Brain MRI....

If I wanted to have MRI done to see if my migraines were caused by some tumors etc
and opted for one with contrast, how would I know if am or not allergic to the contrast?

Is there a test that could be performed beforehand to determine this?

Risa

Usually you'll only have a problem with contrast if you have a seafood/shellfish allergy.

you're asked for known allergies, and as steph says it's typically shellfish. if you have concerns about the contrast dye, always talk with the MR center/radiologist.

often times, benadryl is advised before to help in case of a reaction.

you do not want to have an MR without contrast--relatively useless especially to spot things such as tumors, as they enhance (show up) with signal intensity with contrast.

in short, you want an MR with and without contrast.

p.s., if you have a brain event, and the doc orders an MR without contrast, RED FLAG.

I have had more than one done, and while I am not allergic to seafood or shellfish, I do not care for the taste and do not eat it. As far as I know the seafood/shellfish allergy indicates the usage or not of the dye. I never noticed anything with the dye except a hint of a metallic flavor in my mouth.

I don't see much point in having it done without the contrast. From my experience, when they have ordered one without contrast (which showed nothing) they would just order one with it. We could have saved time and money doing both at the same time! Unfortunately that is how it is sometimes.

What exactly is being used as contrast dye these days for MRI, as some people insist its' a iodine
some says it's not, and I am majorly confused by now...?

Risa