Does MRI cause asthma attack?
I don't know if I have asthma. I was diagnosed with it about 6 years ago, following pneumonia (or was it Babesia? who knows what true problem was).
I never felt like I couldn't breathe, but was kind of rattly and a little wheezy and coughing on and off for a couple of years. Hardly ever get that now.
Do I need to say I have asthma - worried they won't go ahead with MRI then.
DLL
i don't know why,also they would make sure i had no metal in my body..eye's ,limb's and such..
sorry i couldn't help.....gary
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On a side note, the UK now has a waiting list for MRI's of 80 weeks (even for accident victims).
quote:
Originally posted by dontlikeliver:
On Thurs. I'm having an MRI of my back - does anyone know why they ask you in advance if you have ever had asthma?Does MRI cause asthma attack?
I don't know if I have asthma. I was diagnosed with it about 6 years ago, following pneumonia (or was it Babesia? who knows what true problem was).
I never felt like I couldn't breathe, but was kind of rattly and a little wheezy and coughing on and off for a couple of years. Hardly ever get that now.
Do I need to say I have asthma - worried they won't go ahead with MRI then.
DLL
I always close my eyes, and don't open them, and pretend I'm in a tanning bed!
Think about being on the beach.
Are you having one with contrast or without?
Rhonda
Thanks Gary.
Thanks Rhonda - not having contrast that I am aware of (spine xray).
Kara, I know, I've been waiting for this MRI since the beginning of February for bad sciatica (which is now significantly better.
The form asked if I have EVER had a metal splinter in my eye - I have. They then told me I cant have the MRI without an x-ray proving I don't still have any metal in my eye. I am sure I don't have any metal in my eye though as it was a tiny splinter, 20 years ago, which was removed then. (no problem since).
My GP refused to send me for eye x-ray and called the hospital and talked to some specialist there so that he could avoid sending me for eye xray. While he was doing all that my original appointment a few weeks ago got cancelled becuase he took too long in contacting the specialist, etc bla bla bla....
Anyway, now I have my (2nd)appointment, finally, and the form AGAIN asked if I have ever had metal in my eye. My GP said 'don't tell them' as he thinks I do not still have any metal in my eye (I don't think I do either, but am a little uncomfortable withholding this information).
If I tell them though, they won't do the x-ray and my GP will not send me for eye x-ray as he feels it's a waste of time and money.
Anyway, so I also then wondered why they ask about asthma and what to say about it.
DLL
[This message has been edited by dontlikeliver (edited 21 June 2005).]
DLL
[This message has been edited by dontlikeliver (edited 21 June 2005).]
I've had Many MRI's and always asked the same questions - one is about seizures and I say 'yes' - this past MRI, the gadolinium caused a seizure, but they were prepared for me since I'd checked it on the form.
Maybe they ask just so they can be prepared - they had a nurse right there (said she's always around) and the doctor (really the guy who reads the films).
I have asthma and never have had one induced by an MRI - hope not since i'm having one tomorrow!
Good luck.
LS
LS- Have you been diagnosed with seizures or do you suspect (on your own) that you've had them?)...I do not have any such diagnosis, but I think that a couple of times (a few years ago now) when I used to get tremendous migraines that I might have had mini-seizures too as I would get a second of two of feeling kind of frozen with 'shaking' in head for lack of better description. Never mentioned it to the doc as he never used to listen to me anyway back then.
Can they see you inside the MRI machine, or if something went wrong, how could you alert them ?
DLL
Yes I have had a dx of 'epileptic seizures' - from a 48 hour EEG. But yours sound familiar too. What happened with me was after they gave me the shot of gadolinium (i'd already been in the machine for 1/2 hour), i knew i was not feeling well, then they put me in the machine and I felt hot and kinda got a 'aura' it was very fast MRI and she talked to me - I told her i had to come out, that was right before I had the seizure.
I'm not sure how they'd know if someone had one in there but they do talk to you in btwn pictures. I think maybe they give you a 'button' for if you need out right away, but I can't remember.
I hope that made sense!
good luck, I'll let you know how mine goes tomorrow.
I did bring some music to play while I was in the scan, but couldn't hear it!
Hope it goes OK for you tomorrow.
Hi and thanks Doxydave for the good wishes.
DLL
I did have to have the contrast dye (no idea why) and no reactions - but the attendant did call the onstaff doctor to be available which was good to know.
Let us know how it went!
Or maybe... How do they make those scans? Cause asthma can get worse if there is little oxygen or if there is any chemical there that could irritate someone with asthma. I've had an asthma attack after lying on my stomach on a GP's table (just the normal thing they put you on with the paper towel over it). It had been cleaned with something that irritated my lungs. I can imagine they would check for asthma if they use something like that on the machine.
Wouldn't be safe if I had an attack in some machine (again, I don't know how they scan so just guessing here). Some of you said the machine is loud so I think if someone has an attack in it you wouldn't hear them wheezing. I can't yell for help while having an attack cause I don't get enough air for it. Maybe that's it?
I have issues with closed -in areas and have had many MRI's.
You will do fine.
Take your fav music, have then put a wash cloth over your eyes, and relax.
The asthma issues or any other resp problem is for their need to know that IF there is a problem, {and there won't be}, they'll know how to respond. Asthma can be triggered by anxiety.
If you feel anxious ask you doc
for anti anxiety meds. I promise you WILL relax.
Think positive and trust yourself.
BJG
Well, the eye splinter thing turned out to NOT be a problem, because they had an x-ray of my eye from 5 years ago, which I'd forgotten was done. So, all was fine.
I was mostly worried they'd cancel my appt then at the last minute because of that.
DLL
So glad all went fine, was thinking of you, hope the results are not bad ones.
take care of yourself.
LS
Obviously this might damage the eye.
dontlike liver- are you int the UK? How long did you wait for am MRI?