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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> MRI
        
(Message started by: Gump on Dec 8^th, 2005, 11:22am)

Title: MRI
Post by Gump on Dec 8^th, 2005, 11:22am

Hello everyone,
I'm so glad I found this site! I am a 16year sufferer but after reading on this board for a few days, I feel pretty fortunate as my cycles are annual and last about 6 weeks with 4/6 CH/week (although they often hit KIP10).
Anyway, my new GP wants me to have an MRI, which I am reluctant to do because I think something like tumor, anuerism, etc... would have killed me by now. If I do it, I'm looking at about $450 out of pocket, which right now I really can't afford,and I really don't think it will show anything usefull.
BUT, I need your advice, what should I do?
Gump
p.s. thanks for being here.

Title: Re: MRI
Post by ExplodingEyeBall on Dec 8^th, 2005, 11:59am

Get the tests. Your doc is only concerened about adverse reactions that you may have to meds that he may prescribe to you.

They also rule out things like tumor, anuerism, etc...

Hopefully this GP is familiar with CH. Have you talked to a neurologist yet? If you haven't, you should ask your GP if there are any he could send you to.

Pat

Title: Re: MRI
Post by Karla on Dec 8^th, 2005, 1:19pm

If you have been having these ha for 16 years and there has been no change in frequency or severity I see no need for an MRI. However, If there have been any changes lately I would go for it. Please note I am not a dr.

Title: Re: MRI
Post by E-Double on Dec 8^th, 2005, 1:29pm

Every new doc. is going to order exams.
They have to not only to cover their asses but ours.
Ya never know what they might find.
If it were me, I would go for it just for peace of mind!

Be well

Me

Title: Re: MRI
Post by mcf69 on Dec 8^th, 2005, 1:46pm

Quote:

If it were me, I would go for it just for peace of mind!

Like E said, it may very well be worth the peace of mind. Best of luck to you......

Title: Re: MRI
Post by BlueMeanie on Dec 8^th, 2005, 10:21pm

on 12/08/05 at 13:19:44, Karla wrote:

I agree with Karla here. Every doc wants a new MRI. If you had insurance, I'd say go for it. I once paid out of pocket and was kicking myself afterwards knowing I just wasted a ton of cash. Remember though, if something has occured lately that may make you think otherwise then spend the cash.

Edited to add: I already had a few MRI's and knew nothing was wrong. If you've NEVER had one, than it's best to get one. I don't want to mislead someone that may not know for sure what their problem is.

Title: Re: MRI
Post by thebbz on Dec 8^th, 2005, 10:25pm

Ride to the hospital...5.50
MRI...450.00 out of pocket
Peace of mind and sound diagnosis...Priceless
;)
Good luck
jb

Title: Re: MRI
Post by zwibbs/Scott on Dec 9^th, 2005, 12:58am

I agree with everybody. If the doctor thinks it is wise---then--do it. There is nothing greater than eliminating any and all burdens. Then he'll concentrate on the proper medications to aleviate the pain.

Title: Re: MRI
Post by MJ on Dec 9^th, 2005, 1:54am

Hi Gump

You know if you need it or not after 16 years.

The docs may not treat you without it. If you have had one previously its probably still on file somewhere.

Title: Re: MRI
Post by ScottEinDC on Dec 9^th, 2005, 5:46am

I just had my first yesterday (12/8). Greatfully, insurance took care of it for me. I'm happy I had it, I guess there is nothing wrong...but I have to have a follow up with my GP. Then we'll decide if I need a neurologist visit.

On another note, my experience was not great! I've been busy, so I didn't do too much reading up on what an MRI was before I went. All I knew was not to drink water, or anything, or eat two hours before. IF I hadn't found a FAQ brochure on MRI under the magazines in the waiting room, I would have had no idea what was going on. The staff was not very pleasant and I was terrified when I walked in the exam room. OMG! They strapped me down, slid the cage over my head and said, push this if you need us. And go.....????? If I wasn't speaking, it was obvious I was terrified!!!!! Then that damn machine....it was sooo freakin' loud. I swear I was started to get a CH just from the vibration and noise! Then they pull me out and give me an injection and stick me back in. Ugh. When I was done, nothing, no explanation, no discussion on what they saw. I did get my prints and will bring them to my Dr. I cna't see anything shaped like a mini-me, so....I never want to do it again...

Sorry, sort of off topic, but had to vent.

AND, then last night I got three to four hits! I'm on about two hours sleep.

Title: Re: MRI
Post by BarbaraD on Dec 9^th, 2005, 6:10am

They should have explained what was happening. Those things are sorta scarey -- especially if you have claustrophobia. But look at the bright side - now you can prove you have a brain! I keep my pictures around just to prove that point. Most people don't have pictures....

Seriously - take them to your doctor (they should have a report going to him from the radiologist who reads them). If nothing shows up then that's good - it may "just" be CH and you can go from there.

See a neuro and get on some preventatives and get some abortatives.

PF days and nights to you.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: MRI
Post by taraann on Dec 9^th, 2005, 7:23am

on 12/08/05 at 22:25:52, thebbz wrote:

Ride to the hospital...5.50
MRI...450.00 out of pocket
Peace of mind and sound diagnosis...Priceless
;)
Good luck
jb

LOL great way of putting it. I agree! My grandpa had histamine headaches....aka clusters. Later in life they found an anuerism in his brain....related, I dunno. But I would rather be safe then sorry. I get an MRI every few years.

Title: Re: MRI
Post by Bob_Johnson on Dec 9^th, 2005, 8:46am

From British Medical Journal:

To scan or not to scan in headache
Some patients with primary headaches may need imaging

Some life threatening brain disorders present with secondary headache, where the headache is caused by the disease. A brain tumour, for example, is best diagnosed by brain imaging early in the course of the disease, which is essential for optimal management of this and other secondary headache disorders. However, brain tumours, as an example, account for less than 0.1% of the lifetime prevalence of headache.1 This contrasts with the fact that most headaches in the community are either associated with mild systemic infection or due to primary headache,1 where the headache is itself the disorder. Dissecting primary from secondary headache is the problem, since, by definition, primary headache does not need brain imaging because no disease process exists that leads to macroscopic change in general terms.

How does one dissect primary from secondary headache? This question can have only a clinical response since no controlled trials have been conducted to identify causes of secondary headache. In clinical practice we generally accept that the so called red flags of headache should trigger a search for secondary headache.2 Thus change in the pattern of headache; new onset of headache in people older than 50; onset of seizures or headache associated with systemic illness, including fever; personality change; or with symptoms suggestive of raised intracranial pressure, such as new onset headache in the early morning; or headache that is worsening with coughing, sneezing, or straining should each be viewed with concern. Acute onset of the worst headache of the patient's life should trigger immediate referral for consideration as a sentinel headache of an intracranial aneurysm. An abnormal neurological finding is a clear indication to investigate, unless the finding is longstanding.2 Fortunately most worsening of headache is probably longstanding primary headache going into a more troublesome period, which mercifully is not a marker of a life threatening problem.

BMJ 28 Aug 2004[Not complete article here.]

Title: Re: MRI
Post by MJ on Dec 9^th, 2005, 9:31am

Bob

Thanks for that article,To scan or not to scan. Its a good one to keep around for the question posed.
I sometimes wonder if most docs dig as deep as you for answers and opinions.

Gump, you may have wondered a bit yourself if you had not had at least one MRI. Keep a record.
Glad thats over.

Now about those headaches!

Title: Re: MRI
Post by Spike_Inmyeye on Dec 10^th, 2005, 7:23pm

OK, I think I can be funny here . . . maybe not.

Lady goes into the vet with her poodle. The dog is limp, hanging in her arms, tongue sticking out, and eyes glazed over. She asks the vet "what is wrong with my dog, he has been like this all morning." The vet looks at the dog and then tells the lady "Ma'am I am sorry but your dog is dead." The lady is visibly upset and asks the vet "there must be something you can do, some test you can run." The vet goes in the back room and returns with his cat who is on a leash and who begins to screech and hiss when it sees the dog. The dog doesn't move. "See lady, your dog is dead" says the vet. The vet then gives the lady a bill for $800.00. She, of course, is furious. "What is this for she yells?" The vet replies "$50 for the office visit and $750 for the Cat Scan."

I know, old joke! But, if it were my head and I hadn't had one done before I would get the scan. Takes the mystery out of worrying about something terrible.

You might inquire about a PET scan . . . ;;D