Contrast still makes me super nervous. I just don't like injecting any chemicals into my body. I also had contrast as a kid and I hated the feeling. Made me super nauseous.
I have no problem having an MRI with contrast, but now after hearing your explanation I will be asking if the contrast is linear or macrocyclic and will refuse if it is linear. Thanks for teaching us about all these things related to MS that our own doctors don't explain.
I’m a few years late finding your channel! If I was in Ohio You’d definitely be my doctor! MRI with Contrast is what finally got me diagnosed. I had my first MS flare at age 22. Loss of vision in my left eye for at least 48 hours. I was very fit in my 20’s and suffered from stroke level blood pressure. Blood pressure fluctuations have literally made me code. Anyway, I was diagnosed this year at age 44. Not only did radiologists miss my MS when done without contrast but a few neurologist did too. Even loss of bladder control along with sever weakness and pain in both legs, making it nearly impossible to walk in 2020 still went undiagnosed. After being diagnosed 5/5/22 and seeing my MS Specialist in Atlanta and going through all of my old MRI’s. As he pointed out all the lesions that were missed and slowly losing my ability to work by 2017. I was a Medical Assistant up until I couldn’t work. I’m almost 2 doses in with Tysabri and I’m super hopeful it will help! Thank you for all of your content! I wish I had just asked for an MRI with contrast. I realize now that finding out earlier in life was just not my destiny. You have to be a strong person to go through TN attacks and have zero answers for the insane amount of pain you’re in. MS is definitely not for the weak! 🧡🧡
I postponed my MRI today due to concerns. I was told the the Facility that they only use Linear Contrast Dye. I hope I made the right decision Dr.Boster
I don’t have MS ,,but I have chronic problems. I just had a mri and it really helped me understand what they were looking for ,,and I’m a RN and I love your channel
I've always wondered about contrast but never really thought to ask "strangely" as I just took it as something that needed to be used to establish a clear picture of my brain activity in relation to my MS but learning about the "Linear & Macrocyclic" kinds of contrast has definitely propped up my ears & I will be posing the question about them to my Neuro at my next appointment. Many thanks, Dr. B.
Your programs are invaluable! I have learned more from these segments (I've been viewing for two weeks) then eight years of doctor visits @ twice a year. That's 16 office visits & I go with a list of questions. Thank you! Such a benefit to the MS patients out here trying to deal with this disease.
I have head aches for days after the Mri with contrast. I also have a small drop in kidney function that picks up within 2 to six weeks. My kidney function is just within normal limits. The risks are outweighed by the usfulness of the immaging found.
I would consider benefit and risk factors and would insist on macrocyclic contrast medium . The European Union has taken a stronger stance in this area than the FDA here. They have prohibited use of certain Gd agents because of adverse effects in some patients.I have had multiple MRI's over many years and was never informed what medium was being used with few exemptions. I repeat I would now insist on knowing what I am being given and ask for blood test for kidney function prior MRI.Thanks again for this valuable info.
Brilliant video, thank you. I had seen it before but returned to it for my MRI tomorrow - where would we 'MSers' be without you. Since the things are bit different here in the UK, I googled to check what the UK Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has to say about 'Gadolinium', which states that "licences will be suspended for linear agents gadodiamide (Omniscan), and intravenous gadopentetic acid (Magnevist) and suspended products will be recalled from 1 February 2018, by which time healthcare professionals are expected to have switched over to alternative GdCAs," i.e. macrocyclic - Sigh of relief! - regardless i'll ask the question tomorrow! Most health professionals don't go into the detail of what you evangelise, thank you and keep up the outstanding work, and good job with Microphone with new video ;) THANK YOU - Greetings from the United Kingdom.
Hello! answering your question: I am totally fine with getting my next MRI with contrast, cause I know it will show activity or changes of lesion_size and number better than no contrast! I was a little concerned about getting Gd earlier, because my liver counts are still so bad. But my neurologist lets me have blood work regularly and so we have good control over that anyways. The practice I get my MRIs done is very new and very informative and friendly and open to us patients and take enough time to explain and answer our questions. But I have had so many MRIs in my MS career that there are no more questions. I know "how the rabbit runs" , if you know what I mean with that ;) Thanks for this new video! Wishing you a wonderful day today! Hope you are not affected by hurricane Michael! Stay safe and take care, greetings from Germany, sincerely Britta
Oh! Berlin! Wonderful big city! Hope you enjoy your stay and feel welcome here in Germany! My daughter and her husband used to live in Berlin for several years and my first grandchild was born there also! Have a wonderful stay and nice meetings at #ECTRIMS2018 ! hope to hear from you soon!, sincerely Britta. Prost means cheers. When you want to greet someone you say "Servus" or " Gruess Gott" ;))
I guess there are not many cities with so many different cultures and people from hundreds of different countries! It is a meltbowl of cultures, languages and people all colors and religions! I love Berlin for its cultural wvents, for its historical part and for the kindness of the people there. As I told you, my daughter used to live in Berlin for quite a while and my first grandchild was born there too. So we have been to Berlin often during that time. Wishing you a great time there and a good conference with MS neurologists from all over the world! All the best, have fun, Britta
Thank u for explaining! I'm a researcher currently learning about all these things... surely the types of contrast agents matter a lot... it never occurred to me tha gadolinium had types thank you!
My neurologist recommended contrast because I haven’t had an MRI since my shunt was placed in 1997. I can’t consent to the contrast as I do not feel that there is evidence that it’s actually safe, and I’m Not having active symptoms, so not worth the risk I feel. My mom got really sick from her contrast MRI and she felt dismissed by her doctor. Most doctors in my past have also dismissed me. This is why I can’t trust the claims that it’s safe, when really there’s no evidence that it’s caused harm, which is a very different thing, especially when medicine can be extremely dismissive of patients. You won’t get the evidence it causes harm if you blow off the patients
TY Natalia! I'm so appreciative of this! I hope to reach as many folks impacted by MS as possible and I'm grateful you've helped push my content out to folks who might benefit from it! Thank you!
I see many comments on here asking which contrast agents are Macrocylic and which are not. I am an MRI technologist in Dr. Boster's network and I can help clear that up. There are 3 brands of Contrast that are Macrocylic. Those are Dotarem, Prohance, and Gadavist. Those are the brand names which is what the MRI technologist will usually use to describe the contrast if you ask. The Linear contrast agents you want to avoid are Magnevist, Multihance, and Omniscan. Hope this helps!
I’ve had my first MRI today to check for MS.. my doctor originally ordered a MRI w/ Contrast but I opted out last minute. I am wondering if he’ll still be able to make the diagnosis w/o contrast. Thanks
Having MRI Monday - neuro ordered with contrast - imaging center uses Vueway. Still super nervous - and to make things worse neuro pretty much told me I was welcome to find another neuro since he thought I was questioning him. Wow
Thank you so much for posting this video. I love that it is filled with good information. I actually have an appointment in about 40 minutes to follow up on a concussion as a result of a car accident. And it is my first MRI with contrast I will definitely make sure I ask questions once I arrive.
Never ever would I ever have an MRI again the test is brutal it sounds like 30 minutes of drilling in your ear one ear is partially deaf and the other has tinnitus
Wish I could go back to the MRI with contrast that I had 10 years ago. I had a terrible migraine a few minutes after I got the contrast. It would be great to be able to ask them what type of gadolinium it was!
I’m so glad I found your video. I have an MRI tomorrow and I’ve been freaking out about the contrast but I feel better now after seeing this. I will definitely ask what kind of contrast they use. Thank you
Here in Scotland they rarely use contrast. They just compair with previous and new MRI. (Then again I wouldn't have it anyways because family history aka my dad of severe reactions).
@@AaronBosterMD THERE SEEMS TO BE DEBATE OVER CONTRAST VS NON CONTRAST .. SOME SAY NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN IMAGES... I HAD A BAD REACTION TO THE CONTRAST AGENT AND WOULD PREFER NOT TO HAVE THAT AGAIN FOR PROSTATE MRI........
This is enlightening. I don't doubt the need of monitoring through an MRI, but obviously this information on the type of G is invaluable. Will double check when is time to do my next...But also as of today I will take more care of my liver and kidneys. All my attention has been focused on the brain (obviously), but perhaps we need to approach MS in a more holistic manner. Thanks dr. B!
Thank you I never knew this information I'm a veteran and go to the VA hospital and they just give me one with contrast and one without I never discussed this but now since I have this input information I need to talk to him about the difference thank you very much
I had a contrast MRI just over a week ago. I live in UK. I found it to be very interesting. My brain and spine was scanned. I could tell when my brain was being scanned as although I had my eyes shut I could see and feel the frontal lobe being scanner, and then working backwards. And when my spine was being scanned it felt like I couldn't of moved even if I wanted to. I found it fascinating.
Hi Dr Boster! I saw a tv ad from a law practice out of Pittsburgh talking about people who have had damage from contrast dye (electric-like shooting pains was one of the symptoms mentioned). Of course that freaked me out! What are your thoughts on this? Thanks for this video! It has definitely eased my mind!
I got an MRI brain... Without contrast. I have all the symtoms of ms. Nothing showed on the MRI. Now I'm fighting to get it with contrast but they keep saying "but we didn't find anything.. you're too young" etc etc. (I'm 27. I don't think that's too young).
I knew there had been concerns of getting too much. I have had to ask for it in the past. My levels have always been good so to me the benefit was greater than the risk. I will ask next time what type they use. Thanks again for your awesomeness! 😁❤️⚔️ #WeHaveMS
Awesome Video. Yes I would most definitely get the contrast. I see no issue after my own research and MRI examinations frequency, which hopefully is not many after my second Lemtrada infusion 🤞🏼 Ty as always Dr Boster
I learned a lot and connected with a lot of my international colleagues. It was a good conference. I've not missed an ECTRIMS since I was a junior resident in training. To me it's the Olympics of MS.
Thanks so much for this video ! I'm on my to have one in one hour! I'm still a little nervous but not as much as before! Hopefully this is gonna soon lead to answers. 🖒🖒🖒🖒
What about multiple Gd injections, like 5 in 5 months for every single MRI and nothing to do with MS resulting in anaphylaxis with respiratory and kidney failure?
Because I am at a high risk of PML staying on Tysabri being positive and over 3% JCV Virus, my neuro has requested MRI with and without contrast every 3 mos as a biometric for many years. After about 10 years, they noticed the dye was "staining" my brain and were not sure what that meant in the long run medically because the medical "literature" was not there, we stopped this for the last few years. Scary that docs don't know what tests will do to you before they request it sometimes..
Had test MRI with contrast and my vein collapse the he took it out my arm and tried another vein I tasted iron and my arm where my vein collapse it had a lump. Couple days later I started getting red marks all over my body from head to toe started Itching Instantly headaches headaches my joints were hurting we're hurting my hands swollen up my face was a little swollen Can you tell me what went wrong
Since having adverse reactions(vomiting after the injection) to Gadolinium for two consecutive years, my neurologist no longer orders my MRI’s with contrast. What are my options to having a MRI with contrast? It’s been four years since I have had a contrast MRI..
How would a lay person even know what to ask ahead of time unless brought to their attention long before procedure in order for them to receive second opinions
I just wonder how long this stays in the system or if there's a trace of it that go's dormet in the brain, and releases with some activity with or from meds 🤔 and cause a persons body to shake similar to convulsion symptoms.
I wish I knew about this before I had an abdominal mri. It was linear. I was having severe unexplained muscle twitching and other symptoms no Dr could explain. I've had other mri's but macro after I researched it more. Don't think I've had issues from those. Having another on my liver next week.
Hey Dr. B, I have been getting MRI's of my brain, C spine and T spine every 6 months since my diagnoses in June of 2014 always with Gadolinium. At age 55 my disability has increased in the last year and has me needing a wheelchair to move any distance. I started Ocrevus January of 2018. My last MRI in November of 2018 showed no new lesions, That's GREAT! but my symptoms are worse. So hearing about concerns as of late about Gadolinium retention, Should I for go without MRI's for awhile since I know I have MS, and I continue to decline and If I continue I would ask if they are using Macrocyclic for I have never questioned what they use. Chris in Albuquerque
I never had (and still do not) have any concerns regarding contrast in MRI. But the way things are handled in Slovakia, contrast is only used in exceptional cases - hopefully always with a diagnostic MRI, and rarely in case the patient seems to have no response to DMT. I had my fifteenth MRI since 15 years this spring and it was in total the second MRI with contrast, as my doctor agreed with my observation that after 4 happy years on Tecfidera, my body has learned how to ignore it completely. We switched to Tysabri in June and I am not quite convinced, that it is having any/enough positive effect on my "holeish" :-) brain - so I had an MRI (just 1.5 Tesla) this Monday, but no contrast -> so we only know that there is no PML rising and otherwise there seem to be no additional spots...
I’ve always opted out. Now at least I have more information. I was about 56 when they saw old plaques. Now I understand why. They report minimal changes. Also. I never took meds. I scheduled to start meds. I’ll have info what to ask.
Appreciate the information. Thank you. Had you seen the recent article re. gadolinium deposition and no significant differences b/w linear and macrocyclic. I believe It was in the Canadian Radiologic Association journal, September 2018. So sorry I do not have the citation.
An actor recently retweeted an article of questionable credibility about a death of a young patient due to “allergy to the MRI contrast”. This lead to so many parents refusing contrast for their kids and sometimes MRI altogether. I wish this video was translated to Arabic and other languages to reach a wider audience. And of coarse I’ll have contrast with my upcoming MRI scan. Thanks Dr. Boster.
About a week ago, my wife had an angiogram. The procedure was uneventful and no issues were found concerning her heart. However, she is allergic to metal and we're learning that the contrast injected during the procedure contains metal. Soon after returning home, she commented that she is having difficulty focusing. Her eyesight seems to have been affected by the contrast. Hopefully, this is a temporary condition.
How do you find out what type of contrast they'll use, most people have no idea what to ask & even with an answer, they have no idea what it means lol. Second, I heard that a day or two afterwards your arm can really hurt, is that from the contrast & if so, how long does it take to get out of your system? MRIs are no fun. Also, you talked about lesions, can contrast only see recent lesions or can it detect lesions from years past? Thanks for any info.
Hi sorry I have had a injury on the job and they have ordered for me to have a MRI but I have developed PTSD so what would you recommend for me to help me to be able to get through this procedure
Great video! Could we have a talk on MS and hormones please? My MS goes craaaazy once a month due to hormones and it’s a nightmare. I can’t get any information or ideas on what to do. ❤️
Howdy Nikki! I'll add it to my list. I do have a menopause video that might be of interest to you, not exactly same topic but relevant: ruclips.net/video/a6p2-FuwvaU/видео.html
Aaron Boster MD Howdy, Doc! Thank you for pointing me to that video, I am perimenopausal so that helps somewhat although, personally, I struggle with taking hormones and I have read about Estrogen dominance and I think this may be an issue. I know of a study happening someplace where they are looking at replicating the hormones that women experience in the third trimester of pregnancy where symptoms improve. It’s interesting that my symptoms get significantly worse every cycle and there are always one, maybe two days per month where I feel more normal...zero pain and more energy so I think that is hormonal. If you talk about this in an MS Facebook group for example, so many women experience the same thing. I wonder why there are no studies looking into hormonal imbalance and MS?
There are several studies looking into this actually. Here's a review on the topic published last month: Impact of sex hormones on immune function and multiple sclerosis development. - PubMed - NCBI www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30222193
Aaron Boster MD fantastic, thank you! That’s some interesting reading that will keep me out of trouble for a while. I’m delighted to see it’s an area of investigation, that’s promising. 😊
Hi Dr Booster Thank You again with all the video's u have done I appreciate all the information, I get more from u than my Dr .😢 but I get more information from u that is helpful Thank You :))) I feel like you r my Doctor, your video's r helpful ☺
Yes I have a friend whose getting an MRI of head soon.She's been concerned over small bone chips from an old nose injury.Can u get an MRI still or should she get a nose exray first?Can u see chips on a prior Catscan if need be?She's also getting a CT cardiac Angiogram after the MRI later on in the week should she skip the contrast in the MRI?Cardiologist told her do the MRI first before CT angiogram but didn't comment on the MRI contrast.Great u clarifying that Macrocytic contrast is safe thanku & great informative video!
I understand everything you've explained. But, can't your MRI's be compared and contrasted without contrast? I mean if you compare and there's new ones, does timing really matter? They're new. Just saying.
Often times it might not matter, sometimes it does matter. As I shared in the video, you can learn a LOT from a NON contrasted study, just not as much as if you do both with and without contrast. If a patient refused to get contrast on a follow up scan, I wouldn't argue, but I want them to understand we can't learn ALL the relevant information if we leave gad out.
Howdy Cheryl. I certainly do not see it that way and find it very valuable as I provide care to my patients. I appreciate you sharing your perspectives as well. Thank you for the honest dialogue!
Thank you, Dr. Boster! May I ask why MRI without contrast may NOT show active lesions at all? I had acute attacks in the past when MRI didn't show spine lesion at all & then corresponding lesion appeared in follow up MRI w & wlo contrast done in couple of weeks. I thought even though the lesion does not light up, it should still be visible without contrast. Thank you again!
Its a month since brain MRI without contrast. Every day a new symptoms pop out: terrible weakness, malaise, fatigue, sweating, heart race, very tensed and anxious mind, mind focus became worse. Before MRI was healthy, after terrible feeling.....
They gave me one when checking my brain the next day they want to give me again to check my neck i said no because i was scared taking an injection that i dont have no idea about
I have had 3 MRI’s with and without contrast since my dx in 1999. They were all done in the first 12 mths of my dx. My dr sees no benefit to having any other MRI’s since the last MRI in 2000 showed increased lesions.
MS stays active for the life of the human, sometimes getting a bit quieter as the person enters their 70s and 80s. Monitoring MRI is the best way I know of to pick up new disease activity. I have several videos and an MRI playlist that touch on these topics, just as an FYI.
Hi Dr. Aaron. I am about to get my MRI’s next Monday. In the papers the hospital says the use GBCA type Eovist, Gadavist, or MultiHance. Are any of this linear?
Hi Doc i have an appointment MRI head without contrast is that for me ? My concerns is always pain I’ve done occipital nerve block but is not helping me i got injured last 2018 in my work i feel always numbness tingling shooting super head pain
I'm getting my first MRI tomorrow both without and with contrast. I'm assuming the Neurologist is looking for MS or possibly tumors due to my long list of symptoms. 😬
today I had my first MRI. I'm not going to lie it was more painful to get contrast injected than the idea of being closed in that thing. For some reason it hurt ALOT
Definitely worth reviewing the package insert Camy. We mostly focus on rare allergic reactions that require pretreatments prior to dye administration. Cheers!
Hello doc. Im going to radiology this saturday for cranial mri with gadollinim enhancement. I dont have any idea about gadollinium. I am afraid for mri. Is it bad for me to go to procedure?
Howdy giftboutiq! smoking can lead to a type of T2 bright lesion referred to as "sub cortical white matter (SCWM) disease" but it is not challenging to differentiate the these vs. MS lesions. Smoking can also lead to ischemic strokes, but those are also easily differentiated from MS spots.
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Thanks for explaining! I never knew the types of Gd. I think the benefits of having the contrast outweigh the risks??
I agree Franciir! Thanks for watching and for sharing your perspective! #WeHaveMS
@@AaronBosterMD hi doc this is great information This bad I can't stop watching.👍👏👏😵
Doc my grand father is suffering now at avute lateral nueropahty. Can you explain more what is that
@@AaronBosterMD can you have hemifacial spasms with ms?
Hello po. From Philippines. I'm going to radiology to
Contrast still makes me super nervous. I just don't like injecting any chemicals into my body. I also had contrast as a kid and I hated the feeling. Made me super nauseous.
I have no problem having an MRI with contrast, but now after hearing your explanation I will be asking if the contrast is linear or macrocyclic and will refuse if it is linear. Thanks for teaching us about all these things related to MS that our own doctors don't explain.
Thank you for the spelling!
I have concerns and would NOT get an MRI w/ contrast. Thank you for the info
I got a MRI with gadolinium as contrast agent today and your video makes me more quiet about the potential risk I took. Thank you for your effort.
right on Christian!
I’m a few years late finding your channel! If I was in Ohio You’d definitely be my doctor! MRI with Contrast is what finally got me diagnosed. I had my first MS flare at age 22. Loss of vision in my left eye for at least 48 hours. I was very fit in my 20’s and suffered from stroke level blood pressure. Blood pressure fluctuations have literally made me code. Anyway, I was diagnosed this year at age 44. Not only did radiologists miss my MS when done without contrast but a few neurologist did too. Even loss of bladder control along with sever weakness and pain in both legs, making it nearly impossible to walk in 2020 still went undiagnosed. After being diagnosed 5/5/22 and seeing my MS Specialist in Atlanta and going through all of my old MRI’s. As he pointed out all the lesions that were missed and slowly losing my ability to work by 2017. I was a Medical Assistant up until I couldn’t work. I’m almost 2 doses in with Tysabri and I’m super hopeful it will help! Thank you for all of your content! I wish I had just asked for an MRI with contrast. I realize now that finding out earlier in life was just not my destiny. You have to be a strong person to go through TN attacks and have zero answers for the insane amount of pain you’re in. MS is definitely not for the weak! 🧡🧡
I postponed my MRI today due to concerns. I was told the the Facility that they only use Linear Contrast Dye. I hope I made the right decision Dr.Boster
Why would anybody use linear if there is a safer alternative?
I don’t have MS ,,but I have chronic problems. I just had a mri and it really helped me understand what they were looking for ,,and I’m a RN and I love your channel
I'm glad Beth!
First time was a necessity, never again for me personally. I respect your professional opinion and as always thanks for the information!
And I respect your autonomy Karen! Your body = your choice = your decision!
I've always wondered about contrast but never really thought to ask "strangely" as I just took it as something that needed to be used to establish a clear picture of my brain activity in relation to my MS but learning about the "Linear & Macrocyclic" kinds of contrast has definitely propped up my ears & I will be posing the question about them to my Neuro at my next appointment. Many thanks, Dr. B.
You are a beautiful human being to share the complete story .Thank you, now I’m better informed!
Your programs are invaluable! I have learned more from these segments (I've been viewing for two weeks) then eight years of doctor visits @ twice a year. That's 16 office visits & I go with a list of questions. Thank you! Such a benefit to the MS patients out here trying to deal with this disease.
YW Molly!
I have head aches for days after the Mri with contrast. I also have a small drop in kidney function that picks up within 2 to six weeks. My kidney function is just within normal limits. The risks are outweighed by the usfulness of the immaging found.
I would consider benefit and risk factors and would insist on macrocyclic contrast medium . The European Union has taken a stronger stance in this area than the FDA here. They have prohibited use of certain Gd agents because of adverse effects in some patients.I have had multiple MRI's over many years and was never informed what medium was being used with few exemptions. I repeat I would now insist on knowing what I am being given and ask for blood test for kidney function prior MRI.Thanks again for this valuable info.
Right on Dedee! #WeHaveMS
Brilliant video, thank you. I had seen it before but returned to it for my MRI tomorrow - where would we 'MSers' be without you. Since the things are bit different here in the UK, I googled to check what the UK Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has to say about 'Gadolinium', which states that "licences will be suspended for linear agents gadodiamide (Omniscan), and intravenous gadopentetic acid (Magnevist) and suspended products will be recalled from 1 February 2018, by which time healthcare professionals are expected to have switched over to alternative GdCAs," i.e. macrocyclic - Sigh of relief! - regardless i'll ask the question tomorrow! Most health professionals don't go into the detail of what you evangelise, thank you and keep up the outstanding work, and good job with Microphone with new video ;) THANK YOU - Greetings from the United Kingdom.
YW Atif! TY for looking into this and providing such a useful update!
Hello! answering your question: I am totally fine with getting my next MRI with contrast, cause I know it will show activity or changes of lesion_size and number better than no contrast! I was a little concerned about getting Gd earlier, because my liver counts are still so bad. But my neurologist lets me have blood work regularly and so we have good control over that anyways. The practice I get my MRIs done is very new and very informative and friendly and open to us patients and take enough time to explain and answer our questions. But I have had so many MRIs in my MS career that there are no more questions. I know "how the rabbit runs" , if you know what I mean with that ;)
Thanks for this new video! Wishing you a wonderful day today!
Hope you are not affected by hurricane Michael!
Stay safe and take care, greetings from Germany, sincerely Britta
Wonderful to hear from you Britta! TY for watching and sharing your perspective! I'm writing from Berlin where I'm attending #ECTRIMS2018! Prost!
Oh! Berlin! Wonderful big city! Hope you enjoy your stay and feel welcome here in Germany!
My daughter and her husband used to live in Berlin for several years and my first grandchild was born there also!
Have a wonderful stay and nice meetings at #ECTRIMS2018 !
hope to hear from you soon!, sincerely Britta.
Prost means cheers. When you want to greet someone you say "Servus" or " Gruess Gott" ;))
Berlin is indeed an amazing city, and I found Berliners to be warm and friendly. I'm so grateful English is spoken here. Thank you Britta!!
I guess there are not many cities with so many different cultures and people from hundreds of different countries! It is a meltbowl of cultures, languages and people all colors and religions! I love Berlin for its cultural wvents, for its historical part and for the kindness of the people there.
As I told you, my daughter used to live in Berlin for quite a while and my first grandchild was born there too. So we have been to Berlin often during that time. Wishing you a great time there and a good conference with MS neurologists from all over the world!
All the best, have fun, Britta
#WeHaveMS
Thank u for explaining! I'm a researcher currently learning about all these things... surely the types of contrast agents matter a lot... it never occurred to me tha gadolinium had types thank you!
YW Manal
My neurologist recommended contrast because I haven’t had an MRI since my shunt was placed in 1997. I can’t consent to the contrast as I do not feel that there is evidence that it’s actually safe, and I’m
Not having active symptoms, so not worth the risk I feel. My mom got really sick from her contrast MRI and she felt dismissed by her doctor. Most doctors in my past have also dismissed me. This is why I can’t trust the claims that it’s safe, when really there’s no evidence that it’s caused harm, which is a very different thing, especially when medicine can be extremely dismissive of patients. You won’t get the evidence it causes harm if you blow off the patients
Shared this on a MS Facebook group since a lot of MRI questions have been popping up. Thank you!
TY Natalia! I'm so appreciative of this! I hope to reach as many folks impacted by MS as possible and I'm grateful you've helped push my content out to folks who might benefit from it! Thank you!
I see many comments on here asking which contrast agents are Macrocylic and which are not. I am an MRI technologist in Dr. Boster's network and I can help clear that up. There are 3 brands of Contrast that are Macrocylic. Those are Dotarem, Prohance, and Gadavist. Those are the brand names which is what the MRI technologist will usually use to describe the contrast if you ask. The Linear contrast agents you want to avoid are Magnevist, Multihance, and Omniscan. Hope this helps!
Does the facility you work for offer Linear Contrast if so why?
should i ask by brand name, and how do i know they will use the same contrast i ask about on the day of mri? will they make a note of it?
Can see scalp nerves with non contrast mri?
Which agent better for contrast mri
What about Vueway?
I’ve had my first MRI today to check for MS.. my doctor originally ordered a MRI w/ Contrast but I opted out last minute. I am wondering if he’ll still be able to make the diagnosis w/o contrast. Thanks
This former nurse, will probably opt out .
Best MS specialist I’ll ever know 😊
Having MRI Monday - neuro ordered with contrast - imaging center uses Vueway. Still super nervous - and to make things worse neuro pretty much told me I was welcome to find another neuro since he thought I was questioning him. Wow
I hope you found another Neuro. Seriously- there is such culture of superiority, but not if they make a proven mistake, then they are all human. ugh.
So glad you covered this topic, I have been to several neurologists and have never heard any of this before. Thanks so much.
My pleasure Donna!
Thank you so much for posting this video. I love that it is filled with good information. I actually have an appointment in about 40 minutes to follow up on a concussion as a result of a car accident. And it is my first MRI with contrast I will definitely make sure I ask questions once I arrive.
Thank you! Yes I will have contrast, only AFTER asking what kind is used and making sure it is NOT Linear. Thank you
Hi did you had one already? I herd to the linear is bad for our bodies they don’t care about us very sad !
Never ever would I ever have an MRI again the test is brutal it sounds like 30 minutes of drilling in your ear one ear is partially deaf and the other has tinnitus
Wish I could go back to the MRI with contrast that I had 10 years ago. I had a terrible migraine a few minutes after I got the contrast. It would be great to be able to ask them what type of gadolinium it was!
This information is great to know.Thank you so much Doctor, I really appreciate it!
I’m so glad I found your video. I have an MRI tomorrow and I’ve been freaking out about the contrast but I feel better now after seeing this. I will definitely ask what kind of contrast they use. Thank you
You got this Gabriela!
Aaron Boster MD Thank you so much 😊
How did it go Gabriela? Any issues?
Here in Scotland they rarely use contrast. They just compair with previous and new MRI. (Then again I wouldn't have it anyways because family history aka my dad of severe reactions).
right on Ellie.
@@AaronBosterMD THERE SEEMS TO BE DEBATE OVER CONTRAST VS NON CONTRAST .. SOME SAY NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN IMAGES... I HAD A BAD REACTION TO THE CONTRAST AGENT AND WOULD PREFER NOT TO HAVE THAT AGAIN FOR PROSTATE MRI........
This is enlightening. I don't doubt the need of monitoring through an MRI, but obviously this information on the type of G is invaluable. Will double check when is time to do my next...But also as of today I will take more care of my liver and kidneys. All my attention has been focused on the brain (obviously), but perhaps we need to approach MS in a more holistic manner. Thanks dr. B!
YW C Cabrera!
Thank You for sharing this video with us all. I will be going for a MRI in July.Thank You.
Thank you I never knew this information I'm a veteran and go to the VA hospital and they just give me one with contrast and one without I never discussed this but now since I have this input information I need to talk to him about the difference thank you very much
Great explanation and now next time I go for my MRI I will have no concerns.
awesome!
I had a contrast MRI just over a week ago. I live in UK.
I found it to be very interesting. My brain and spine was scanned. I could tell when my brain was being scanned as although I had my eyes shut I could see and feel the frontal lobe being scanner, and then working backwards.
And when my spine was being scanned it felt like I couldn't of moved even if I wanted to.
I found it fascinating.
Do you know what contrast dye you were given? I am having same scan soon. Nervous. Ty 🤗
Hi Dr Boster! I saw a tv ad from a law practice out of Pittsburgh talking about people who have had damage from contrast dye (electric-like shooting pains was one of the symptoms mentioned). Of course that freaked me out! What are your thoughts on this? Thanks for this video! It has definitely eased my mind!
Howdy Kelly. That sounds odd for sure! Thanks for watching the video and TY for sharing!
My aunt is going in for an MRI soon, this is very insightful thank you Dr Boster.
Another excellent video full of information. Thanks Dr. Boster.
YW Ernie! #WeHaveMS
Thanks doctor for illustrating people with this. Actually, contrast is absolutely necessary to get a wide view of the brain and disease evolution.
I got an MRI brain... Without contrast. I have all the symtoms of ms. Nothing showed on the MRI. Now I'm fighting to get it with contrast but they keep saying "but we didn't find anything.. you're too young" etc etc. (I'm 27. I don't think that's too young).
I detox with Zeolite daily but I double up after MRIs with gadolinium contrast. It was recommended by my chiro/neuro
I knew there had been concerns of getting too much. I have had to ask for it in the past. My levels have always been good so to me the benefit was greater than the risk. I will ask next time what type they use. Thanks again for your awesomeness! 😁❤️⚔️ #WeHaveMS
Howdy Patty! You're awesome too!
SO glad I found your channel Dr. Boster!!
Awesome Video. Yes I would most definitely get the contrast. I see no issue after my own research and MRI examinations frequency, which hopefully is not many after my second Lemtrada infusion 🤞🏼 Ty as always Dr Boster
YW Matt and thank YOU for continuing to support the channel and my videos!
@@AaronBosterMD Always how was ECTRIMS?
I learned a lot and connected with a lot of my international colleagues. It was a good conference. I've not missed an ECTRIMS since I was a junior resident in training. To me it's the Olympics of MS.
@@AaronBosterMD Must be amazing
It was amazing. I leave here fired up and recharged and ready to whoop some MS butt!
Thanks so much for this video ! I'm on my to have one in one hour! I'm still a little nervous but not as much as before! Hopefully this is gonna soon lead to answers. 🖒🖒🖒🖒
What about multiple Gd injections, like 5 in 5 months for every single MRI and nothing to do with MS resulting in anaphylaxis with respiratory and kidney failure?
Am excited to have the gadolinium IV injection when doing an MRI - said no one -))
Accept with a murmur....
I hear you Raguraman! #WeHaveMS
Because I am at a high risk of PML staying on Tysabri being positive and over 3% JCV Virus, my neuro has requested MRI with and without contrast every 3 mos as a biometric for many years. After about 10 years, they noticed the dye was "staining" my brain and were not sure what that meant in the long run medically because the medical "literature" was not there, we stopped this for the last few years. Scary that docs don't know what tests will do to you before they request it sometimes..
What do you recommend for removing gadolinium from the body?
Drink a lot of water after the injection of the gadolinium.
With this association of deposition with linear Gd, should they be banned by now?
Had test MRI with contrast and my vein collapse the he took it out my arm and tried another vein I tasted iron and my arm where my vein collapse it had a lump. Couple days later I started getting red marks all over my body from head to toe started Itching Instantly headaches headaches my joints were hurting we're hurting my hands swollen up my face was a little swollen Can you tell me what went wrong
Since having adverse reactions(vomiting after the injection) to Gadolinium for two consecutive years, my neurologist no longer orders my MRI’s with contrast. What are my options to having a MRI with contrast? It’s been four years since I have had a contrast MRI..
How would a lay person even know what to ask ahead of time unless brought to their attention long before procedure in order for them to receive second opinions
Great explanation! I will continue to receive MRI with contrast. I want to know what's going on in there. Haha. Thanks for another great video!
Howdy Maggie Mae! #WeHaveMS
having one tomorrow (1 year dx anniversary to me). I will be asking about he linear contrast. Thank you for the excellent info!
Hoping that you have a quite and stable scan!
did they tell you
Thank you for explaining this. I will ask if the contrast is macroscopic 👍🏿
How often would you get the MRI with contrast for anyone with MS with no DMD use/involved?
I just wonder how long this stays in the system or if there's a trace of it that go's dormet in the brain, and releases with some activity with or from meds 🤔 and cause a persons body to shake similar to convulsion symptoms.
I wish I knew about this before I had an abdominal mri. It was linear. I was having severe unexplained muscle twitching and other symptoms no Dr could explain. I've had other mri's but macro after I researched it more. Don't think I've had issues from those. Having another on my liver next week.
Any chance that you resolved the twitch problem?
Muscle twitching and “other symptoms.” What were the “other symptoms?” How long after getting contrast dye did the symptoms start?
Last time I had an MRI, I didn't have it. My neurologist said as long as he can see new lesions and if there is any concern, he will use it.
Hey Dr. B, I have been getting MRI's of my brain, C spine and T spine every 6 months since my diagnoses in June of 2014 always with Gadolinium. At age 55 my disability has increased in the last year and has me needing a wheelchair to move any distance. I started Ocrevus January of 2018. My last MRI in November of 2018 showed no new lesions, That's GREAT! but my symptoms are worse. So hearing about concerns as of late about Gadolinium retention, Should I for go without MRI's for awhile since I know I have MS, and I continue to decline and If I continue I would ask if they are using Macrocyclic for I have never questioned what they use. Chris in Albuquerque
I'm personally not worried if you're using macrocyclic molecules for gad.
Stop getting contrast
I never had (and still do not) have any concerns regarding contrast in MRI. But the way things are handled in Slovakia, contrast is only used in exceptional cases - hopefully always with a diagnostic MRI, and rarely in case the patient seems to have no response to DMT. I had my fifteenth MRI since 15 years this spring and it was in total the second MRI with contrast, as my doctor agreed with my observation that after 4 happy years on Tecfidera, my body has learned how to ignore it completely. We switched to Tysabri in June and I am not quite convinced, that it is having any/enough positive effect on my "holeish" :-) brain - so I had an MRI (just 1.5 Tesla) this Monday, but no contrast -> so we only know that there is no PML rising and otherwise there seem to be no additional spots...
Howdy Martin! TY for sharing your perspective! #WeHaveMS
I’ve always opted out. Now at least I have more information. I was about 56 when they saw old plaques. Now I understand why. They report minimal changes. Also. I never took meds. I scheduled to start meds. I’ll have info what to ask.
Do not get dye. Dangerous.
Opt out
Appreciate the information. Thank you. Had you seen the recent article re. gadolinium deposition and no significant differences b/w linear and macrocyclic. I believe It was in the Canadian Radiologic Association journal, September 2018. So sorry I do not have the citation.
Howdy Elizabeth, yes I saw that article. #WeHaveMS
@@AaronBosterMD ?
An actor recently retweeted an article of questionable credibility about a death of a young patient due to “allergy to the MRI contrast”. This lead to so many parents refusing contrast for their kids and sometimes MRI altogether.
I wish this video was translated to Arabic and other languages to reach a wider audience.
And of coarse I’ll have contrast with my upcoming MRI scan.
Thanks Dr. Boster.
Howdy Cementra! Thank you for sharing your perspective! I wish I know how to create subtitles in RUclips!
I had one yesterday, I was so very nervous. No problems at all, except for itchy skin in my right hand
About a week ago, my wife had an angiogram. The procedure was uneventful and no issues were found concerning her heart. However, she is allergic to metal and we're learning that the contrast injected during the procedure contains metal. Soon after returning home, she commented that she is having difficulty focusing. Her eyesight seems to have been affected by the contrast. Hopefully, this is a temporary condition.
How did she make out ? Any updates? I’m concerned to do this also
How do you find out what type of contrast they'll use, most people have no idea what to ask & even with an answer, they have no idea what it means lol. Second, I heard that a day or two afterwards your arm can really hurt, is that from the contrast & if so, how long does it take to get out of your system? MRIs are no fun. Also, you talked about lesions, can contrast only see recent lesions or can it detect lesions from years past? Thanks for any info.
Hi sorry I have had a injury on the job and they have ordered for me to have a MRI but I have developed PTSD so what would you recommend for me to help me to be able to get through this procedure
Can contrast dye cause a heart attack or is it unsafe for people with heart conditions?
Great video! Could we have a talk on MS and hormones please? My MS goes craaaazy once a month due to hormones and it’s a nightmare. I can’t get any information or ideas on what to do. ❤️
Howdy Nikki! I'll add it to my list. I do have a menopause video that might be of interest to you, not exactly same topic but relevant: ruclips.net/video/a6p2-FuwvaU/видео.html
Aaron Boster MD
Howdy, Doc! Thank you for pointing me to that video, I am perimenopausal so that helps somewhat although, personally, I struggle with taking hormones and I have read about Estrogen dominance and I think this may be an issue. I know of a study happening someplace where they are looking at replicating the hormones that women experience in the third trimester of pregnancy where symptoms improve. It’s interesting that my symptoms get significantly worse every cycle and there are always one, maybe two days per month where I feel more normal...zero pain and more energy so I think that is hormonal. If you talk about this in an MS Facebook group for example, so many women experience the same thing. I wonder why there are no studies looking into hormonal imbalance and MS?
There are several studies looking into this actually. Here's a review on the topic published last month: Impact of sex hormones on immune function and multiple sclerosis development. - PubMed - NCBI www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30222193
Aaron Boster MD fantastic, thank you! That’s some interesting reading that will keep me out of trouble for a while. I’m delighted to see it’s an area of investigation, that’s promising. 😊
Glad you agree Nikki, it's exciting! #WeHaveMS
What pretty chickens 🐔 I love the sharing.
Thanks for the great explanation. So why do hospitals still use linear contrasts molecules instead
Or macrocyclic molecules?
Hi Dr Booster Thank You again with all the video's u have done I appreciate all the information, I get more from u than my Dr .😢 but I get more information from u that is helpful Thank You :))) I feel like you r my Doctor, your video's r helpful ☺
I certainly can't replace the MS clinician you're seeing BUT I am super glad that my MS educational videos help teach you Richelle!
I am from India. I don't know which type of contrast is used to patients at AIIMS, New Delhi.
Can see scalp blood supply vessels &it's damage with mri contrast ? plz explain it's details.
Sir please say
Yes I have a friend whose getting an MRI of head soon.She's been concerned over small bone chips from an old nose injury.Can u get an MRI still or should she get a nose exray first?Can u see chips on a prior Catscan if need be?She's also getting a CT cardiac Angiogram after the MRI later on in the week should she skip the contrast in the MRI?Cardiologist told her do the MRI first before CT angiogram but didn't comment on the MRI contrast.Great u clarifying that Macrocytic contrast is safe thanku & great informative video!
I understand everything you've explained. But, can't your MRI's be compared and contrasted without contrast? I mean if you compare and there's new ones, does timing really matter? They're new. Just saying.
Often times it might not matter, sometimes it does matter. As I shared in the video, you can learn a LOT from a NON contrasted study, just not as much as if you do both with and without contrast. If a patient refused to get contrast on a follow up scan, I wouldn't argue, but I want them to understand we can't learn ALL the relevant information if we leave gad out.
@@AaronBosterMD I think I equate it to autopsy. You find out why they died but doesn't change circumstances. They're still dead and not coming back :(
Howdy Cheryl. I certainly do not see it that way and find it very valuable as I provide care to my patients. I appreciate you sharing your perspectives as well. Thank you for the honest dialogue!
Thank you, Dr. Boster! May I ask why MRI without contrast may NOT show active lesions at all? I had acute attacks in the past when MRI didn't show spine lesion at all & then corresponding lesion appeared in follow up MRI w & wlo contrast done in couple of weeks. I thought even though the lesion does not light up, it should still be visible without contrast. Thank you again!
what if you dont get contrast, but MRI still give u dizziness or vertigo?
Its a month since brain MRI without contrast. Every day a new symptoms pop out: terrible weakness, malaise, fatigue, sweating, heart race, very tensed and anxious mind, mind focus became worse. Before MRI was healthy, after terrible feeling.....
I love today's zany thumbnail, lol
TYVM 2linstening1!!
They gave me one when checking my brain the next day they want to give me again to check my neck i said no because i was scared taking an injection that i dont have no idea about
MRI with contrast is much better used for better image display
I have had 3 MRI’s with and without contrast since my dx in 1999. They were all done in the first 12 mths of my dx. My dr sees no benefit to having any other MRI’s since the last MRI in 2000 showed increased lesions.
MS stays active for the life of the human, sometimes getting a bit quieter as the person enters their 70s and 80s. Monitoring MRI is the best way I know of to pick up new disease activity. I have several videos and an MRI playlist that touch on these topics, just as an FYI.
Hi Dr. Aaron. I am about to get my MRI’s next Monday. In the papers the hospital says the use GBCA type Eovist, Gadavist, or MultiHance. Are any of this linear?
What is the difference between a MS lesion and a cerebral infarction ? Do they look the same on a MRI scan ?
Is contrast MRI safe for 1.5 yrs baby, who recently 3 days before do a normal MRI.
I got the clariscan 0.5 ml injection during MRI in my veins. Is it safe, as i dont know.. please someone tell me?
Hi Doc i have an appointment MRI head without contrast is that for me ? My concerns is always pain I’ve done occipital nerve block but is not helping me i got injured last 2018 in my work i feel always numbness tingling shooting super head pain
Dear Aaron , How would i know if they did use LINEAR CONTRAST dye or MACROCYCLIC please ? i done my scan 2 years ago , Thank you
Dr. Boster - Is the contrast used by your facility liner or macrocyclic?
Marcocyclic gad contrast agents
I'm getting my first MRI tomorrow both without and with contrast. I'm assuming the Neurologist is looking for MS or possibly tumors due to my long list of symptoms. 😬
How did everything went?
How did it go?
today I had my first MRI. I'm not going to lie it was more painful to get contrast injected than the idea of being closed in that thing. For some reason it hurt ALOT
...a lot...
Is gadolinium known to cause any side effects? For example increase in blood pressure?
Definitely worth reviewing the package insert Camy. We mostly focus on rare allergic reactions that require pretreatments prior to dye administration. Cheers!
Hello doc. Im going to radiology this saturday for cranial mri with gadollinim enhancement. I dont have any idea about gadollinium. I am afraid for mri. Is it bad for me to go to procedure?
As a former GE scientist, I have no fear taking the contrast agent every scan.
Question....can smoking cause lesions on the brain? And...if so, is it mistaken for MS?
Howdy giftboutiq! smoking can lead to a type of T2 bright lesion referred to as "sub cortical white matter (SCWM) disease" but it is not challenging to differentiate the these vs. MS lesions. Smoking can also lead to ischemic strokes, but those are also easily differentiated from MS spots.
Aaron Boster MD thank you!
YW #WeHaveMS