Should I get a 2nd Opinion on my MRI

Posted by bellyflop33 @bellyflop33, Sep 20, 2022

Had an MRI yesterday. The results were a 12 mm focus of bright signal on the FLAIR and T2-weighted images at the anterior aspect of the left temporal lobe. Dr. suggested another MRI in 4 months. Not sure if I should wait another 4 months. Any thoughts and thank you in advance?

Symptoms/reasons for MRI include: short term memory issues getter worse over the last couple of years and headaches/dizziness/nausea and some vision issues over the last year. Headaches are daily now, and just feel like someone is squeezing my head. Similar to how I felt in 2003 when I had West Nile.

I do IT/programming so it is rather annoying to work.

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jenatsky | @jenatsky | Jan 1 7:48am

Many if not all radiology studies are read by AI and a radiologists eyes before a radiologists signs off on the report. The 4 month wait between MRI scans is to determine if there are any changes between scans. Unless your symptoms change drastically requiring immediate intervention I’d keep my 4 month appointment.

Joanne Narna | @mothermary1 | Jan 2 6:44am

Hi, I think a second option is fine and keep your 4 month appointment. You can take the disc to another specialist to look at. I never go by the “written report”. Many specialists do not as well. They want to view the disc themselves. I’ve done it before with pancreatic cysts. Anytime I’ve had an MRI I ask for two copies. One to bring with me to the doctor who ordered it and one for my records and that second opinion if I want one.
I’ve never had an issue getting two copies. It’s also nice to have one for your records at home. It’s easily downloaded at almost every doctor’s office. If you want that second opinion, get it.
Best of luck.