What happens in an MRI scan?

Question

I have high prolactin levels and have been referred to an endrocrinologist, I'm on Lithium and I was just wondering if that has anything to do with high levels? i know that's 2 questions, sorry

Answer 1

Excessive secretion of prolactin - hyperprolactinemia - is a relatively common disorder in humans. This condition has numerous causes, including prolactin-secreting "tumors"(in the pituitory gland) and therapy with certain drugs.
Common manifestations of hyperprolactinemia in women include amenorrhea (lack of menstrural cycles) and galactorrhea (excessive or spontaneous secretion of milk). Men with hyperprolactinemia typically show hypogonadism, with decreased sex drive, decreased sperm production and impotence. Such men also often show breast enlargement (gynecomastia), but very rarely produce milk.
Galactorrhea is lactation in men or in women who are not breastfeeding. It is generally due to a prolactin-secreting pituitary "adenoma". Diagnosis is by measurement of prolactin levels and imaging tests. Treatment involves "tumor" inhibition [loss or partial loss of function either mental or physical as a result of mental (psychic) influences] with dopamine agonist drugs and sometimes removal or destruction of the "adenoma".
Lithium is used to treat and prevent episodes of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood) in people with bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lithium is in a class of medications called antimanic agents. It works by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain. Upon ingestion Lithium becomes widely distributed in the central nervous system and interacts with a number of neurotransmitters and receptors, decreasing noradrenaline release and increasing serotonin synthesis.
If there is abnormal growth of "tumor" in the pituitory gland, it can be detected in the MRI. The endocrinologist is the authority of all ductless glands, esp. pituitory gland.
Please note that I am not a medical professional.
Please see the web pages on Prolactin, Hyperprolactinemia, Lithium and MRI.

Answer 2

With an MRI since they are doing a scan of your brain to take a look at the pituitary gland your head will go inside the machine. Your head will be placed in a helmet like contraption to hold it in place so that you don't move it.

Depending on how the MRI was ordered they may use contrast (different from iodine) to show up certain areas better as well as without contrast.

The test can take about 30 minutes depending on how old the machine is as well as how fast the magnet speed for downloading the pictures are.

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of enclosed spaces let your dr know so that he prescribe something to help you feel a bit more relaxed.

In relation to your medication I would recommend asking your pharmacist as well as your dr.

Hope this is of some help.

Answer 3

i had a CT scan recently which is similar.

they squirt a radioactive liquid through you ( non harmful) and then take 3-D snap shots of the area of interest. then on the computer they contruct a #D model for the doctor to look at.

best of luck - phone your doctor to get him to explain the whole process to you in detail.