How do I get a brain scan?

Mental health
1

I would like a brain scan as I've never had one and my anxiety comes up at times I'm not even stressed. Today as soon as I got out of bed my anxiety reached the maximum level and I was trembling, heart racing and making me very uncomfortable. I've only had check-up's with regards to my bloods, my eyes, my lungs/breathing etc. The main issue for me is my brain, it's doing things that I'm no longer sure is just a cause of mental illness, I feel like I honestly have a brain tumor or I'm simply going insane.

Three years ago I was never like this, I never had anxiety, never heard of anxiety and once I started and stopped taking prescription medications for depression and my sleep, I began getting anxiety and now that I only take 7.5 mg of Mirtazapine (been taking it for almost a year now) I feel like there's no reason for me to have this intense level of anxiety. It will happen like a trigger in my brain, I could be having a really good time, laughing with friends or family, then suddenly it's like someone pulls the trigger of an anxiety-gun and I stop smiling/laughing immediately and feel so weird within my body. I'm always waiting to faint or just collapse and die but it never comes. It's like an intense build-up to something like a seizure that never comes. Also, I get nasty headaches on and off that sometimes aren't helped with pain killers. 

So, for the peace of my mind I would like a scan on my brain. But how do I go about getting one? I'm in the UK and I can't see my GP referring me for one. 

2

A nuerologist would be the doctor who would be most likely to give one. But if you gp wont refer to a nuero either it will have to be via a private doctor. Or if a hospital felt it was needed. But you are displaying a panic disorder.

3

You will get a brain scan if a Dr thinks you need one,and if he doesn't- you won't. Anxiety isnt an indicator for a brain scan. Anxiety too doesn't rely on stress to appear, it's more complex than that. Speak to a Dr about meds or therapy,or both and forget about a brain scan, it just won't happen

4

I don't know about how to do that in the UK, but I do have something to say that may help.

As of 2006 there were over 20,000,000 people being treated for anxiety just in the US. That did not included the millions untreated or undiagnosed. It was estimated that over one quarter of the worlds population was suffering from anxiety to some degree.

Think of all those people....amazing. I said all that to say this...The first two things people think are wrong with them, even if all tests come out fine (they don't believe the tests or the doctors or the technitions,)  are these two things...

I am having a heart attack...and

I have a brain tumor.

You are very unique as an individual person. There is no one else like you in the world.

Your fear is one of the two most common anxiety symptoms in the world. Your fear is not unique.

Just here in our forum, we hear these fears every day, every week, every month. Save yourself a lot of grief and spend your time learning to deal with your real problem....anxiety, and how to handle it, how to help yourself have a full, active life.

Most people do not take the advice here. They go on with the testing, on with the denial, on with the fear until one day they get it....that all this that is being experienced is anxiety. Then...they can go forward.

I do hope, dear Dastardy that you are among the few who get it sooner rather than later. No matter what you decide, there are kind, caring, experienced, compassionate people here who will support and encourage you.

 

5

Your symptom's don't warrant a MRI (brain scan) It is anxiety, and panic,plain, and simple. It is dastardly to have this. We suffer like no other. You say that you were on meds for depression, and now that you stopped the meds you have anxiety. Hmmm that's weird. What does your GP say about that. I would like to know. This is a new one to me. Keep me updated.

6

love,  love, well said!!!

7

It's very common, that's the trouble with meds - the problem comes back when you stop. That's why therapy is a better long term solution as it helps you deal with the root cause, not just mask it with meds

8

Well why would you stop taking them. You had a problem before meds. I would not in a million years  think about stopping my meds. I know that people think when they feel good,they stop taking them,and the problem comes right back. My son has done that several times. I just shake my head, and say why. I wish you well with your therapy.

9

Kimberly and jmcg

My mother's life became hell when she stopped meds. She was never the same. My nephew stops his occasionally, and nothing good comes from it.

No answer fits everone...ever. I will probably be on mine for a long time...not because I prefer it, but because my body's chemical make up demands it. No one prefers to be on drugs, but it is a wise person who recognizes he is one who needs to. You certainly don't tell a diabetic to stop insulin and go to therapy.biggrin We are all different. I learned the hard way some years ago to be very careful with blanket statements.

10

Of course, some people require meds and thats all there is to it, I'd never suggest otherwise. But that is absolutely not the majority,many would benefit from therapy but never try, so find themselves on meds which will do nothing to resolve their issues - therapy can do that for these people. It all depends on the underlying cause - too many reach for meds and expect them to cure their problems, they just don't work like that for the majority. Those who need them, that's a different matter- but again, that's not the majority

11

Yes indeed, therapy is something people don't think of, or are not advised of. I do know of many who started on a drug just to feel sane and calm, then went on to therapy, eventually dropping the drug at the right time.

I especially agree with expecting a drug to cure their problems. In my mom and nephew's cases, they do need the drug for that. In my case, my doctor and I are talking about starting to taper down and if all goes well...off.

12

Oh lord how I wish this anxiety, and panic never happened to me. It did, and I have dealt with it. I had to go on meds or I swear to god I would not be here. They have saved my life!!

13

I tried the taper down to see if I still needed them,and yep still do,and will alway's,till death do us part.

14

I felt the same way when I was first diagnosed. Actually, I may be on this drug for a long time because in addition to helping me with anxiety, it is the first thing in 12 tries that has brought my blood pressure down...it is used for both.

The blood pressure finally came down after the doctor talked about reducing the drug. I doubt we will now. That's okay..whatever works, I'm all for it.

15

gosh, do you mind me asking?   my blood pressue has shot up in the last few years. do you mind telling me what drug you are on that helps your high blood pressure as well as anxiety. they are about to put me on another drug for blood pressure and i just feel like i can't take yet another drug!

16

I'm on a clonidine patch. Started at .1mg and went up to .3 within a week or so. Doing fine on it. The bp part took a month or so to kick in, but that just might be me. I seem to be resistant to BP meds. Ask your doctor, Let me know what he says.

17

i have been on that during a hospitalization before. And i remember that it seemed to make me feel calmer. thanks so much. the one that has been prescibed to me has some really ugly side effects.....

18

You are most welcome...anytime.

19

Amen sister!!!!

20

lol