MRI was usless because of braces
I had an MRI yesterday for worsening migraines, decrease in fine motor coordination, vertigo and I was also diagnosed with occular neuritis 1 week ago (very little peripheral vision in my left eye, discomfort when moving eye, photosensitivity)
Anyways... I have braces on. They did the MRI anyways and the tech said the images were quite distorted, but they got some pictures.
Radiologist report says there was too much artifact to determine anything.
Would a CT be beneficial? My braces aren't
supposed to come off for another year
Well, that had to be frustrating,
! I did some digging and frankly, I got completely mixed answers on the braces issue in regards to MRIs. While every reputable source I checked stated that it was safe to get an MRI with braces, whether or not the small amount of metal will affect MRI results seems up for debate. Did the tech suggest your braces may have caused the distorted pictures?
Have you had other tests done? I only ask because there are a number of tests a physician will use to diagnose MS. You can read about those tests here -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/tools-your-doctor-will-use-to-make-a-diagnosis. An MRI is an important diagnostic tool, but a diagnosis can be achieved with other tests, if necessary. A CT scan *could* be helpful, but I would definitely discuss that with your doctor. It's really going to be a decision you and your doctor make.
I know that's probably not the answer you were looking for, but you have to find out what works best for you, considering your symptoms, your tolerance for tests, and, possibly, (if you're in the USA) your insurance coverage.
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.thank you so much for digging into this for me.
My next doc appointment isn't until Sept 7th. It was actually one of my coworkers who ordered the urgent MRI after I was diagnosed with optic neuritis plus some neurological symptoms.
Then I'll have to wait for the neurology referral. Which hopefully won't take long (but it is Atlantic Canada so it could be months), I've noticed some tingling to my feet, and increase in vertigo when coming inside from the heat.
I'm willing to pursue other diagnostic measures, I feel so miserable
