AIBU to think this is too long to have to wait for an MRI?

[Wibblypiglikesbananas]

My dad had a stroke on Wednesday. He was admitted to the local (very good) acute stroke ward but there seems to be a delay getting an MRI scan, which is critical to his diagnosis (they are currently calling it a stroke, but it may well be some other, as yet undiagnosed, neurological condition as his symptoms don't quite fit with a stroke, but that's the best they can come up with). We are in a bit of a catch 22 situation as he has private health cover through work, but we can't get him moved until we have a diagnosis. And we need the MRI for a diagnosis! We have authorisation from the insurance company to get an MRI done privately - either in the hospital he is in now or at a local private hospital. However, the current unit seems to have no idea how to put this into place... And I can't get hold of a consultant to authorize a move, even if just to another hospital for the morning to get an MRI done.

Anyway, AIBU to think this is a very long delay? Does anyone have any advice about what we as a family could do next? Please don't turn this into a private/NHS debate and I'm aware there appears to be a shortage of facilities nationwide. We just keep being told that it might be tomorrow and then tomorrow never comes. Frustrating for us and for my poor old dad who's confused, but aware enough to know one side of his body doesn't work and would be happier with a better diagnosis than we currently have.

Shameless bump - anyone?

He should have had a ct to start with in line with nhs stroke guidelines

Thanks hotbot. That's been done, as well as a Doppler neck scan, but the MRI doesn't seem to be a priority. I mean, maybe it's not as critical as we believe, I just don't know...

Here's the NICE care pathway for strokes: pathways.nice.org.uk/pathways/stroke#path=view%3A/pathways/stroke/acute-stroke.xml&content=view-index You'll see it says that brain imaging should take place within 24 hrs. Maybe ask to be put in touch with PALS (not sure they will be around at the weekend though) or the General/on call Manager for the relevant division?

Can you speak with the private hospital for advice? It's a fair chance of being the same consultant or one of their team.

I hate to say it but getting anything moving on a weekend is like wading through treacle. As long as your dad is stable he will be a lower priority than people who aren't, shit as it is.

I hope your dads comfortable and makes a good recovery

Thank you all. The CT scan apparently didn't 'match his symptoms' - hence the need for an MRI. I'm surprised as I thought this was one of the best stroke depts in the region - though it's not their fault they don't have the facilities. Everyone has been very kind, just the usual overworked, understaffed...

folly - I suspect they can get around that guideline as whilst they initially said a cerebellar stroke, there's now doubt around that and so until a stroke is actually confirmed, I guess they haven't done anything wrong procedurally. But if it isn't a stroke, I have no idea what else to call it! And neither do they - hence me and the hospital referring to it as a stroke for now as many symptoms are the same/similar. I just wish we had a better idea and then we can get a care plan in place. And it's awful for my dad, just sitting and wondering (though he isn't in pain, just can't move very well at all).

cornetto - the private hospital x-Ray dept will call us back asap Monday morning but there's nothing more to be done over the weekend. Best case, he'll get the MRI on the NHS at some point over the weekend, worst case it will be a case of organizing a transfer to the private hospital locally on Tuesday (if they can fit him in, they have a mobile unit every Tuesday). I wish I'd known about the chance of a delay sooner - then we could have fought for a private scan sooner.

I think if there is no evidence of a stroke on the CT scan then a couple of days waiting for the MRI won't make a huge difference to the final diagnosis. That is of course not to say that you are anxiously waiting and worrying. I have been a worrying relative a few times and the wait seems I terminable sometimes. Hope all gets sorted out.

How soon after his symptoms did they scan him. Early scans are often to check there is no bleed so they can decided whether to give blood thinning meds. Cerebellar strokes can be difficult to see on scans

The CT scan was the same day he was admitted. It's made more complicated as there is old scarring on the brain due to an accident 20 years ago, which resulted in a brain hemorrhage. Perhaps the hardest part is that we keep being told that the MRI will reveal all but then it's not forthcoming.

What musical said
I would also prefer my MRI scan to be carried out in a stroke unit and reviewed by stroke medics, not a generic MRI at a private hospital.
There are some things which are better in the nhs

Although it may not seem it at the mo I really think you are better sticking in the NHS stroke unit whilst in the acute phase, waiting to get confirmation of diagnosis etc. my dad was in a similar situation and the MRI & MRA needed reviewing and discussion at neurosurgical MDT. All the specialist are available in NHS. (Also god forbid if there is any deterioration there are a stack more doctors in an NHS ward compared to private).

Once diagnosis confirmed and then stable can move to the private hospital for rehab as needed.

It's awful waiting but stick it out and pester the stroke team on Monday.

Best checking what facilities the private hospital can offer too (unless you're just thinking of going just for the MRI which would be unusual) as most private hospitals have limited or no neurorehab.
Without knowing all the details, in most situations like this the MRI may change the diagnosis but often won't change the management significantly which may be why they don't seem to be treating it that urgently.