sjeffery
05-27-2009, 01:48 PM
Hey everyone,
I need to get an updated MRI done. It will be all out of pocket, so I want to get the absolute best images done for the sickening ($1,100.00) amount of money it will cost me here in Maryland. Are the images done using the contrast medium better? Has anyone here had any side-effects from the gadolinium (I think that's how you spell it)? Many thanks! Stephanie in MD
I need to get an updated MRI done. It will be all out of pocket, so I want to get the absolute best images done for the sickening ($1,100.00) amount of money it will cost me here in Maryland. Are the images done using the contrast medium better? Has anyone here had any side-effects from the gadolinium (I think that's how you spell it)? Many thanks! Stephanie in MD
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Thelma-Louise
05-27-2009, 03:32 PM
That's a good question - I was told that with contrast provides better images and are often used when looking for suspicios masses however when I had both CT scans and and MRIs done of my jaws, brain and neck by diff drs both said I did not need the contrast.
sjeffery
05-28-2009, 06:45 PM
UPDATE:
I decided to ask the radiology center my question. This is what I asked them, via email:
Hello,
Could you please have one of the radiologists with specific experience interpreting TMJ MRI's address the following questions: Is there any benefit to doing a MRI of the TMJ's with contrast; are the images superior using contrast? What more can be seen if contrast is used?
HERE IS THEIR RESPONSE:
"I spoke to one of radiologist that read TMJ's and asked your question. According to him, typically TMJ MRI's are ordered without contract. especially for function of the TMJ or looking for dislocation. It is not a matter of better quality that they use contrast, it is a matter of seeing different things. Contrast is used of post -operative TMJ, or if the phsycian is looking for a specific concern, such as bone lesion. The doctor commented that other than post-op, TMJ with gad is not often used."
Back to me.............Okay, it sounds like no contrast is the norm and that's what my doc wrote. Hope this helps others, too.
I decided to ask the radiology center my question. This is what I asked them, via email:
Hello,
Could you please have one of the radiologists with specific experience interpreting TMJ MRI's address the following questions: Is there any benefit to doing a MRI of the TMJ's with contrast; are the images superior using contrast? What more can be seen if contrast is used?
HERE IS THEIR RESPONSE:
"I spoke to one of radiologist that read TMJ's and asked your question. According to him, typically TMJ MRI's are ordered without contract. especially for function of the TMJ or looking for dislocation. It is not a matter of better quality that they use contrast, it is a matter of seeing different things. Contrast is used of post -operative TMJ, or if the phsycian is looking for a specific concern, such as bone lesion. The doctor commented that other than post-op, TMJ with gad is not often used."
Back to me.............Okay, it sounds like no contrast is the norm and that's what my doc wrote. Hope this helps others, too.
Thelma-Louise
05-28-2009, 10:18 PM
Well that's good to know for future reference and for others who may ask this question as well. Thanks.
jmitchell
06-01-2009, 06:41 PM
Hey everyone,
I need to get an updated MRI done. It will be all out of pocket, so I want to get the absolute best images done for the sickening ($1,100.00) amount of money it will cost me here in Maryland. Are the images done using the contrast medium better? Has anyone here had any side-effects from the gadolinium (I think that's how you spell it)? Many thanks! Stephanie in MD
Hi--what is gadolinium?? Don't tell me that they have to inject something into your jaw?! I need to get some type of scan for the first time, and I was wondering if you've ever heard of a cone beam scan of the tmj joints and surrounding areas? Thanks--J.
I need to get an updated MRI done. It will be all out of pocket, so I want to get the absolute best images done for the sickening ($1,100.00) amount of money it will cost me here in Maryland. Are the images done using the contrast medium better? Has anyone here had any side-effects from the gadolinium (I think that's how you spell it)? Many thanks! Stephanie in MD
Hi--what is gadolinium?? Don't tell me that they have to inject something into your jaw?! I need to get some type of scan for the first time, and I was wondering if you've ever heard of a cone beam scan of the tmj joints and surrounding areas? Thanks--J.