worried about that injection fluid is it ototoxic or otherwise dangerous?

 

[Relic Hunter]

I have had 2 or 3 MRI since onset of tinnitus. Always wore earplugs and noticed no change in the T. Also had contrast injections but again no change. Only problem I have with MRI is the confined space. Used to not bother me but does for some reason now..