“What test may be available?”
I have had 2 back surgeries; the first was a fusion of L3 through S1 and a fusion o L1 and L2 to the prior fusion. I have been suffering from sciatica and another pinched disc, it began approximately 3 months after the last surgery, which was in June of 2021. I have seen a couple of neurologists who have ordered an MRI and another type of MRI for people who are unable to undergo the standard one. However, I am unable to have either test because of the excruciating pain laying on my stomach and back causes me. Is there another test that can be performed in substitution of these.
Female | 52 years old
Complaint duration: 60 days/ 2 months// 1 year
Medications: Gabapentin
Conditions: Degenerative disc disease, rheumatory arthritis, fibromyalgia,
2 Answers
Yes. “Stand-up” mri where you are sitting is an option. Also CT myelogram can be performed. It is much much faster than an mri so you only have to lie down for 10minutes
A myelogram may be able to be tolerated, and possibly a post myelogram CT. While you will still need to lie down for a while, the CT is much faster to obtain than an MRI..... The CT has an advantage to see if the prior 'fusion' actually took. (while the MRI is actually better for soft tissues, like nerves.... since you can't tolerate this, a CT/myelgram may be the better option.)
Some areas can put patients under anesthesia for imaging, but this is not very common.
Some areas can put patients under anesthesia for imaging, but this is not very common.
