Question 1

true that mri brain scans usually require an injection of contrast?

Accepted Answer

Often: Because brain mri's are considered the cadillac of brain imaging, contrast is often used to improve sensitivity for detection of infection and tumor. However, if you have low kidney function or an allergy to gadnolinium (mri contrast) you should alert the ordering provider or MRI technologist.

Question 2

would a mri of brain without contrast show any infection ?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: But not definitively! needs contrast to better define the location and extent.

Question 3

non contrast mri brain report read: "within the field of view, the thalamus is partially imaged and there appears to be a 3-4 mm lesion of decreased t1 and increased t2 signal in the left hemi-thalamus." what do these signals mean? what could this be?

Accepted Answer

: This is best clinically correlated by the doctors who know you best.  Not clear, in  absence of direct film over-read whether this represents artifact or perhaps a prior stroke.  Consider a virtual consult at HT for more comprehensive interpretation.  (www.connect@healthtap.com)

Question 4

mri brain w &w/o contrast unremarkable except for r mastoiditis which was unchanged.  last mri 6 months prior.  doc has never addressed it. is this ok?

Accepted Answer

Infection: Mastoiditis is a form of infection involving the mastoid air cells of the temporal bone. Mastoiditis can be subclinical, meaning there are no signs or symptoms. However, left untreated active mastoiditis can lead to hearing loss and infection around the brain among many other possible complications.  Chronic mastoiditis is treated with long-term antibiotics.

Question 5

what does scattered small foci of t2 hyperintensity in the subcortical white matter means. this is from my mri brain w/o contrast test results?

Accepted Answer

Small vessel disease: The latest studies point to small vessels also called microscopic vessels. These become blocked resulting in fluid in the soft tissue next to it . This so called small vessel disease or more pronounced micro vascular ischemia. These are found in just about all over 50 and sometimes even younger

Question 6

why do my eyes feel like they are going back and forth horizontally(shaky vision) when they are not to the outside world? mri brain and iac with contrast good.  eyes and ears are all good too.  any thoughts.  have it for 2 months now intermittently?

Accepted Answer

Specialist: You may want to consult a neuro ophthalmologist at a university hospital department of opthalmology for an opinion. If you do, be sure to bring your records and official test reports with you.

Question 7

can a cbc and mri of brain without contrast be normal if bacterial meningitis is present?

Accepted Answer

Meningitis: Meningitis is usually diagnosed by fever and physical symptoms. A normal CBC would rule out a serious bacterial infection in general.  I do not believe meningitis is picked up by an mri.

Question 8

would a contrast mri of brain and orbits on a 1.5t machine be adequate to rule out a tumor in the brain stem?

Accepted Answer

Most likely: Discuss with the physician who is ordering the test or with the radiologist who will perform it

Question 9

is it possible to have a normal mri of brain (without contrast), but still have a clot or clots in small/medium blood vessels of brain?

Accepted Answer

POSSIBLE: Depending on resolution of mri, and thickness of cuts, is possible to miss small stroke, and not visualize minimal pathology, but a clinical exam by a neurologist should be able to correlate a potential stroke if exam is consistent, regardless.  In some cases, a followup image is useful.

Question 10

a day after mri of brain and spine w contrast , i have a fever , aches, chills , slight headache and feel like my back is sunburnt. no kidney issues?

Accepted Answer

Not related.: This is mot likely not related to the MRI of the brain/spine with contrast.  I would make sure that the physician who ordered the MRI is aware of these issues.  Mri's should not cause a "burn" to your skin.

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Doctor answers about:

Mri brain wwo contrast

A member asked:

True that mri brain scans usually require an injection of contrast?

A member asked:

Would a mri of brain without contrast show any infection ?

A member asked:

Non contrast mri brain report read: "within the field of view, the thalamus is partially imaged and there appears to be a 3-4 mm lesion of decreased t1 and increased t2 signal in the left hemi-thalamus." what do these signals mean? what could this be?

A member asked:

Mri brain w &w/o contrast unremarkable except for r mastoiditis which was unchanged. last mri 6 months prior. doc has never addressed it. is this ok?

A member asked:

What does scattered small foci of t2 hyperintensity in the subcortical white matter means. this is from my mri brain w/o contrast test results?

A member asked:

Why do my eyes feel like they are going back and forth horizontally(shaky vision) when they are not to the outside world? mri brain and iac with contrast good. eyes and ears are all good too. any thoughts. have it for 2 months now intermittently?

A member asked:

Can a cbc and mri of brain without contrast be normal if bacterial meningitis is present?

A member asked:

Would a contrast mri of brain and orbits on a 1.5t machine be adequate to rule out a tumor in the brain stem?

A member asked:

Is it possible to have a normal mri of brain (without contrast), but still have a clot or clots in small/medium blood vessels of brain?

A member asked:

A day after mri of brain and spine w contrast , i have a fever , aches, chills , slight headache and feel like my back is sunburnt. no kidney issues?

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