an MRI, some pills, an EEG

Yesterday, i had an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of my brain: with and without IV contrast - meaning the first part of the MRI didn’t use a contrast and about halfway through, i was pulled out of the tube and injected with the contrast solution - the contrast being “gad” which can be a shortened name for many things - i don’t remember what mine was: gadodiamide - some compound of gadolinium most likely. Gadolinium is a chemical element, Gd, number 64 in the periodic table.  it’s compounds are the most popular for MRI imaging because of its paramagnetic properties.

The brain MRI last about 30 minutes and was one of the best sound pieces i have ever heard.  its vibrations, its tapping, its high beeps, its low bass tones - they all came together in stereo and literally shook my body. 

I was slid into the narrow tube with a cage over my face.  i had to keep still.  i had orange ear plugs in. 

i have had multiple MRIs and this was the first one that had affixed a mirror to the face cage in such a position so i could see outside the tube - thus helping relax claustrophobic tendencies.  I’m not particularly claustrophobic, but i do choose to close my eyes during these tests - it helps me hear the sound better.

I had to fast before the MRI - no food or drink - i forgot to take my medicine yesterday because of that, since i always take it in the morning.

I did take my medicine today, though, the morning of my EEG (electroencephalography).  You are allowed to eat and drink in the morning, but nothing with caffeine.

In the examination room, wires and electrodes were attached to my scalp and chest.  The technician used a water-based glue so my hair didn’t get too awful and greasy afterwards - she did this because i was going on to work and school afterwards and didn’t want me to look bad.  thank you technician!

The test lasted about an hour.  I laid down on the bed and closed my eyes.  Sometimes she asked me to open my eyes.  sometimes it was dark.  sometimes the strobe light above me would flash - during this time, i was asked to open and class my eyes.  sometimes she would ask me questions like: what day is it?  who is our current president? count back from 37 out loud, and etc. 

Then, she turned off the light, gave me a freshly warmed blanket and i was able to nap for about a half hour - it was great.  i was so tired from having to wake up so early to get the test; this was a real treat.

She turned the lights on and told me the test was over.  She then applied acetone to the wires/electrodes to unstick the glue; she combed my hair.

I left.

I now wait for my next rheumatologist appointment in a couple weeks to find out about the test results:

is it a seizure?

or a psychological disorder - depersonalization/derealization?

I don’t know which is worse?  To find out that my brain works physiologically “normally” so this is a psychological disorder?  Or, that my brain is physiologically malfunctioning, and that i am not a psychopath, losing sanity?