Brand New Member-Is there a thread to compare and review MRI films/pics?

[StruckByLightning]

Hi- i'm a brand New Member-Is there a thread to compare and review just MRI films/pics? For example, like two side-by-side photos showing a normal view of the spinal cord next to one showing plaques or damage. Since my many doctors are having a hard time narrowing down my dx (hemidystonia etc. due to electrical shock from being struck by lightning)- for once i've decided i'd like to try to understand the many MRI films that i have had over the years. They send me home with the actual MRI or CT film copies as well as the CD, which i don't really understand what i am seeing, using "efilm" viewer on my computer. i just had a cervical spine MRI a few days ago. Sorry if this is a redundant post- just found this amazing site, but there's thousands of posts to search! :)

[bewolf]

Hi StruckByLightning,

Welcome to BrainTalk.

I hope you find what you want here there are many Knowledgeable people here.

I have looked but I don't think we have an actual forum just comparing MRI films/pics. Most people just seems to ask on the forum they mostly post in.

As you are asking about the spinal cord, may I suggest you try the Spinal Cord Injury (http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=250) Forum? There are some very friendly people there with lots of Knowhow that might be able to help.

Surprisingly there is a Lightning and Electric Shock (http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=173) Forum here , but it is not frequented often.

( Click on hi-lighted texts to get to the forums)

I hope you are able to find some people here to share your experiences,

Good luck

Bewolf.

[Merci1952]

Dear Struck... Regarding reviewing MRI films side by side, I can only say what help me. I put a "sticky note" by each MRI film shot that appeared to be the best of the series. You're looking for the film shot of the exact area where there appears to be a problem. Of course, you can't do it with the CD but note the number of the shot on the CD. Take the films, CD and info to any Black&White Photography Shop and ask them to make prints. You will be amazed how much clearer and easier viewing the 8x10 glossy photos are compared to the films. When you place them before medical personal, their reaction is amazing compared to just handing them films. You will also see the progression of deterioration before your eyes, although, not a good thing, but enlightening. You will also find that copies of the photos can be placed into your medical records, and even specialist and neurosurgeons appreciate the time saver when it comes to follow-up visits.

[StruckByLightning]

Thanks Merci and Bewolf- i'm still trying to figure out how to even "see" the anatomy on the films. i figured out which part is the spinal cord in a cross-section view- now i'm trying to understand the little circles within- maybe normal? They are like small circular solid circumferences within the center of the cord, whitish outlines around solid darker centers, like maybe i'm seeing the cross-section of vessels. i'm seeing neuro on Friday so hopefully he'll share the details. Shoulder Doc today said to try Lyrica for neuropathic pain in my joints and other places; apparently i had an above normal Rheumatoid factor lab result from two years ago that no one ever mentioned 'til today (grrr)...but maybe its just as well. So often they can't really help my situation, and i have to try to stay cool and i'm trying hard not to get in a bad mood about doctors in general...

[StruckByLightning]

Hi- replying to my own thread to close the loop. I saw this message from Bobbi to bernall about the same request about where to go to get info on MRI and CT pix:

"You'll likely receive more replies if you re-post your message at the Spinal Disorders forum:"

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/...play.php?f=251