What kind of MRI is used in diagnosis?

[Jsybird]

I'm currently 27, last year I went to an ENT due to high pitched unilateral tinnitus in my left ear (which I still have and haven't habituated to much).  No hearing lost was detected but of course I still have this high pitched tinnitus.  Dr refused to refer me for an MRI.

I have a difficult HMO plan that requires referrals for basically anything, however I am no stranger to self-pay and would be very curious to see if I have an AN and would have the money to pay for an MRI out of pocket.  Not only am I young, I am a flight student.  If I end up with some sort of permanent vestibular issue it could end my dreams of being a pilot, I would want to know about this in advance.

If I wanted to attempt to get this MRI myself (ie: sans the typical referral), what type of MRI would I want to order?  Reading online, it sounds like I want gadolinium contrast would be needed but I wouldn't know what to ask an imaging center for specifics.

Thanks!

[ANSydney]

My referrals just say "Brain MRI". I think the MRI facility know how to translate this to specific sequences, such as T1 and T2 for axial, coronal and sagittarius. I personally suggest the gadolinium contrast agent for your initial MRI, but I do not have any on subsequent MRIs.

Are there any other signs that suggest an AN? Signs may be unilateral hearing loss, dizziness, altered taste on one side of the tongue. Without a least one other indicator, why test. Also, with ANs there is no rush. You could wait 6 moths and take notes of your symptoms.

[chrisabbott]

Maybe you should try a different doc first - a neurologist or another ENT?

I recently had my diagnosis after my neurologist determined my symptoms were likely due to a tumor.  She ordered an MRI with and without contrast (the gadolinium) and also gave instructions for what she wanted them to spend extra time on.  I researched the cost of MRIs when my husband's preauthorization was denied, and I could've got his shoulder (no contrast) done for around $400.  My MRIs were originally billed at $5,800 - the hospital lists a 30% discount if self paying and pay in advance of the procedure.  That's quite a hunk of healthcare $.

[Sharky]

Hi there.

I second the opinion that you should try a different doctor.

Mine was found on an MRI for orbits that was ordered by my neuro opthalmologist. They were looking for a tumor on the optic nerve and did not find one, but did find the AN.

It would be an MRI of the head/brain.

Best wishes.