Hi Brigitte,

I had to have an MRI with contrast 1.5 years ago, when I was reacting to everything.  I was freaked out!  I took my usual meds that morning, and then took liquid Benadryl 15 min before the scan.  I asked the guy to inject a small amount first, then if okay in a minute or 2, to do the rest.  I did not have ANY symptoms, I can't believe it.  So, good luck with everything-- I hope you feel better  --Sarah

If it were me I would always start with a non contrast study first and see if it gives the answer. If it doesn't and if you're still having symptoms then can premedicate and take the risk of contrast and get the area imaged with contrast. A lot can still be told without it and ideally for tumours, yes it would be given, but there is a good chance of getting a lot of information without contrast which would avoid the risk entirely. You could talk to the radiologist about this option given your reaction risk.

Good luck

Hi B--It wouldn't cause any permanent symptoms. Drink A LOT of water the day you do it to help flush the dye out of your system. I used to work in radiology. Only 1 person had a reaction during the MRI, and it was more of a seizure issue (reason why MRI was being done).  I know we are all different, so good luck!  --Sarah

I had anaphylaxis to MRI contrast dye--gadolinium. I would start with a non contrast MRI then see if you still need more information after that.

That being said, reactions to gadolinium are rare in general.

Thanks for the replies Anna and Sarah!

Y'all probably think I'm a total nutcase right about now; but when I'm not going through all this stress, I'm pretty quite normal! (but I do have generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks if you hadn't picked up on that already! Lol) It's just that the constant vertigo/anxiety and fear of the MRI to look for tumors has me in a tailspin. (But Sarah, you have helped ease my mind about the MRI, thank you!) I'm going to pretreat and post-treat with prednisone, 20 mg tomorrow, Sunday, Monday (the day of MRI) and the day after along with an extra Zyrtec a day and Benadryl prior to MRI and day after. I'm just so scared of having a reaction to the ganolidium (contrast dye) This may sound silly, but I cannot wear earrings because of the skin reaction I get to all metals. Does this say anything about how I'm going to react to the dye since it is a metal
I'm just looking for some reassurance I guess. And praying that they don't find anything scary with the MRI. I'm looking forward to putting this behind me. 2 more days!

*** Sunday - took 10 mg prednisone at 7:45 this morning then 10 mg more at 8:45. Felt ok at first, but now, 4 hours after first dose, I'm feeling very shaky, heart is racing, spun out, pacing around. I feel like I'm losing it. My allergist told me to stop taking it if I couldn't tolerate it. I'm not sure I can tolerate this feeling. I'm not taking anymore today. Do you think 10 mg tomorrow and 10 mg morning of MRI would help? or is this too small of a dose? So sorry to keep bothering you all with this  .
Thank you for reading.

***spoke to on call ENT and he said that prednisone can make you feel weird, especially if you already have anxiety. He said to stop taking it and to just take Benadryl prior to MRI. He said if need be, they can always give me prednisone in an emergency. Does this sound reasonable?
B

Congratulations on a successful MRI!  I'm so glad it went well for you, and hopefully you will feel a little better now

Thank you ladies! Good to know about the hydrocortisone. It has been such a relief to get it over with and have a clean MRI.
I'm still dealing with the symptoms that sent me to the MRI though. Bummer.
I have had terrible vertigo - more balance/equalibrium/depth perception issues than spinning. Everything just feels off, especially when I move my head. Since this started, being out in public, especially grocery stores, is very hard for me. This feeling is so disturbing. It's been going on for nearly 3 months now (December 18th). I have been having dizzy spells for the past 3 years, but they were intermittent and quick- like 5 seconds and a 2 minute recovery period. But this is constant. Also my ears, particaurly my left, hurt, like when you dive too deep into cold water, and when I move my jaw, I have this clicking sound. The ENT thinks is likely Ménière's Disease. Does anyone know anything about this?

The vertigo has spiked my anxiety and because everything is "off", I have this very unnerving detached, surreal feeling, like I'm not really here. So weird. Has anyone ever experienced this?  I just want to get back to my version of "normal".