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I don't think you're going crazy... or at least no more than the rest of us already are.Originally Posted by meminikitty
Thanks for your great advice! An MRI? Is that like a head scan? I'll look it up...
An MRI is a huge machine that uses radio frequency to adjust magnetic fields to take internal scans. It allows tissue and bone to be imaged, unlike x-ray that just does bone or sometimes masses within the body. CT is similar but doesn't produce as high of quality imaging as MRIs do.
It's large and you go into a relatively small tube. When scanning your head and neck they brace your head and neck and will probably strap you in to prevent you from moving. You'll be given ear plugs - some provide headphones and let you listen to some music. You're also given a panic button if you have to make them stop and let you out.
The worse part of the MRI machines is that they are very loud and you have to stay still for a long time. Depending on what is being scanned you'll be in there for at least a half an hour and during this you absolutely cannot move.
The only other downside, if you're in the US, is the cost. Insurance companies can be picky about allowing them and some hospitals/clinics/open MRI type businesses want a certain percentage upfront. My local hospital wanted $750 for my DH's MRI to be done, despite our insurance. When I had it done I had it at a separate business that only did imaging, we paid nothing until after our insurance was billed. So your mother may need to shop around.