How common is it to have severe allergic reaction to the mri dye? what are the common symptoms?
August 29th, 2008 by admin
Choco asked:
I have food allergies, and chemical allergies. I need to have an mri scan with dye, ok to request scan with out dye, wise to go ahead with mri and risk having severe allergic reaction?
I have food allergies, and chemical allergies. I need to have an mri scan with dye, ok to request scan with out dye, wise to go ahead with mri and risk having severe allergic reaction?
- Posted in Allergies
September 1st, 2008 at 12:47 am
Most people have a bad reaction to MRI dye. Usually involving vomitting and diareha. The good news is it runs its course very quickly. The bad news is its like the worst flu you’ve ever had. Ask them if they can give you something else. I’ve heard they do have a type of dye that doesnt make you as sick but you have to ask for it
September 1st, 2008 at 5:14 am
the reaction you would have if you are allergic is the same as if you are allergic to shell fish. if you know you are allergic to shell fish do not under any circumstance have the test with this dye. if you don’t know if you are allergic to the dye find out before the test. you do not want to take a chance on this dye. it is not worth the risk.
September 1st, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I think the prior two answerers are confusing MRI contrast with CT contrast. They are completely different. Most people will experience a metallic taste in their mouth and a very warm hot, flushed feeling, upon injection of the contrast used for CT scanning. Some people will experience nausea, hives and, rarely, vomiting.
BUT, in over 10 years of MRI scanning, I have never seen a patient have an allergic reaction to Gadolinium, the contrast used in MRI scanning. There is no iodine used in Gad.
Can you have a MRI and refuse the Gadolinium? Sure you can. Are you sure that your scan requires this injection. Many types of MRIs are done without the contrast (knees, spines, shoulders for example).
Your best bet is to talk to your MRI technologist and even the radiologist, prior to your scan. They should be able to answer your questions and then you will have adequate information which to base your decision on….