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TMJ MRI

Posted , 2 users are following.

TheRoyalGeek
TheRoyalGeek

I have had a TMJ MRI done and I wanted to know if they scan the whole head or just the jaw? I'm assuming the whole head since you're in a machine. Do they look at the whole head as well or just the jaw? My doctor got my results and I go to see him in a few days. 

0 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • mo-jas
    mo-jas TheRoyalGeek

    Posted

    hi rq

    i can't swear to it but i think you'll find they'll only have been imaging your tmj (or tm joints if they're doing both).

    i saw your earlier post asking much the same question - i think your concern in that one (though you don't repeat it here) was the possibility you may have a tumour ..i think you may have been worried about something else as well and if i remember correctly were hoping these might be picked up too.

    only my unqualified opinion but i suspect the answer's probably 'no', inasmuch as the thing is 'focused' on the joint ..also the things you were worrying about are wholly different departments so a maxillo-facial consultant reading your scan simply wouldn't be the person to spot something else going on.  i believe that you would have to go to oncology or neuro if you feared other conditions.  i guess this isn't a question you raised with the folk who conducted the mri you had.

    there's a useful 'advanced imaging info' page packed with faq's - not hard to find if you google "is a tmj mri taken of whole head".. the same term brings up other useful pages as options, too.

    having had several mri's and ct scans i can imagine you must be worrying about what the doc's going to say - can i just wish you well with the tmj - i had mine totally replaced just a few months ago and it was the best move in 30 years of misery from it!

    stay focused on your immediate issue but put your other concerns to your medical people - they should be the ones to answer your questions and allay misgivings.  all i can offer is personal experience and if your tmj thing rumbles on, words of encouragement from someone who has 'been there'.

    i'll pop that web address in a private message for you rather than post it here - it's only a start but a good one.

    do keep us posted as to how things unfold - plenty of people here will identify with your issues.  i'm in uk so probably procedures differ but i imagine the end results are much the same.

    good luck!

    • mo-jas
      mo-jas TheRoyalGeek

      Posted

      hello again rq..

      sorry about getting your other worries mixed up there - afraid i have a pretty shoddy memory since the accident that caused all my head damage!  :o(

      i'd still urge you to press your physician for further action if you're not satisfied with what you're being told (or not told).

      i remember how it can feel very much as though you're alone and up against the impossible when you're left having to try figure what the questions you should be asking of them are!    i'm sure some u.s. doctors can be as unhelpful as some of ours in the u.k.!   ..i just hope you have a good one in whom you have confidence.

      again, my thoughts are with you.. keep posting.   

  • pam_87693
    pam_87693 TheRoyalGeek

    Posted

    The machine will almost certainly scan the whole head if that was what your specialist ordered. The TMJ problems are not just relating to the joint they relate to the nerves and blood vessels too. Obviously I am not a doctor or a radiologist but as the TMJ problems are both functional and in several related diseases I suspect he will have asked for an MRI of the whole head. I had an MRI recently for an ear problem and assume it would cover the whole head. 
    • TheRoyalGeek
      TheRoyalGeek pam_87693

      Posted

      Thanks, I'm not too sure what my doctor requested. I just know I had a regular x-ray which showed TMJ but he said if I wanted it investigated further I could request an MRI and I said yes. So I go on the 30th to see the results. 
  • TheRoyalGeek
    TheRoyalGeek

    Posted

    So the MRI showed that my jaw is ok. But if found a cyst in the back of my neck so I need to go for a neck MRI. My doctor was reassuring me and said if it didn't mean a risk for a law suit just in case it was something bad, he wouldn't have me go. But the hospital recommend that I do just to make sure. I'm freaking out and hoping it's nothing but I am thankful that they are being diligent
    • pam_87693
      pam_87693 TheRoyalGeek

      Posted

      Try not to worry but I know that is far easier said than done. However I know that your mind will be working overtime as we all fear the unknown but I am sure that you are correct that the hospital is being diligent. 
    • TheRoyalGeek
      TheRoyalGeek pam_87693

      Posted

      I'm wondering if it could be the reason for my headsches? I feel no pain so it's weird. It must be small. My doctor didn't elaborate
    • pam_87693
      pam_87693 TheRoyalGeek

      Posted

      Yes it could be it sounds as if you have had some nasty experiences as with the aneurysm and TMJ.  
    • TheRoyalGeek
      TheRoyalGeek pam_87693

      Posted

      I haven't had an aneurysm before but because of my headaches and reading about how people drop dead from it, it's a worry I have since I have high blood pressure and have a family history of blood clotting. But yes the TMJ has bothered me for over 10 years now. 
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