United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hello All, I was wondering if any of you have heard of MRI neurography (www.neurography.com) or if anyone has had this test? I am scheduled for it Dec 7th at the neurography institute in L.A. I suffered some type of BP injury during surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear in 99. Still not sure where the problem is and I insisted on this test as I am still having horrible pain and atrophy. I hope it can tell where the problem is, maybe then we can fix it. Just curious for your input!

Hello,

No, I have not heard of this test before. It looks very interesting. I would think if you have it available to you that it would be wise to have it done. Anything that could possibly help is worth it. Please keep us posted on how things go with the test. I would be curious as to the outcome and the actual procedure.

Thanks,
Joy

Hi Joy& Joy

I was wondering is this different then the traditional MRI... or is it just in the way it is read?
Please keep us posted
Kath

Hi, Kath. I'd never heard of this test before, but here's some info. that I read on the site which I think will answer your question (it seems like a combination of the high quality of the MR machine and the expertise of the technician):

"Firstly, this type of imaging test is very demanding for the Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner machine and only a small fraction of all the MRI machines in use in various hospitals are the top performance machines needed for these studies.

Secondly, most radiologists (the doctors who prescribe and read X-rays and MRIs) have no training and no experience with nerve images. This is an important limitation since nerve images are far more difficult to obtain correctly than normal MRIs and since everyone wants an experienced doctor to interpret their medical image tests."

...

"Because of the special limitations on the MR equipment involved there are still very few sites where you can go although the number of locations is growing steadily. Currently, these studies are offered only in Southern California, in Seattle, Washington, in Salt Lake City, Utah and in London, England. Additional locations in the East Coast and Mid West of the US will be available in the near future."

Hi, Joy. Thank you for posting this site. It sounds very interesting. I've never heard of the test and will be interested in hearing your experience if you'd like to share it. Thanks. Also, you might try posting on the general board too. Perhaps a parent might have had this test done on their child. I didn't notice if there was recommended age for the test. -Tina (Nicole's Mom)

Tina
Thanks for explaining it... that explains why the mri radiologist was so vauge when I asked why he did not read for the bpi......

I was under the impression while I was on the table so long that is what they were doing...so I was disappointed when they did not have some one who could really read for this..... I had the open mri....

But it's its not really and open feeling....hated it...
Kath

Hi again and thanks for responding. I actually found out about this test by web surfing, my physicians didn't even know what it was. I am very eager to have it done and when I do I will be sure to let you know what it entails, and what they find. Has everyone had a chance to look at the website? There is alot of good information there too regarding it.

I had an 'ordinary' MRI years ago when I was first injured...I have to admit it was one of the worst experiences of my life, as I am claustraphobic; 25 minutes stuck it that thing nearly sent me nuts, and after it was over, the results from it turned out to be pretty much useless, as no-one at the time knew how to interpret them regarding nerve damage. Now I know why...
However, it won't stop me having another scan using this newer more accurate technology..now the trick is, trying to persuade the relevant Drs. and medics here in the UK, that I need one! ;0) I will try and see how far I get...

Liz x

Hi
I have been searching the net to find more info re neurography tests also. I live in Hull England and have had two ordinary MRI scans. I have had a problem in my shoulder for over 3 years and am convinced it has something to do with a nerve. How did your test go? How did you organise the scan? I seem to be banging my head against the wall with the GPs in Hull. I phoned the MRI dept in Hull and the radiologist had never heard of MR Neurography tests! Please get back to me as I would very much appreciate gaining some more knowledge on this subject. Thanks

Something these clinics don't tend to mention about Open MRI is often these machines have less resolution than standard MRI machines, so it is even harder to see things like nerves/etc.

Kate