needhealing777
08-25-2008, 02:57 PM
I just had my annual MRI with Contrast a few days ago..I always get really wiped out from it so I decide to search to see exactly what side effects could be and came across TONS of sights and lawsuits of this disease that is caused by the MRI contrast..it is horrible..does anyone know how common this is and why they would continue to use this?
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MSNik
08-25-2008, 08:01 PM
Hi there. There are actually many different contrasts used depending on the type of MRI and the MRI center...for instance, they stopped using Ionic solutions, made from Iodine years ago in most places, due to the high risk of Iodine allergies...most places use Glandolinium because it has the lowest risk of side effects, the main one being queasy after the injection, but this only usually lasts an hour or so.
The reason that contrast is used is to highlight different tissues in the body. Or detect lesions and tumors..For MSers, it picks up active lesions which are forming, and usually point towards a new symtom or relapse...its important to use contrast with MS Brain MRIs because it is next to impossible to differentiate new lesions from old, or active from inactive without it...
im not sure what you read, but the actual chances of reactions is very small if the contrast is administered properly. Knowing what meds you are allergic to is obvioiusly important...you woudlnt want to admnister iron-oxide (another contrast) if you already know you have an iron problem with the blood stream.
I wouldnt worry about what you read, but if you are still ill, and feel it is due to the MRI, contact both your Neuro and the MRI center to see what they have to say..
feel better soon.
nikki
The reason that contrast is used is to highlight different tissues in the body. Or detect lesions and tumors..For MSers, it picks up active lesions which are forming, and usually point towards a new symtom or relapse...its important to use contrast with MS Brain MRIs because it is next to impossible to differentiate new lesions from old, or active from inactive without it...
im not sure what you read, but the actual chances of reactions is very small if the contrast is administered properly. Knowing what meds you are allergic to is obvioiusly important...you woudlnt want to admnister iron-oxide (another contrast) if you already know you have an iron problem with the blood stream.
I wouldnt worry about what you read, but if you are still ill, and feel it is due to the MRI, contact both your Neuro and the MRI center to see what they have to say..
feel better soon.
nikki
MSJayhawk
08-25-2008, 08:19 PM
The only problem I had was with a PET scan eons ago (que Starwars theme);) when the iodine leaked into my surrounding tissue..... I have not had any problem with the MRI. You might want to speak to radiology or the MRI tech and ask them what they are using and how you feel following the MRI.
Bearygood
08-25-2008, 08:21 PM
The only lawsuits that I'm aware of have to do with gadolinium and kidney problems and even in those cases, I believe that this is in regard to people with impaired renal function prior to receiving the contrast.
I agree with Nikki -- if you're not feeling well, contact your doctor and/or the facility.
I agree with Nikki -- if you're not feeling well, contact your doctor and/or the facility.