I will be undergoing an MRI Lumbar Spine w/ + w/out Contrast, reason for exam: r/o conus medullaris lesion?

Question

This is what is exactly written on the medical request and this is going to be my first time and I am really nervous. What will be done in this procedure and will it hurt? Please help and advise. Thank you so much.

Answer 1

this should be a pretty painless procedure. have you ever had a ct scan done? if yes then an mri is pretty similar

they will put you on a stretcher that slides into a big circular machine. the space is pretty tight so if you have clausterphobia-make sure to tell the registration desk that checks you in so they can medicate you for this (they will just give you medication to help you relax). you will be awake during the entire test which should only take about 30-45 mins. you will hear alot of "clicking" which is just the magnet in the machine turning to help take the images of your back that is needed. prior to the procedure they will ask you to remove all jewelery b/c the magnet can pull this stuff off (i took a patient to mri one time and i had small metal earrings on-just standing next to the machine made my earrings spin around in my ears-it was kind of neat!).

the contrast can be given either orally or by iv-it depends on which contrast your dr asked for to be used. if it's oral-they will make you drink it-it's usually either white chalky stuff (not the best tasting although they claim it's apple flavored) or orange juice-like stuff. you have to drink this within an hour of the test being done. if it's iv contrast-then they will insert a small iv either in your hand or in your arm right by your elbow.

it shouldn't hurt-the worse pain you could have is if they need to start an iv for the contrast.

Answer 2

You will have to lie very,very still for about 30 min. or so. Not much to look at(since your in a tube) so it's best to keep your eyes closed(tube wall will be inches away). I've had three MRIs. The scans have a distinct noise. I alweays try to associate what the noises sound like.Example..washing machine, 50s sci-fi movie sounds. It helps the time go by.They'll scan you without contrast, pull you out(DON'T MOVE) and inject a contrast agent and then repeat the previous scans. Good luck and remember it's better with your eyes closed.

a night shift x-ray tech(with no patients to shoot...lol)

Answer 3

Nope. Just a pin prick for the IV that gives you the contrasting solution. My daughter's had plenty of them. They need to have a good look at your lower spine, and this takes great images. (Way better than a CAT scan).
They sometimes let you listen to a cd of your favorite music while you're in there.
Ask your doc about anything you're worried about.

Answer 4

There is no pain with an MRI. I should say no additional pain. It is very boring and you will have to be still for a fairly long time. The test is very important in diagnosing what is wrong with your back. Hope this helps relieve your nerves. Good luck.

Answer 5

discomfort is an exceedingly debilitating element yet lower back surgical procedure must be very volatile and would reason paralysis. The degree of discomfort being suffered is often the figuring out element even though it will be more suitable to envision with your major different's father's personal generic practitioner as to if there's a more suitable useful discomfort killer previously encouraging him to have surgical procedure. i'm a finished coward at the same time as it is composed of surgical procedure and would pick something except surgical procedure at the same time as there's a call. i have had lower back issues from the age of 17 and been crippled with the discomfort on activities, purely about unable to flow with out screaming in discomfort. i have time-honored others who've had effectual lower back surgical procedure would under no circumstances want to have it myself. i particularly wish that your major different's father unearths the answer it particularly is nice for him yet propose that he tries rub down, chiropractic or acupuncture previously attempting surgical procedure. i become fearful of acupuncture for a lengthy time period because i don't love needles yet my osteopath (who's likewise an acupuncturist now) reported performing some acupuncture. I panicked and reported no yet he guaranteed me i doesn't experience a element. He confirmed me the needles - how skinny they were and that i become, finally, coaxed into letting him do what he idea become perfect. i did not experience something, it become dazzling and at the same time as he took the needles out and confirmed me purely what length of them had lengthy gone it i become very very much surprised. It turned right into a lot, a lot more suitable than I imagined yet it did not harm. i imagine that surgical procedure ought to continually be the purely appropriate hotel - for something.