Expectations with MRI scan

WatermelonSugarLow · 2023-12-02T19:53:19+00:00

I have a head scan coming up. What can I expect on the day - will the person doing the scan make any comment at all or will the scan just be the scan alone and I'll have to wait for results? Just trying to manage my expectations on the day as I've been waiting a while for this to come through and now it's near it's in my thoughts every moment and my anxiety is through the roof.

8MinutesToSunrise · 02/12/2023 20:16

I would expect to have to wait for the results.

Goatymum · 02/12/2023 20:18

They won’t tell you.

SierraSapphire · 02/12/2023 20:18

I've had a few, and I've never been told the results on the day, they go back to whoever is commissioned them generally to let you know.

Original poster

WatermelonSugarLow · 02/12/2023 20:18

OK. Thank you.

OP posts:

Fulmar · 02/12/2023 20:18

I've had 3-4 over the years, never had any feedback on the day. They are keen to get you done and start on the next one I think.

YellowHatt · 02/12/2023 20:18

From my experience you get the results separately and the team doing the scan don’t make comment.

You can ask them questions before the scan starts though. So write down any you have (like how you’ll get the results).

Original poster

WatermelonSugarLow · 02/12/2023 20:29

YellowHatt · 02/12/2023 20:18

From my experience you get the results separately and the team doing the scan don’t make comment.

You can ask them questions before the scan starts though. So write down any you have (like how you’ll get the results).

I have a follow up appointment booked with doctor at the end of the week after but that feels like a huge wait now that everything feels a bit more real. I'll just have to wait it out. I will ask them though if anyone from the hospital would see me for a result's appointment or if they're just letting my doctor do that.

OP posts:

LeakyPipes · 02/12/2023 20:45

Good luck with it I hope it all goes well and that you get good results, quickly

Original poster

WatermelonSugarLow · 02/12/2023 21:33

LeakyPipes · 02/12/2023 20:45

Good luck with it I hope it all goes well and that you get good results, quickly

Thank you so much

OP posts:

YouTubeIsYourMotherNow · 02/12/2023 21:53

The team doing the scan will be radiographers and imaging assistants who are trained in performing the scan but not reading them or reporting the findings. That's done by a radiology doctor. The report is typed out several hours to days after your scan and the doctor doing the reporting isn't the best placed to discuss the scan results with you because they only know a little bit about the symptoms you have, whereas the one making the request has all your details and other test results and can put the pieces together, advise on next steps etc. Radiologists don't really do appointments with patients for delivering results for this reason so it's very unlikely you'll be able to ask for such an appointment, I've never heard of it happening where I work.

Original poster

WatermelonSugarLow · 02/12/2023 21:56

YouTubeIsYourMotherNow · 02/12/2023 21:53

The team doing the scan will be radiographers and imaging assistants who are trained in performing the scan but not reading them or reporting the findings. That's done by a radiology doctor. The report is typed out several hours to days after your scan and the doctor doing the reporting isn't the best placed to discuss the scan results with you because they only know a little bit about the symptoms you have, whereas the one making the request has all your details and other test results and can put the pieces together, advise on next steps etc. Radiologists don't really do appointments with patients for delivering results for this reason so it's very unlikely you'll be able to ask for such an appointment, I've never heard of it happening where I work.

This is really helpful. Thank you for taking the time to explain.

OP posts:

turkeyboots · 02/12/2023 21:59

I was told I have a lovely brain on the day!

The lady before me was told it was a good scan, and then the radiographer quickly said the scan got a good picture and that's all she meant.

familyissues12345 · 02/12/2023 22:22

My son has them frequently, the quickest result we got was next day - after the initial scan which showed a tumour. The radiographer had it reported on immediately as they recognised the signs. We normally wait 2 weeks for results now

MaloneMeadow · 02/12/2023 22:25

Legally a radiographer isn’t able to tell you any results or anything that they’ve seen on the scan. The results will only be available via the radiologist’s report which will be sent to your doctor so that they can go through them with you at your appointment