MRI facility difference?

[kathy g]

I am going to have my 3 month post Gamma Knife MRI in a few weeks and wonder if I should go to the same facility that I had the last MRI.  Does it make a difference?

Thanks, Kathy
AN 3 cm
GK May 2009

[ppearl214]

Hi Kathy

If you can have it done at the same facility, that would be terrific.  That way, the same technology (ie: MRI Machine, etc) and "slices" during the scans of the MRI's from before (to be used as comparison) should give a better idea of how the brain booger is doing. I have all of mine done at the same location (for the past 3+ yrs) so they can backtrack to prior films to do comparison. 

Plus, I now get terrific flirting options with Tom, who does my head MRI's... and our spouses even know

Good luck with your MRI and please keep us posted!
Phyl

[mk]

Kathy,

I would say definitely have it on the same machine, because the last thing you need right now is ambiguities. This is the most critical time frame for swelling, so you need to be able to compare the images before and after.
At 3 months the best result you can hope for is no swelling. Don't be disappointed if you don't see any signs of necrosis, this comes later.

By the way, how are you feeling? Again, at this point it is unlikely to have improvement of your existing symptoms, but the best outcome is no new symptoms.

Good luck with your MRI and let us know how it goes.

Marianna

[kathy g]

Thanks so much.  I know this MRI is critical.  I do feel better, but still dry mouth and numb tongue on one side. 

Best, Kathy

[CHD63]

Kathy .....

Although I am not a GK patient, the same advice applies to all of us ...... having MRIs at the same facility certainly lessens the chance of skewed or different interpretations on regression/growth.  I have had all of mine at the same place.

Clarice

[leapyrtwins]

Same facility isn't mandatory, but it's recommended.  Works best for comparison purposes.

Jan