mri with or without contrast

[jpurple]

I was just wondering if they should be doing the MRI with or without contrast.  I am seeing a new doctor to see if he can help me at all and he did a MRI of spine with contrast.  My old neuro doesn't order contrast and he had ordered my last MRI earlier this year.  Should I have had contrast?  I have headaches, neck pain and numbness down the one whole side of my body from my face to my foot.

[selmaS]

  Hi...contrast helps light up some of the smaller areas for the NS to see just what is going on....a chiari specialist will usually do a MRI or 2 with contrast.

Some have gotten away from using contrast as some people were having reactions and u should be asked b4 ne contrast dye is used if u ever had a reaction.....

  As Jen mentioned it may be the dr,as not all will even do a CINE MRI, but from the Drs I spoke with always do them ...

  "selma"

[jenshead]

It probably depends on the doctor...not sure, but I've always had it done with contrast.  The MRI without contrast is still useful, but the added contrast must give a little more info.

[jpurple]

I should mention the MRI I had earlier this year was of my brain.  But I've been having mri's of brain and spine over the years, and never had contrast.