puparoo

Without contrast will show herniations, stenosis and the like, and even lesions, abnormalities, etc... on the brain and cspine. (I don't know where you had your scan). I"ve had them with and without. LIke someone else said, the contrast is for hardware - and in special cases, sometimes, when your doc is looking for things like tumors along spinal canal, cysts, and other abnormalities, like malignancy. And no, I am not trying to scare you and no you probably don't have cancer. I've asked this question before and this is the answer that I've gotten from my doc.

In fact, whenver I get an MRI, the MRI folks are usually surprised that my doc orders with and without MRI (makes for an extra long test) because she is super, duper thorough. Most folks just get w/o unless you've had a previous surgery, have hardware or have had problems that your doc thinks may be something not related to herniations. Of course, your doc may be extra thorough, like mine, for ordering it in the first place.

I think they'll be able to see what they need to see on your MRI and if your doc feels you need the contrast, you'll have to go for another.

Hopefully this makes you feel better ---

Cheryl