Worried about brain MRI scan!!

[Camever]

I have an MRI brain scan on Friday and I'm so worried.
I've been getting a pressure/sharp pain in the back and one side of my head for years each time I bend down or cough or laugh. But recently it's been getting worse and hurts if I pick up my child, or stand up?? It's not a lasting headache just pain on moving.
Anyway when I went to the GP I thought maybe pinched nerves, but then he started going on about fluid on the brain and MRI scans, I asked if it was serious and he said he can't say.
I've been feeling nervous for a few weeks and now I'm worried they'll say I'm dying and won't see my child grow up, the worst conclusions!!
If it's serious do they tell you right away?
Anyone else had similar symptoms? Thanks!

I have a brain MRI scan too on Sunday

I completely empathise with how stressed you are about your MRI brain scan, I am distraught at anything medical. The only thing I can say is that lots and lots of people have brain scans, and it reveals nothing at all sinister, it's hard to imagine how many, but there are people on mums net seemingly going all the time! I hope it goes well for you, I'm sure it well X

I get like this too, just keep thinking it’s more likely it will be normal then not.

Good luck 🤞

Most MRIs come back clear. They more often exclude possibilities than find them, so the odds are on your side.

The radiology staff can’t tell you anything on the day. They send it all off to your consultant who will tell you the results.

If you have any history of claustrophobia, ask your GP for a mild sedative before you go.

Good luck

don't tell the staff if you have taken a sedative, then they'll have to monitor you so will probably cancel the scan.

Ex-MRI here. The vast majority of brain scans are normal. The results are not generally available on the day for non-emergency scans like yours, numerous images are obtained which are carefully studied by the doctor doing the report (radiologist) after the scan is finished. The results will then be sent back to whoever referred you for the scan (usually a hospital consultant).

Let me know if you need to know anything else.

@Carriemac

don't tell the staff if you have taken a sedative, then they'll have to monitor you so will probably cancel the scan.

This. Different places have different protocols and this is probably the case in the majority of UK sites. Seems OP is worried about the result of the scan rather than the procedure itself, so you wouldn’t routinely expect sedation to be required.

I've had loads of MRI brain scans. They do t bother me at all. But I did find wearing a mask during the last one difficult. (Normally no issues with this) they did let me take it off. I usually have a nap, the noise kills you to sleep. I get really annoyed then they start talking to me and wake me up!

Not similar symptoms but had an urgent MRI on brain and for ours all serious issues were told within a week (they call you) and all clear within 2 weeks. Will vary by hospital but generally they call you if there's a serious issue within first week - its not at scan as it needs to be analysed but anything serious that needs treatment you will know within a week or so at least in our area. Most will come back all clear, mine came back with an issue so I got a phone call, but it wasn't a treatable one, so I just got a few follow appointments and a spine MRI (which was clear apart from age related issues) and advice. They are very cautious on referrals - I think about 9 in 10 are clear roughly. I've had about 5 urgent referrals for cancer as well due to symptoms and all have come back clear or treatable minor issues.

*MrsFezziwig

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don't tell the staff if you have taken a sedative, then they'll have to monitor you so will probably cancel the scan.
This. Different places have different protocols and this is probably the case in the majority of UK sites. Seems OP is worried about the result of the scan rather than the procedure itself, so you wouldn’t routinely expect sedation to be required.

Oh dear. I’d better not relocate ever, then.

Rickitarr it's a safety measure. People take sedation for an MR if they're scared/ claustrophobic.

If they're not used to taking sedation, many assume it's 'not working' so double their dose- then run the risk of passing out, lying on their back, inside the scanner where they can't be monitored.

We don't 'allow' sedation, but I privately advise patients who are on the verge of going through with it, but can't quite, to go to their GP and get 2 doses, one to test at home with someone else present; and one for the scan.

I also tell them not to mention it! 😂

To the OP, the vast majority of MR scans are negative.

They rule out, rather than 'rule in'! In some ways you're lucky to get an MR not a CT. Few structural conditions hide from MR.

Best tip I had for the scan itself if you have ever had any claustrophobia - close your eyes before they put you into the machine and do not open them until they take you out again. Even if you have never felt claustrophobic before, it might be worth doing anyway if you are feeling a bit stressed.

@parentalhelpline that's exactly how I cope with them!

There’s a reason that the scanners are known as the donuts of death! Don’t take a sedative and not tell them! You’ll be flat on your back and if you fall asleep you’re more likely to obstruct your airway and aspirate vomit.

We don't 'allow' sedation, but I privately advise patients who are on the verge of going through with it, but can't quite, to go to their GP and get 2 doses, one to test at home with someone else present; and one for the scan.

I also tell them not to mention it!

Crikey @Miljea I thought I was pretty old skool but I hope you’re joking!

@Camever how did your scan go? Had mine yesterday and hated it. The nurse said it would take 15 minutes. 35 minutes later I came out of that horrible claustrophobic tube!
Thank god it's over

Did they have a mirror @StarCourt ?

A mirror showing you your feet and beyond (periscope style) really helps.

@RickiTarr yes they did but I couldn't look I kept my eyes closed the whole time

Whatever works, eh? Glad it went okay.