IV Contrast Dye

General
1

I am allergic to the contrast dye that is given before you have a MRI. The first amd last time I had it was in 2010. They gave me the dye and I was in the MRI machine. All of a sudden, I felt warm from head to toe, my skin started feeling like something wascrawling on it under my skin. The next thing I knew I was vomiting lying on back. They had to get me out and turn me to my side to keep me from choking to death.

So all of my MRIs have neen without contrast. I am wondering if the contrast makes a difference. If it does, is there anything that they could give me so I don't have a reaction. I see a new NS on October 15th, so having a reason to get new MRIs would be a plus...I think.

Take care,

Nykki

2

Nykki, there is a prophylactic routine for allergic people who need the contrast study. I’m guessing the MRI is for your brain? Not specifically for your veins or arteries? CSF shows up brighter on an MRI naturally and is highly visible -so unless the MRI is to see timing of your blood flow along side CSF flow it may not be a loss. Have you ever had a anaphylactic reaction to iodine before? Shrimp? Shellfish? You and your doc will have to decide if it’s worth it. Let us know what happens.

Jenn