ask: My sister has schizophrenia. Would she benefit from MRI?
She was diagnosed more that 15 years ago. She is currently refusing to take her medication so she's more delusional than usual, but she's not dangerous. I'm wondering if something else may be causing her symptoms. We live in Canada so we have an excellent medicare system. If her doctors refuse to send her for MRI, should I make arrangements for her to be tested at an American facility? I understand that it won't be covered by our health care system.
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Hi Anonymous,
March 1, 2011 - 9:22amThank you for your question and for finding EmpowHER. Doctors are uncertain what causes schizophrenia, but they have determined that in many cases (as may be with your sister), that the brain creates too much of a couple chemicals. Medications are geared toward regulating those chemicals. Dr. Lieberman has made several videos for EmpowHER. Here is one explaining what doctors think causes this condition: What Causes Schizophrenia? You may want to check out other videos on this page also.
Here is a journal-type article I found directly related to your question about MRI scanning. It's a few years old, but it may help you advocate for your sister's health. MRI Use in Schizophrenia
Good luck, and let us know if you need more help tracking down resources.
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Schizophrenia is a devastating disease that can not only ruin an individual's life, but also his or her families. There is no precise answer for what is the cause of schizophrenia, so there is no way of knowing how to prevent it.
March 23, 2011 - 2:20amWhat is schizophrenia