Question 1

had mri and ct of my head. normal. should doc order mra mrv ? what's the differences? and would one show more than other?

Accepted Answer

More info: First off, we need to know the story behind the tests as each test is ordered for a reason not "just because". If the test has low pretest probability of revealing the reason, then there is no good reason to order it. Mra assesses brain artery issues where mrv is related to brain venous health. Again, give us more details as why these tests are being considered.

Question 2

what do mri and mrv stand for?

Accepted Answer

MRI: is magnetic resonance imaging.  MRV is magnetic resonance venography, a specialized form of MRI that evaluates the veins.

Question 3

is an mri of the brain with contrast the same thing as an mrv?

Accepted Answer

MRV: Mri of the brain evaluates the brain tissue for any abnormal signal, lesions, or masses. An mrv (mr venography) uses special sequences to look at the venous structures (dural venous sinuses) around the brain. The main indication for mrv is to look for a clot or stenosis. Typically this is also done with IV contrast for better image quality.

Question 4

wouldvenoussinusthrombosis show up mri or just mrv?could that be cause of feeling migrainous surging in that exact location&heavyness rihgt side head?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: it would depend on the type of sequences and thinness of slices used on the standard brain MRI protocol and whether IV gadolinium was used.  Dural venous sinus thrombosis and cortical vein thrombosis can be subtle.  This could be a cause of a headache and even intraparenchymal bleed.

Question 5

mri and mrv (taken 6 months apart) both clearly show total compression of left ijv by c1 transverse process, but neither radiologist mentioned it in their reports. is this so common that it's ignored? (subjective non-rotational vertigo for 12 months?

Accepted Answer

Controversy: Am confused by your disagreements.  How do you know that the radiology reports were improper?  If you feel this way, or have had a third party review these, strongly urge you confront both radiologists and get their explanations.  This is not a site to mediate complaints, and you should deal with dis-satisfaction locally.  Wish you good health.

Question 6

i'm getting an mri, mra, and mrv of my brain with contrast. can i wear my contacts during the scan?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There is usually a screening form that you will need to complete, it asks if you have metal or metal fragments within your body, have a cochlear implant, heart valve or aneurysm clip, or if you are claustraphobic.  The form wants to provide information on objects that could be adversely affected by a strong magnet.

Question 7

i feel pressure in my head, dizziness, and pain at the back of my neck.  i had a head and neck mri / mrv last year that were normal. what is this?

Accepted Answer

Take it easy: Sounds like you had a thorough exam and investigations, including MRI and mrv.  The "pressure" in head could be because of  "tension headache",  which is not a serious problem.   It happens due  to muscular pain.   The best remedy is plain tylenol (acetaminophen).   Said that,  did you also had a complete eye exam ?

Question 8

what is the best or most common tca or ssri for persistent headaches? feels like i have a bad ache on right side of my head months. mri/mrv all fine.

Accepted Answer

Amitriptyline: Hi Victor, 
TCAs are great choices for migraine prevention. SSRIs generally are not and in my experience as a headache specialist, can make them worse. My favorite TCA is amitriptyline, starting at a low dose and building up to 25-50mg at bedtime. If this causes too much sedation or dry mouth, you can try nortriptyline instead. 
Good luck. 
-Dr Safdieh

Question 9

please,what will an mrv (not mri or mra) but mrv of cranium be helpful in diagnosing. i'm having vertigo and numbness in body and scan tomorrow. thank?

Accepted Answer

Usually: they are looking for dural venous sinus thrombosis when an  intracranial MRV(MR venography) is specifically requested.

Question 10

i have ms-like symptoms.  had an mri done and it showed a spot on the cerebellum.  mra & mrv are normal.  dr. doesnt think ms.  what could this be?

Accepted Answer

Multiple Sclerosis: If the mr only show a single spot in the cerebellum then ms would be of a very suspicion as to diagnosis - further workup by a neurologist would be helpful here.

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Doctor answers about:

Difference between mri and mrv

A member asked:

Had mri and ct of my head. normal. should doc order mra mrv ? what's the differences? and would one show more than other?

A member asked:

What do mri and mrv stand for?

A member asked:

Is an mri of the brain with contrast the same thing as an mrv?

A member asked:

Wouldvenoussinusthrombosis show up mri or just mrv?could that be cause of feeling migrainous surging in that exact location&heavyness rihgt side head?

A member asked:

Mri and mrv (taken 6 months apart) both clearly show total compression of left ijv by c1 transverse process, but neither radiologist mentioned it in their reports. is this so common that it's ignored? (subjective non-rotational vertigo for 12 months?

A member asked:

I'm getting an mri, mra, and mrv of my brain with contrast. can i wear my contacts during the scan?

A member asked:

I feel pressure in my head, dizziness, and pain at the back of my neck. i had a head and neck mri / mrv last year that were normal. what is this?

A member asked:

What is the best or most common tca or ssri for persistent headaches? feels like i have a bad ache on right side of my head months. mri/mrv all fine.

A member asked:

Please,what will an mrv (not mri or mra) but mrv of cranium be helpful in diagnosing. i'm having vertigo and numbness in body and scan tomorrow. thank?

A member asked:

I have ms-like symptoms. had an mri done and it showed a spot on the cerebellum. mra & mrv are normal. dr. doesnt think ms. what could this be?

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