I’m really scared mri. Pressure

TheOpalFox · 2025-07-07T10:54:11+00:00

I went for a mri because my optic nerve was swollen it’s come back I have high pressure so they have referred me to a neurologist!!! Is it something to worry about? All this from an eye test is scary!!! thank you

Firefliesinthenight · 07/07/2025 13:22

Hi OP, I had a very similar experience and after an MRI and lumbar puncture was diagnosed with a condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Fortunately it was in the very early stages (no symptoms, very mild swelling picked up during a routine eye test). It appears to have gone completely into remission after I had my Mirena coil removed on the advice of my neurologist. If you're using hormonal contraception you should mention that to your doctor.

Obviously there are lots of possibilities at this stage, I'm sure you know the kind of things they might be looking for. My consultant explained that they need to start by ruling out the most serious things as quickly as possible - which is terrifying for you as the patient, because the medical staff are treating you like an emergency - but they have to do that because they can't take any risks with your brain or eyesight.

Be kind to yourself. It's a really frightening experience. Try not to Google too much (I know that's easier said than done).

Original poster

TheOpalFox · 07/07/2025 15:47

Firefliesinthenight · 07/07/2025 13:22

Hi OP, I had a very similar experience and after an MRI and lumbar puncture was diagnosed with a condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Fortunately it was in the very early stages (no symptoms, very mild swelling picked up during a routine eye test). It appears to have gone completely into remission after I had my Mirena coil removed on the advice of my neurologist. If you're using hormonal contraception you should mention that to your doctor.

Obviously there are lots of possibilities at this stage, I'm sure you know the kind of things they might be looking for. My consultant explained that they need to start by ruling out the most serious things as quickly as possible - which is terrifying for you as the patient, because the medical staff are treating you like an emergency - but they have to do that because they can't take any risks with your brain or eyesight.

Be kind to yourself. It's a really frightening experience. Try not to Google too much (I know that's easier said than done).

djd any of it hurt please? Thankyou

OP posts:

Firefliesinthenight · 07/07/2025 17:54

I don't want to frighten you, but I know that some people have a bad experience with lumbar punctures, mainly severe headaches after the procedure but there are other risks as well. The doctor should explain these to you if you need to have one and there's some info on the NHS website as well.

Having said that, I was very lucky, my LP was a breeze. No pain as I had local anaesthetic and no headaches after.

You will need someone to pick you up from hospital as you can't drive afterwards. I was allowed to have my husband in the room with me during the procedure, so if you're nervous you could ask if someone can accompany you.