I hope that the MRI isn't stressful for you, that the headache goes away asap, and that the MRI is conclusive, and whatever it shows up is easily (and non-invasive-ly) treatable.
I've had one or two MRIs in the past, and they are completely non-scary.
It's a large white machine that looks like a great big white cylinder laying on its side, with a tunnel in the middle, with a raised ramp leading up to the tunnel.
There's a little tray on the ramp, which you lie on, and they wheel you in. It's not heaps of space, but there are microphones and cameras hooked up, so they can see and hear you, so if you feel uncomfortable, you can just tell them, and they will help you.
It takes a while because they do so many different images of whatever they're looking at - mine went for about 45 minutes, I think. It got boring, but I knew that the stiller I was, the more likely they'd get all their results from the first time and I wouldn't need to go it again another time ... It was a good incentive!
There's loud banging and clicking in the machine, as it does its thing ... the banging is at different intervals, and sounds slightly different here and there. Again, nothing scary or painful, just a bit annoying and boring.
I just tried to think of different things while I was in there ... ideas about a holiday or what to cook the next week, or plans for something to write, or what songs I would sing if I had to audition for Australian Idol tomorrow ... anything to keep my mind off it, and to pass the time.
it can be pretty depressing ... I wish there was something I could suggest, other than having people over, or whiling away the time with crappy TV and books ...
maybe learn sudoku or cryptic crosswords or something, to get your mind onto other things?
or stalk other BB'ers' blogs?
you can start with mine if you like ... it's nothing special, but it will keep you occupied, and keep your mind on other things
If they're looking for blocked vessels, they are more likely to use contrast with a CT scan OR do an angiogram. Not an MRI.
Fear of the unknown is the worst. But in all honesty, the MRI is a noisy submarine. If you've ever been in a sub, you'll understand what I mean after Wed. It is a small space that makes lots and lots of noise. The duration will depend on how much they need to scan on you. My gastric one took about 20 min, my back took about 5.
The reaction to the lumbar puncture is a mechanical thing - your spine is objecting to the change in pressure, and that has lots of unpleasant knock-on effects.
The MRI contrast agent if it is used is NOT put into your spine - it's given in an IV. So there shouldn't be any pressure change associated with it.
Hope all goes OK.
MRI came back all good so they are now thinking that i either had a blod clot that has passed or a blood vessel in the brain spasm (had a big word but cannot remember it)
and today i am feeling almost back to normal so i am hoping it never happens again! ever!
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