MRI's, when to ask for one.

[Lindar]

Just a general question: at what point in time and what specific symptoms would you consider asking your dr to arrange for an MRI of your head/brain?

I have both systemic SD and Fibro and have that awful brain fog. I've also been getting more headaches lately for no reason. A few months ago I reported to the dr that I was getting sharp pains around my left temple area, nothing was said. As well, my eyes have been bothering me, more blurry, floaters and black lines. I've recently had my 6mth eye check up and every thing was ok with the exception of having to get a new rx and have been told awhile back that I have early signs of glaucoma.

Linda

[steve201]

geez linda....I know how crazy that is..but I'd definitely do an mri now....don't wait in my opinion.....eliminate all possibilites..


Steve

[Nancy - South Jersey]

Linda, I recently went to a new eye doctor who found I had a torn retina and although I didn't even know I had it, they asked me if I had any blurred vision, floaters or flashes in my eyes. This new MD did an exam like I've never had before by my previous MD. He had a magnifying lens with a bright light that he shown directly into my eye and I had to move my eyeball all around in all directions while he checked my retina. I do remember having sharp pains on that side of my temple.

I just wanted to tell you this in case you have an eye doctor like my first one that just did a glaucoma test and checked my vision.

[Lindar]

Thanks Steve and npaul71. I'm lucky that I do have a fantastic eye dr. I was referred to her by my Rhuemy when I started Plaquinel so she does all kinds of tests on me. Some of the tests she had done I have never had done by other eye drs. I used to travel into Toronto to which was suppose to be one of the top clinics too.

I need to make an app't with my gp.

Thanks again.

[ndpblake]

Sorry to be so late in answering your first message. Everyone is right - yes to an MRI. However, I'm sure you go to a ophthalmologist who specializes in retinas. I have had so many eye drs. check vision and glaucoma, but not the retina which is so important. In the late 1980's I had eye problems such as yours and went to Massachusetts Eye and Ear. I had two laser treatments, and 25 years later, I am ok in the eyes, anyway. Well, that is, after cataracts removal in 2003. Nancy

[grammie]

Lindar, What is the results of your search for an answer? I hope you were able to chat with internist and maybe get that MRI....at least some answers. Just wondering how you made out.

grammie