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    What does an MRA Scan of Brain show?

    Posted by Ravi Sohal on Fri, Jul 10, 2009
      
      
      
      

    MRA brain scanMRA stands for Magnetic Resonance Angiography. It is an MRI technique that specifically evaluates vessels such as arteries. Brain MRAs evaluate the vessels of the brain to look for aneurysms, vascular malformations such as AVMs, narrowing and blockage of the vessels of the brain, among others. (Read about MRI scans and MRI scans of the brain.)

    Brain MRAs are typically ordered for many different symptoms to exclude an aneurysm or vascular malformation, or search for a source of bleed. They are also used during the evaluation of stroke to detect blockages and narrowing of the arteries that feed the brain. Below are a few common diagnoses that brain MRAs can pick up.

    Aneurysm - Aneurysms are ballooning of vessels that risk rupturing. If blood leaks from the aneurysm patients describe the headache as a thunderclap and sharp/shooting pains. Patients can also have stroke-like symptoms with weakness, slurred speech and confusion. MRAs can detect most aneurysms though if the aneurysm is small or has collapsed, it may not be identified by this study.

    AVM - AVM stands for arteriovenous malformation. This is essentially a nest of abnormal vessels which grows in the brain. The vessels of AVMs are like "varicose veins" with thin walls but are subjected to high pressure blood flow, so risk rupture, much like an aneurysm. They can also act like tumors in that if large enough they compress nearby brain tissue. AVMs can also form aneurysms in or near them. Patients will experience headaches, stroke-like symptoms or seizures.

    Stroke - Also known as a "brain attack", stroke refers to a blocked artery that deprives a part of the brain of blood (and therefore oxygen). This part of the brain loses it function and patients present with weakness, slurred speech, difficulty walking and on occasion, headaches. MRAs evaluate the extent of atherosclerosis and can detect any significant blockages.

    An MRA of the brain will evaluate:

    Internal Carotid Arteries

    The carotid vessels arise from the aorta in the chest and travel up the neck along both sides. The vessels splits in the neck with the "internal" segments feeding roughly the front 2/3 of brain tissue.

    Basilar Artery

    The basilar artery is made up by two vertebral arteries which arise from vessels in the chest and travel up along both sides of the neck near the spine. This vessel feeds the brain stem and approximately the back 1/3 of the brain.

    Circle of Willis

    This refers to the group of vessels that are at the base of the skull that feed the brain. These vessels are formed by branches of the internal carotids and the basilar artery. FYI brain MRA scans call also be called MRA COW (Circle of Willis).

    Brain matter

    The white and gray matter of the brain are partially seen. Parts of the pituitary gland, optic nerves and upper brain stem are also evaluated.

    Your Brain MRA Scan

    A brain MRA generally takes about 10 minutes or so to complete. If you are going for one, wear loose comfortable clothing and remember to remove all metal (jewelry, phones, rings, etc) before going into the MRI scan room.  This test is occasionally done with IV MRI contrast.

    If you're insured, you may need to have your test authorized (approved) by your insurance company first. If you're uninsured and need to look up prices and buy an MRA scan of the brain, you can use our website to look up MRA scan costs and then purchase with your credit card.

    Have you had a Brain MRA scan? What was it like? Please leave your comments below.

    Tags: , , , ,

    COMMENTS

    I have seen time for MRA procedure ranging from 10 minutes to 120 min. 
     
    Why the variability?

    posted @ Thursday, August 27, 2009 12:22 PM by Gary


    Gary, 
     
    Brain MRA's are generally only 10-20 minutes long. MRA's of other vessels such as the aorta or arteries in the leg can take much longer.

    posted @ Thursday, August 27, 2009 12:39 PM by Ravi Sohal


    I have a 2m aneurysm that was luckily discover in the summer of 2008. I get MRAs every six months to monitor it to see if it has grown. My doctor says that at the size it has been (2m), it causes no need for a coil or any other operation but if it grows we may have to rethink my options. My MRA takes about 30 minutes and I am glad I have BC/BS insurance so I just have a $100 co-pay.

    posted @ Saturday, August 29, 2009 7:29 PM by Regina Robinson


    How long is an MRA good for I always get headaches and had an MRA 7 years ago and a CT last year, how long are these tests good for? should i worry? I get headaches almost everyday.

    posted @ Tuesday, September 08, 2009 5:24 PM by CJL


    Is it possible to see, on a scan, what could be irritating a small area of nerves in the brain that are firing extraneously? This preceded the formation of cancer cells.

    posted @ Tuesday, September 22, 2009 10:08 AM by Sheila


    What sort of scan will show the nerves of the brain close enough to analyze?

    posted @ Tuesday, September 22, 2009 11:25 AM by Sheila


    Hi, I suffer from daily headaches, I think its stress but had an MRI and was called to go do an MRA because the dr. says they want to see my vascular arteries, she mentioned something like enamoli but couldn't find anything on it. She said not to freak it could be something I was born with and if not we will cross that road when we get there. I am very scared, any suggestions.

    posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 5:49 PM by Annie Perdomo


    I am having an MRA brain scan and an MRI tomorrow. I am a little nervous not knowing what to expect. My doc ordered the tests as a result of occasional sharp stabbing pains in my head and then an episode last week of an extremely terrible pain in my head... one of the worst pains (other than childbirth) that I have ever experienced. So, I am having some anxiety. Anyone out there share my symptoms?

    posted @ Monday, October 05, 2009 10:17 PM by Bonnie


    I am having a mra next week. They are trying to rule out a aneurysm. Although I am not so sure I have one. I had a bad episode about a month ago. Went to bed, put my arms up over my head while laying flat to push a window up,then got this unbeleivable loud noise in my head with some pain, and saw nothing but black . I then hyper ventilated due to how frightened I was. Went to the hospital. I immediatly started getting the dizzies and aloto pressure in my head. Here I am a month later, still dizzy and still off work, and scared. Any ideas of whatis wrong with me?

    posted @ Friday, October 09, 2009 1:11 PM by Jodi Beidleman


    Annie--I'm guessing your doctor was saying that they're looking for any "anomalies" which simply means differences--like vessels that are formed differently too narrow or ballooning out--both of which can cause problems. How did it go?

    posted @ Wednesday, October 28, 2009 12:27 PM by Lisa & Jesse Bushman


    Bonnie- I too am having the same symptoms and I am waiting for the final report on an MRA done after an initial MRI. My pain is VERY localized and frequent. Have you heard anything yet?

    posted @ Sunday, November 01, 2009 9:32 PM by Cheapmom


    Hi, I to suffer from terrible headaches and was accidently diagnosed with a 4mm periopthmalic anuerysm behind my right eye almost a year ago which they found on during a MRA. I had-had previous CT scans only a fews earlier missing it and an MRI 2days earlier also missing so THANK GOD for the MRA that found it. Because I too had suffered the in-describable headache along with this pain in the back of my head going down into my neck and shoulders accompanied by lightheadedness followed by vomiting then eventually I passed out where I was rushed to the closest ER. That was in June of 2008. The pressure I felt building inside my head an behind my right eye was nothing like I'd ever felt before or ever want to feel again. For the hospital to only discharge me after doing a CT scan of my brain had showed nothing abnormal(which months later I'd learned were very poor imagines) and that my bloodwork indicated I was anemic they then discharged me 6 hours later with a bloodcount of only 7 which at the time they NEVER told me and a diagnosis of MIGRANES???????? They Never bothered to due a lumbar punture to see if I was actively bleeding(which would explain the low bloodcount) which months later I learned I probably was. When my anuerysm was discovered and I told the doctors what had happened to me 5 months earlier.

    posted @ Wednesday, November 11, 2009 9:46 AM by Donna


    BONNIE AND CHEAPMOM!!!! 
     
     
     
    I'm not a doctor, but I have a similar problem it sounds like you two have. It went undiagnosed for years because of its rarity. I encourage both of you to look into a possible neuralgia- a nerve pain. Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common form, but there are others. I have glossopharyngeal neuralgia, which causes horrible pain in the left side of my face and mouth. See if you think the symptoms match up and then try and get an appt with a neurologist. 
     
    God bless you both!

    posted @ Thursday, November 12, 2009 11:27 AM by Katy


    I had an mra about 2 yrs ago. I called my doctor because I was having strange symptoms,I was sitting in car as a passenger holding a plate of food everything got cloudy,and all I could see was that cloud.Nothing else and little by little it went away.By the time I got to 8th block everything went back to normal.

    posted @ Saturday, November 21, 2009 8:35 PM by olga patterson


    hi i am going for an mra and a mri because i keep fainting and having seizures and i am very scared should i be scared ? thanks

    posted @ Monday, December 07, 2009 8:08 AM by lynn


    this is a awsome website you made!!

    posted @ Monday, December 28, 2009 2:33 PM by spencer


    thank-you for this site,even my neurosurgen has not explained this test so well(england; don't seem to have time) 
     
    and to the worried people..have reasurace, i have lived with large a coiling, and two anuerisms, for seven years now.  
     
    My question is; 
     
    Brief history, usually my two anurisms(proximal left A1/A2 junctional & base of coiling site) are monitored by angiogram, but a severe allergy to contrast dye(blindness and severe pain for up to three weeks,and once anaphelactic shock)has prompted them to instead give me an MRA this time (without contrast) 
     
    but are the images comparatively acurate enough with, mra to a contrast angiogram, to monitor tiny increases in size? 
     
    thanks.

    posted @ Wednesday, January 27, 2010 4:35 AM by pauline lesley jones


    im having an MRA Wednesday Feb 3 and im a nervious wreck.. my blood pressure is high and im dizzy as heck have been for months now.. they ordered a MRA brain without co they told me it would take 30 mins i hope not that long i hated my MRI it took forever any suggestions ty

    posted @ Monday, February 01, 2010 3:00 PM by carolyn


    I'm scheduled for an MRI and an MRA on Feb. 12 at Northwestern in Chicago. I suffer from migraines after I went through the change, but in August I had a horrible migraine (or i thought it was at that time), but when I went for my regular eye exam, the optomitrist freaked out because he saw a lot of bleeding behind the right eye. He immediately sent me to a retina guy who said it takes a while for this bleeding to go away. Okay, fast forward to October. Went back again to the retina guy, bleeding still there, did laser surgery in his office. January, 2010. Back to the retina guy, eye somewhat better, but still have bleeding. Had enough. Made appointment with my neurologist. I had my retina guy send her the test results and she immediately said that I've had a stroke. She ordered an immediate battery of blood work up and MRA & MRI. Nervous about the results will be. She did say she was going to look at the results immediately on Saturday and said that if I have to be hospitalized, I would have to come right back to the hospital. Now that made me nervous.

    posted @ Friday, February 12, 2010 10:30 AM by Sue


    Woke up 10 days ago with double-vision (Diplopia). CT scan at ER was negative. Left eye is most affected. No significant eye or head pain. Getting MRA COW later today. Neurologist suspects a ruptured blood vessel near optic muscles/nerves(form of stroke). I will report on the experience later today.

    posted @ Monday, February 22, 2010 10:09 AM by Rob


    Was also told it was a stroke from the retina guy in January, 2010. But he didn't do anything preventative. That's why I went to my neurologist. I haven't heard from her yet.

    posted @ Monday, February 22, 2010 11:32 AM by Sue


    Completed the MRA COW. Postings here and elsewhere indicated that it would only take 15 minutes, but I was in the Open MRI machine for nearly 50 minutes! Each 7 to 10 minute segment of scanning was followed by a short break where I could change position a little bit. Moving and streching between scans seemed to help. It would be easy to have an arm or leg 'go to sleep' without the movement. The tech said that many folks get claustraphobic and have to get out of the machine between scans. I found that if I just kept my eyes closed and focused on my breathing, I had no problem at all. Also, I had ear plugs so the noise (which is a common complaint) really wasn't bad. I'm used to using a variety of power tools and the sound wasn't too different from many types of electric saws and grinders. More of a pulsating vibrating sound than pounding hammers. A little self-discipline goes a long way! My neurologist should get the scans in a day or so.

    posted @ Monday, February 22, 2010 3:00 PM by Rob


    I'm having these same symptions and will have an MRA on Monday. Was very interested in the post by Jodi Beidleman on Friday, October 9, 2009, as I've had two episodes with hearing a loud noise in my head. Now a pressure feeling behind my left eye and upper cheek, and feeling dizzy and unstable. Best wishes to all of you.

    posted @ Friday, March 12, 2010 6:50 PM by Kaye


    Have head migraines and dizziness for 4 years, just got bad enough 2 months ago I had to go to the ER. Have not worked for 2 months now. I can't drive, I get extreme motion sickness, nausea, headaches, tinnitus, neck pain, ear pressure, and a bunch of other things. I've seen 4 doctors now, who all think its Bickerstaff Syndrome with Basilar Migraines. I've had a CT, clear, an MRI, clear, and just got back from and MRA of my neck and head, and will have the results next week. Hopefully will find out there is something wrong so I know what's wrong with me! Anyone have the same issues?

    posted @ Thursday, March 25, 2010 10:16 PM by Richard


    going to have an mra n mri 2morrw feel so anxious suffer frm severe migraines havent been able 2 wrk for almost 3 years depressing.... just hope they can find aever is mking me have these bad migraines n this excrusiating pain on neck n shoulders its like a burning sensation plus d pain mri's nor ct scans showed nothing but this must come from somewhere i say, if any1 feels like i do please let me no i feel so alone in this since doctors dnt seem 2 no were it comes frm, for almost a year i couldnt move my left arm they said it was like a stroke till this day tats wat i got frm them dnt no wat 2 do meds get me more sick than make me feel better lets c how this goes i will b bck 2 share hw it went ..... thanks 
     
     
     
    ruselen

    posted @ Monday, March 29, 2010 5:50 PM by ruselen


    It would be helpful if somewhere at this site you could post the Dangers of MRA's radiation, and the recommendations. thanks

    posted @ Wednesday, March 31, 2010 7:43 AM by Nick


    Thanks for this website. I am having the same sharp stabbing pains on the left side of my head. I went for a MRI and MRA Monday afternoon because my doctor suggested I see a Neurologist to try and figure out what is causing my daily headaches and blurred vision. By the way, the optometrist / opthomologist did not find anything other than needing a new prescription for glasses. I too am not able to function properly at work and am relieved to hear that I am not the only one. Please post back and share with us any findings from your doctors. God bless all of you!

    posted @ Wednesday, March 31, 2010 7:46 AM by K Riggle


    Hi Nick - MRI/MRA exams don't use radiation.

    posted @ Wednesday, March 31, 2010 10:39 AM by Ravi Sohal


    [Last post was 2/22. Here is my update.] MRA results were negative for aneurisms and other serious conditions. My diagnosis is Abducens Nerve Palsy (aka 'Sixth Nerve Palsy')causing temporary double vision. This condition is the result of a form of stroke, where the blood vessel that serves the 6th facial nerve was blocked affecting the nerve that controls the key muscles that keep the eyes moving in tandem. My left eye has limited motion and does not align with the right eye, although my actual vision in both eyes remains about the same. A second neurologist has confirmed the diagnosis. Prognosis: Complete recovery within about 8 to 12 weeks (possibly longer). I wear a patch over the affected eye that allows me to drive, work, and generally function well in any activity that does not require significant depth perception. I am now in my 7th week and the only noticeable change is that when I patch the good eye and use the affected eye, can now walk without significant dizziness. The diplopia (double vision) remains when I try to use both eyes together. As annoying and personally upsetting as this experience has been for me, it is certainly mild compared to the symptoms suffered by other posters to this blog. My prayers go out to all of you. May you be correctly diagnosed, free of pain, and fully healed soon.

    posted @ Wednesday, March 31, 2010 11:19 AM by Rob


    i am having mra this week because mri showed no significant change from 4 yrs ago stabbing pains on right side of head at times is like a gunshot going off.very quick and very stingy stabbing lasting sometimes 30 sec. to approx 3mins. any one know ?

    posted @ Wednesday, April 14, 2010 11:28 PM by DONNA


    i feel everyone's pain on here. Im having the same problem's just woke up one day with this. at time's my head has these sharp pain as well as in my neck. my head feel's like water is leaking at time's.one day i just felt like i was going to pass out and im always weak and dont want to do anything.i went to have a mra done and something is going on with my blood vessels in my head i go tomorrow to have blood work done> i just dont where its coming from im just so scared about what they are going to tell me. im keep everyone in my pray's

    posted @ Thursday, April 15, 2010 8:23 PM by shawneequa polnitz


    im going to have a mra scan and am only 9

    posted @ Tuesday, May 04, 2010 7:18 PM by janet


    I was diagnosed with a AV hemangioma in 2003 after having a serious grand mal seizure requiring hospitaliztion and a long recovery. It is where the frontal, temporal and parital lobes meet, deep in my white matter. All resources believe it is not operable due to the location, the benefit does not outweigh the risks. I have not had a MRA for at least 4 years and have recently increased my Keppra due to seizures and frequency increasing. I also have my heart beat in my right ear, non stop and the sound is loud, pulsating and very annoying. Does anyone else have such a thing?

    posted @ Tuesday, May 25, 2010 2:06 PM by Robbie


    Robbie, 
     
    If the heart beat sound is new you should bring this up to your doctor. This could mean that there has been a change in your AVM - more blood flow directly from the arteries to the vein. The vein that drains each side of the brain goes right past your eardrum area.

    posted @ Tuesday, May 25, 2010 7:25 PM by Ravi Sohal


    I have chronic daily headache for 5 years ,I have been taking myospaz forte daily for 5 yrs but leading Neuro surgeon told me get MRA Brain to dignos the real cause of CDH,I also have undergone Angioplasty 9 mths back ,Pls advise me what should do to treat CDH. I was advised to take Benadon / Folvite /Falicita OD / Tryptomer 1/2 night along with Clopilet 75 /MetXL 25/Ecosprin 75 becoz I also Higher BP last for 7 yrs.Pls advice.

    posted @ Friday, June 04, 2010 9:38 AM by Pradeep Jain


    Had an MRI 2 weeks ago and showed 2 small strokes. Neurologist is sending me for MRA day after tomorrow because I can not walk a straight line (heel to tow) I can walk OK though.

    posted @ Monday, June 21, 2010 12:24 PM by Steve Parmley


    Hi i have recently had what they suspect to be 4 strokes went straight back to normal after the first 3 but have remained very dizzy and memory loss after this last one, one professor thought it my be epilepsy. I recently had an MRI+MRA and have not received the results yet so i'm freaking. Was just wondering from the people that strokes have been seen on the MRI were they pointed out on the pictures or written in the report? 
     
    I have the pictures but not the report, really wish i knew what i was looking at. A response would be great

    posted @ Saturday, July 03, 2010 8:15 PM by nat


    Nat, 
     
    Most MRI images are not marked. The results are discussed in the report. Some Radiologists will refer to the specific image in the report (eg "series 3, image 10") to help the referring physician see the finding.

    posted @ Sunday, July 04, 2010 12:10 PM by Ravi Sohal


    what does it mean if the mra is abnormal due to absence of flow of the right A1 segment with perfusion of the right A2 segment via the anterior communicating artery with a slight decrease of perfusion of the right A2 segment when compared with the left

    posted @ Friday, July 09, 2010 7:08 PM by rita


    I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago with a pituitary adenoma. They drilled up thru my nose Aug. 2008 and removed 80% to relieve pressure from the optic nerves. The next March (2009) the tumor had grown back. They then did Gamma Knife surgery (radiation) on the tumor. The MRI in August showed the tumor was not growing or shrinking but had sists (fluid filled sacks) growing from it. I had noticed alot of pain on the sides of my neck, Dismissed it as stiff neck. They did another MRI in Oct. (no change) then another MRI in May 2010. The sists were growing again. The Neurosurgeon said there was also a problem with a major artery, so a follow up MRI and an MRA was done the first of this month showed no change in the sists or tumor and he will refer me to a vascular surgeon about the artery. I have had two episodes this month of severe pain (stiffness) in my neck. My head ears and jaw also hurt severely for days at a time. I had a heart attack last June and then angioplasty on that stent and another stent placed in my chest in January. I also have blockages in both legs, but because I'm on Plavix (for clots) they won't do by-passes untill after January. Is the pain in my neck caused from the recent MRA, or blockages, or anourysms? I don't know. Hormonal problems from the pituitary and thyroid glands are bad enough, now it is a pain in the neck with the hot flashes....Help

    posted @ Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:23 AM by Tom Whelchel


    i have had a mri /mra but no results yet i also have the striking pains in my neck its like a very painful cramp it all started in feb ,i got sick to my stomack diarehia i walk like im drunk ,very dizzy all the time now i have not heard from my neurologist about the mra the mri showed small strokes but they could be old because when i went to my doctor he even make the appt for me i did it so be your own advocate you know your body my problem began with a ear virus that was mistaken for infection , so now i have lost 75percent of my hearing i have been to nine doctors thanks to the fact nobody would send me to my neuroligist i made the appt i should know something soon i will let you knowe kiste

    posted @ Sunday, August 08, 2010 6:30 PM by elizabeth m kiste


    HI my headaches have been going on or a while. When I get them they last at least 3days. My head pounds and feels like it is going to burst. During the episode I am sesitive to light, smell, just about everything. I finally went to the ER about 2 months ago and was told I needed to see a neurologist. I had and MRI done and was told a spot was found on my brain and I needed to have an MRA done. I am really scared but I guess I finally want to know what is going on. Scared but hopeful 
     

    posted @ Friday, August 20, 2010 3:34 AM by


    I got news I got a sis on my Brain on Monday and tuesday mra I go for

    posted @ Friday, August 20, 2010 9:16 PM by Mindy


    Re: July 27th entry. 
     
    I was referred to Vascular Surgery, they did what they call a carotid doppler test. Its ultrasound. I was told one of the 4 arteries going to my brain is clogged, there is nothing they can do. But not to worry, there are many people walking around out there with only one artery supplying the brain. They also told me the pain in the sides of my neck has nothing to do with it. They are scheduling an X-Ray for that. I am to continue taking Plavix and an aspirin daily. I am also taking black strap mollasses daily for the tumor, per earthclinic.com....Hang in there ya'll, its amazing what modern medicine and prayer can do..Take care, Tom

    posted @ Sunday, August 22, 2010 8:51 PM by Tom Whelchel


    After reading most of the postings I feel scared but also reassured. I have suffered from 2 severve headaches the first lasted for 6 days on the 4th day I went to ER because as I was getting ready for church I kept dropping items Like the hair brush and my phone items not normally the type of items that would easily drop. So anyways they did a CT and of course normal. I've had another one this past weekend and both times on the right side and my vision is affected. My vision In my right eye is still not right and I also have the pain in the neck, I'm so fatigued, along with dizziness at times, nausea, last but not least i got out of bed and hit the floor like my legs just couldn't support me which happened with the last headache! So went to the doctor and they took 6 vials of blood and I go for my MRI and MRA with and without contrast. Which is what I wanted to ask those of you who have already gone through this, did you gve the test with contrast? Just ready for some answers!!!!!!!

    posted @ Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:33 PM by Sherry


    To Richard, 
     
     
     
    I know it's been 5 months since you had your post but I hope you can still read this. I feel almost all of what you have mentioned. I've migraine and tinnitus and ear pressure is bothering me a lot. I hope you share the result of your MRA and what happened. What is the diagnosis? I'll have my MRA tomorrow. Thanks. 
     

    posted @ Friday, August 27, 2010 3:17 PM by Herma


    I saw the neurologist for memory loss. They did a MRI and said I had a stroke. I am 72. Now I will have a MRA. What can I expect of learn?

    posted @ Thursday, September 02, 2010 6:33 PM by Marilynn


    Marilynn, 
     
    The MRA will evaluate the vessels of your brain and detect any significant blockages which lead to your stroke.

    posted @ Friday, September 03, 2010 4:14 AM by Ravi Sohal


    Richard and Herma  
     
     
     
    I have been recently suffering from the same symptoms, head pain, and ear pressure along with eye pain, dizziness, slightly slurred speech and weakness.  
     
     
     
    I have spent a couple days in ER and they have ran CT's and Lumbar Punctures, and now have me scheduled for a MRA on Sept 21st. I am hoping they figure out what is causing the pain soon. Have either of you two had any luck in your diagnosis or treatment?

    posted @ Saturday, September 11, 2010 2:15 PM by Amy


    I have been having severe stabbing pains on my left side of head, I also have some kind onf "noise" going on in my ears, Neuro set me for mri/mra for this thurs. but was wondering if any of you on here have had the same symptoms??? its been going now for 6 weeks, the noise in my ears is worse than the pain in my head, weird?

    posted @ Monday, September 13, 2010 3:26 PM by Donna


    I have been feeling pressure in my head for a few months - at first my primary doc thought it was sinus problems - my BP was high - approx 155 / 100 and I am a healthy 8 yo male - i work out every other day and do cardio - I went to a Ear nose and throat specialist and that came back as fine so I went for a CAT scan of the sinus and nothing that was fine - since then I have had an MRI ,MRA and most recent an MRV the MRI did show a small meganitis between the scalp and brain and the MRA showed that there is in fact flow pressure issues being slowed because of this and now I have to see a tuomor specialist this week and I am nervous - I want this contact head pressure to go away and I am hoping that they can do something !!!! any help , ideas , experiences , feedback ??? thanks

    posted @ Sunday, September 26, 2010 5:30 PM by jim


    My Chiropractor who I've been seeing for years for headaches, wants me to have an MRA done. I quit smoking in March and my headaches have gotten significantly worse since then, and the chiropractic adjusments always used to work for me... but not anymore... migraine meds don't work... ibuprofen, aleve, tylenol, excederin... nothing! the only thing that has eased the pain is Vicodin. A constant headache, occasional sharp shooting pains, and I also feel like I have a tight blood pressure cuff around my neck making my head throb and occassional extreme head rushes.

    posted @ Tuesday, September 28, 2010 10:41 AM by Samantha


    I posted a blog already but as an update I called my family Dr and my neurologist to see if they would order an MRA as kindly suggested by my Chiropractor, Neurologist said that an MRA is not used for Migraines. My family doctor said I need to discontinue ALL pain meds for at least 2 weeks because they think they are "rebound headaches" and taking them actually makes the headaches worse. I should know by the end of the 2 weeks if this is true...

    posted @ Thursday, September 30, 2010 5:43 AM by Samantha


    I've recently been diagnosed with Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsy. I noticed a blogger above named Rob who was diagnosed back in July. If you see this blog, I would like to know if the diplopia has abated yet. I had MRA, MRI, blood tests and all were negative. Idiopathic. I'm in my third week of diplopia. Manageable, but awfully annoying. If anyone accessing this blog is concerned or anxious about the MRA/MRI, fear not. I'm 6'3" and 230 lbs. and I didn't feel any anxiety during procedure. If you're afraid, just ask your physician for an Rx for Xanax. Take one 30 min prior to test. It'll really calm you down and relax you. You're already anxious about a health concern, so why suffer more? Best wishes and prayers to all.....Will

    posted @ Friday, October 15, 2010 7:50 PM by Will


    Diagnosed with 6th nerve palsy. Had 5 MRI's. Rob, what happened to you? Will, what's happening with you? I'm going on 4 weeks and nothing great is happening. On Monday, I'll be going to a neuro-opthomologist. I'll see what he says. It's very uncomfortable Hope there will be a light at the end of the rainbow. Joan

    posted @ Wednesday, October 20, 2010 4:01 PM by Joan Wax


    Joan: Four weeks for me too with the Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsy. Started with optometrist, then family practice doctor, then neurologist, then opthamalagist. All head and brain scans resulted in no abnormalities (tumor, stoke, vascular issues - thank God). Who knows how long the diplopia will last. I was fitted for glasses with prisms and they do correct the double vision, but the prism on the affected eye (right)creates sort of cloudy, annoying vision. I'm driving now and getting by with an eye-patch, sun and reading glasses with right side occluded. Sigh! Sure is annoying. Doctors just don't know what caused this. Let me know how you're doing. Why five MRI'S? Try to be patient ....Will

    posted @ Saturday, October 23, 2010 8:33 PM by Will


    Hi Will 
     
    I've posted comments but I don't see any. Today is 6 weeks. The 6th nerve palsy is a little better. It's difficult. I'm not driving yet and still depend on others. The doctors say it will go away by itself. I wonder? How are you doing and everyone else who made comments?

    posted @ Sunday, November 07, 2010 7:34 AM by Joan Wax


    Joan: I'm doing much better. It's been almost seven weeks since onset. My straight ahead vision is back to normal, but I still have diplopia when I look to the right or when I look over my right shoulder, but even that is improving a bit. I can read, drive, jog and work now without an eye patch or occluding the right eye of reading glasses or sunglasses. Have a follow-up appointment with neuro this morning. Try to be patient. It may take some time, but I think all will be well. What did the neuro-opthomologist have to say?

    posted @ Monday, November 08, 2010 11:06 AM by Will


    Hi Will I'm so glad you're getting better. My optha-neurologist said it might take 4 months. I know I must have patience but it is quite difficult. My eyes are about 30% better than they were at the beginning, but things are still blurry. Wearing the patch makes things a little lopsided. It's uncomfortable. Hopefully things will turn out okay. Eyes are a prized possession. Thanks for logging in. Joan

    posted @ Wednesday, November 10, 2010 4:56 PM by joan wax


    My mom recently died from a brain anyeurysm. On a recent visit to my primary care physician he recommended I see a neurologist due to family history of anyeurysm and the fact that I have headaches. I had a neurological exam done which was normal and had a MRA done just for precaution. Today I found out that they detected an abnormality on it and they said something about the pituitary gland. They also said it is probably nothing. Now I have to go get an MRI next Monday. I'm very scared. What could it be?

    posted @ Tuesday, November 16, 2010 2:30 PM by Leiah


    Hi,my mother has been dizzy since 10/10/10. she asy she does not have a headache but she does have some ringing in her ears from time to time. she had a stroke three years ago that effect her kidney now she is on dialysis, the primary dr sent her to to have a ct of the head and a doppler, she had a mri/mra today. The ct showed nothing but the doppler show shw a cerbullar atrophy that the dr never explained to us , but he said it was ok to to. so now we are waiting patiently for the results of mri/mra. i feel so sorry for my mother she dizzy everyday she does not go out in more because everyone think she drunk she cannot walk to the bathroom without holding wall. please help us try and get my mother life back, being on dialysis is tough enough but not being able to keep your balance is hard. its being blind to my mother i have to lead her around .What could it be? HELP

    posted @ Monday, November 22, 2010 7:16 PM by mary smith


    Good site. I have terrible headache & neck pain for few months. It feels like a liquid is running in the middle & top of my head. The pain starts in the neck. I also had alot of pressure on my left eye & ringing in the ears. I saw th eye dr nothing, everything was negative. I am having an MRA & will see the neurologist again to get an EEG done.

    posted @ Thursday, November 25, 2010 3:46 AM by Solymar


    I was diagnosed with a stroke three weeks ago although after two CT scans and MRI scan they could not find anything, they said the results were clear. The left side of my body was affected, leaving me with difficulty walking, short term memory loss and extreme fatigue. I am to have a repeat MRI scan done butas yet have not had an appointment set for this. I am confused as to why my scan results all came back clear, yet i have been diagnosed with having a stroke and left with unpleasant symptoms afterward. If the results are clear then how could this be a stroke i have had? Why is nothing showing up in my scans and why do i need a repeat scan?

    posted @ Sunday, December 26, 2010 3:59 AM by Alison Grant


    Just had an MRI and MRA done because of persistent pain starting from the back of my neck to the back of my head to my left eye. Have had it every day for about two months. I had the MRi don at Cedar's Mark Taper- don't have it done there- my doctor did not receive it yesterday (mon), and I had it done on Wed. THey were pretty miffed about this, and said this is not uncommon for Taper to pull this kind of crap (my words not theirs) I am still waiting for the results. I have a blood clot in my leg that I had since Dec of '08, and am on blood thinners, so I am limited to what I can take for pain killers. Right now I am inreally bad pain and do nothing but lie down all day.

    posted @ Tuesday, January 04, 2011 9:05 AM by Debra Girard


    Hello I've been suffering from headaches and dizzy spells. I had some test done they came back that I have a block vein on my neck or decade. Is a scary thought not knowing what's wrong with you. But I'm scheduled for a MRA on Thursday hopefully they can tell me more and if they can unclogge it or will I have to take medicine for the rest of my life.

    posted @ Tuesday, January 25, 2011 4:33 PM by Maria


    Hi Maria, 
     
    I had the same procedures because of a pituitary adenoma, they do an Mri every 6 mos. Recently they sent me for an MRA because of concern with a brain artery. After the MRA confirmed the problem, I was sent for a carotid doppler (ultrasound) and referred to Vascular surgeon. He told me it was a clogged artery, nothing they can do. But because I'm taking Plavix for a recent heart attack, to continue with the Plavix (anti-clotter). He assured me there are 4 arteries going to the brain and there are people out there with only one that is not clogged...so no matter how bad we have it, someone always has it worse. Good luck and keep us informed. Prayers are with you, Tom

    posted @ Wednesday, January 26, 2011 10:15 AM by Tom Whelchl


    when i sleep i am awaken by a blunt strike in my head, always the same place.upper right side just above the hairline....the pain is startling but last only a few seconds....my neurology said "headaches", its not a head ache lasting only a few seconds...she does not know what it is, or what causes it? last night for the first time my finger tips felt they had hit electricty, only for a few seconds, all this wakes me up and is very scary, ANY CLUES?????BEEN GOING ON FOR 8-9 MONTHS WITH THE HEAD...

    posted @ Wednesday, February 02, 2011 6:04 PM by lena harmond


    i to have heart beats in my ears or pulse beats i asked my phy,he just stared at me ,i have had small strokes which showed up onthe mra i also had a mri ,i have hardening of the arteries ,no talk of what can be done,i walk like im drunk so my phy sent me to therapy to no avail,ive decided to be my own advocate,i am not any better no cure i guess but i wont give up .elizabeth

    posted @ Wednesday, March 09, 2011 9:03 PM by elizabeth


    Cerebral aneurysm 2004 coil embolism /also a stent placed in the brain 2006. Doing fine really blessed every day. Recently my neurologist requested MRA. An MRI was questionable with my titanium stent. MRA uses magnetic devices too perplexed

    posted @ Friday, March 11, 2011 4:25 PM by Lafonda


    I sat and read every blog. it made me cry partly with relief that im not alone. I am waiting my tests to establish what is happening, i get pins & needles in my limbs and back, the immense pain in my head and neck, dizziness, walk like i am drunk, pain in limbs and occaisional paralysis, tiredness and incontinence. i think ill find the tests a doddle.  
     
    thinking of you all, god bless.

    posted @ Sunday, March 13, 2011 4:13 PM by Rach


    I am going for a MRI/MRA on march 15 
    my symtoms are severe headaches on the left side only, severe pain in the left side of my neck,and also behind my left eye feels like it is going to pop out of its socket.. and if I turn my head to fast I feel like I am going to pass out

    posted @ Friday, March 18, 2011 9:55 PM by Jesse


    lena harmond  
     
     
     
    My message is for you. 
     
     
     
    I had a MRI and MRA scan done 26th March 2011 which i found worse than having 8 attempts of a lumbar puncture, which for me was painful cos the doctor hit the siatic nerve. 
     
     
     
    But i have been having same symptoms as you, although alittle worse i think, and i have been diagnosed with mini-strokes, i am now having tests done urgently. 
     
     
     
    I find out on Tuesday what the results of the MRI and MRA scan were i had a MRI scan done 4 weeks ago, which shown up 7 white spots.  
     
     
     
    I hope you get a 2nd opinion and go have some other tests done, they are all quite horrible tests, none are particulary nice to have done. 
     
     
     
    Thank you for this site, i only wish i had found it the night before the tests, and not the night after the tests, also someone mentioned above, but the UK websites do not give the UK patients enough information on why a MRA scan is performed. 
     
     
     
    Thank you!

    posted @ Saturday, March 26, 2011 7:50 PM by Helen


    I HAVE BEEN HAVING PAINS IN THE TOP OF MY HEAD LIKE SHOOTING ELECTRICITY IT IS ALWAYS IN THREES ONE TWO THREE PAINS THAT ARE INTENCE. I HAD A MRI AND MRA FRIDAY. WAITING FOR DR TO CALL BACK RESULTS. HAS ANYONE HAD THIS WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME?

    posted @ Tuesday, April 05, 2011 12:33 AM by LINDA


    persistent headache for 7 weeks now. the first week it put me out cold but has become more tolerable since then. the pain does go away when I lay down but starts when I get back up again. often times, it feels like a lot of pressure, almost like I am underwater. MRI was clear so now they did and MRA. Anyone with symptoms like these? Also, this past week, I have experienced slight numbness in fingers, change of taste and red bumps on chest. I think that may be a side effect of Topamax but not sure.

    posted @ Saturday, April 16, 2011 10:28 PM by Joe


    I have experienced one week of pain to the right back side and top of my head. The pain is constant with occasional bursts of pins and needles/ burning sensations. Analgesia does not work and makes me nauseaus/lethargic. My BP is slightly elevated. I have visited my doctor several times and the ER once. Non contrast CT and bloods are normal. I am having a MRI/MRA on Monday. I am very stressed that the pain has not resolved and fear that something terrible is going on. Any one else have a similar experience?

    posted @ Thursday, April 28, 2011 4:26 AM by Corina


    I have been battling migraines since August of last year. I am 15 years old and I am often in and out of school. I have been misdiagnosed and seen by many doctors I don't even know what I might have anymore. I have taken topamax and the side effects were horrible. I couldn't concentrate on anything and I was slowly loosing my memory. The medication I am on now is amitreptyline and it isn't working. Nothing has been. I asked my doctor if there was any other tests I could have to make sure that basilar artery migraines was what I had. The only other test I have to take is this MRA. I'm so nervous for it because nothing is working for me, and doctors are telling me they know what they are doing when they have no idea.

    posted @ Monday, May 02, 2011 11:50 PM by Jackie


    hi my daughter who is only 8 years old has been getting severe headaches for the last 8 weeks she goes very dizzy and sees colours she cant function properly when she gets these she just lies down and does nothing movement makes them worse she had a ct scan and it came back that the basilar artery appered denser for a child of this age she is now booked in for an mri brain and mra brain im very concerned as nothing has been explained to us as to what it could be if anyone has any information i would be very gratefull got to wait 2 and a half weeks before she has the scans

    posted @ Tuesday, June 21, 2011 4:16 AM by kerry


    I have been getting a burning pain and just a pain in the top of my head and my right eye has been gsetting blood shot. scheduled for a mri and mra next friday. ct scan showed everything normal.

    posted @ Thursday, July 14, 2011 4:13 PM by


    I have been having headaches for the past 5 months. Not always horrible but constant so my doctor scheduled me for an MRI. They called me with the results and told me that I had some abnormalities and I needed to go see a neurologist and that was it. I am not sure what to think about all of this I have an appointment set for Friday. Any ideas on what they mean by abnormalities?

    posted @ Monday, July 18, 2011 12:52 PM by Brittany


    hello iam peggy and i feel out in jun i dont know how long and since i been haveing headaches only on the left side of my head above the temple toward the back 3 weeks ago i was justing siting on my sofa and blacked out for 20 min i dont remember much its like that part of my life is gone i was takken to the hospital i had a mri and cat scan and blood work the cat scan showed a anurisms that dr said was a size like a quater when i get these headache my left side of my face goes numb and my left arm and leg like a sack of concret and my left eye feel pruser when the pain ease all feeling come back .iam very scared to drive incase it happen again i still have headaches every day

    posted @ Friday, July 22, 2011 11:55 AM by peggy roy


    I have been having complex migraines for 16 years and am on several daily medications that have been working until recently, (probably due to my age, 46). Last week I had 2 instances in which I got lost within 2 miles of my home. My blood work came back with high homocysteine levels and I have a MRA/EEG scheduled for next week. (I had an irregular EEG in 2005). Any thoughts? I'm going crazy trying to figure this out. In the mean time, my Nuerologist ordered B12 shots.?

    posted @ Friday, August 19, 2011 6:28 PM by Aimee


    I have been off work since June 1st with balance problems,trouble making my legs move,back pain,arm tremors,had sev. MRI's and CAT scans and nothing shows, had a balance test and ENT thought I had a ear virus and am now doing PT to train my brain for the balance problem. Now my primary doctor is doing another brain MRI and MRA to rule out MS and ALS.PT isn't helping much,I feel something is bad wrong,would just like to know what it is.I am 63 and put in for SS benefits because I'm too dizzy to drive.Will probably be going to KU to see if they can help me. Does anyone have any ideas?

    posted @ Thursday, September 08, 2011 9:54 PM by Tom Mackey


    Ive read all the above posts, I have had problems for years, but have several other issues that factor in and make diagnosis's harder to make. 
     
    First, a congenatial fusion of the C1-C3, some arthritis in the C-4, C-5, and herniated disks at C6, C7, add to that a history of motion sickenss since childhood, TMJ, recently discovered an AVM, also appears from birth, Ive had headaches on and off for the past 2-3 yrs, with bouts of horrible headaches, nausea, excessive vomiting, dizzy, etc...that put me in the hospital for 4 days twice now in the last year. I also have high blood pressure, and some heart related issues. Because of the condition of the neck, I am in constant pain with that, this year I have finally went through the shots (through between the shoulders) and also facet joint injections to the neck 3 on each side. That all seemed to give relief, however not for long. Injections into the opt. nerve at the base of the skull also have been done twice, some relief, but didnt last. I have had MRI's CAT scans the CAT showed nothing abmormal other than the AVMs found in an earlier MRI, I am scheduled for a MRA this week to see if the problem might be vascular related, hopeing to find out the problem and hope there is a solution, daily headaches, dizzyness is no way to live...Good luck to all the rest of you as you search for your answers and solutions.....

    posted @ Monday, October 31, 2011 5:21 PM by jolyn


    Hello 
     
    This message is intended for 
     
    Joe who posted on april 16,2011 
     
    I have exact same headache as you except the pain gets so bad that it makes me puke. I can't ride in a car because i will puke. Have been in ER 3 times in 2 wks. Lumbar puncture was neg, ct scan negative. Referred to neurologist and am getting scheduled for MRI/MRA. I am a little worried and didn't know what your mri and mra showed? 
     
    Tony

    posted @ Tuesday, November 15, 2011 5:08 PM by Tony


    How did my MRA show I had a 9mm blockage that led to my ischemic stroke 9 hours AFTER I had the stroke and my symptoms were all gone?

    posted @ Thursday, December 08, 2011 2:37 PM by Peg


    On Aug 1 of this yr I got out of bed & made coffee as usual. I passed out cold on kitchen floor & was taken to ER. That hospital did a brain scan & was not equiped to handle my problem, bleeding aneurysm. I was taken to another hospital & was in coma like state for several hrs. Family was told I had a 5% chance of surviving 24 hrs. I finally was seen by a team of neurologists & family told they could coil the aneursym but after effects could be paralysis or I could become a "vegetable". Decision was made to have coiling done. Spent 2 wks in hospital & then sent to rehab for another 2 wks. Came home & had PT at home for 3 wks & then PT outpatient for another 2 mths. I am having another mra done shortly because I have another aneursym that drs want to see if it has changed. I worked very hard at PT & am now back to doing everything I did before that episode, including driving. My father died from an aneursym at 39. I did not know this could be inherited but as I now know my 3 children have each had an mra & have been cleared. I have been told this will not skip a generation so grandkids do not need to be tested. I am hoping the next test will prove negative & I can continue living a normal life. Good luck to all of you.

    posted @ Sunday, December 11, 2011 7:51 AM by Norma


    Severe headache on my right side on 12/19,with dizziness, sorta falling to the left when I walked.  
     
    Went to ER the CT scan looked fine, ordereda MRI/MRA with contrast and had that done yesterday, waiting on results. 
     
    After this severe headache on Monday, my head feels sore and when I try to bend over it really hurts bad. I still feel dizzy and as though I am in "slow motion" all of the time.  
     
    I have been off of work Tues, Wed, Thurs, but came into work today (Friday) because I just feel guilty missing work BUT soo worried as to what is going on.

    posted @ Friday, December 23, 2011 8:41 AM by Tiffany


    A much higher percentage of Brain MRA's are done without the use of IV contrast, but there are a few opportunities where the use of IV contrast is necessary for Brain MRA's depending on the patient sypmtoms. Also, in answer to first question on the list; often, the longer the sequence running the MRA, the higher the resolution of the images and the more volume is covered, so be patient, and try to hold still for your benefit.

    posted @ Sunday, January 29, 2012 8:01 PM by Catherine Leyen


    How does an MRI show you had a blood clot 9 hours after all your stroke symptoms are gone. I had a 9mm blot that caused a small stroke. They did an MRI 9 hours after the stroke and all my symptoms were gone. How did the MRI show a clot if my symptoms were all gone?

    posted @ Monday, January 30, 2012 7:25 AM by Meg


    Hello. Mu symtoms... I had 2 "TIAs", one just this past october and one 3 years ago. I have really bad memory, and the tia's affected the left and then the right side of my body. I am left with a stutter when i get upset. I have extreme pain in the palm of my hand that radiates up to my armpit then down my left side. I get the "underwater" typr hearing sometimes whem people talk to me and i cant make out what they are saying. this passes after a while but comes back. i had an MRA/MRI done today and I am anxiously awaiting the results. As with many of you, the pain is unbearable and no pain meds i have been given work. I dont have the headaches, but there is pressure constant in my head. I also see little white lights from time to time...

    posted @ Monday, January 30, 2012 9:28 PM by D. Baker


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