MRI Brain
Understanding MRI Brain
What is MRI Brain?
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Brain test is a highly advanced, noninvasive, painless imaging technique that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of the brain and surrounding tissues. MRI brain screening helps diagnose conditions like stroke, tumors, injury, and neurological disorders.
The MRI Brain provides insights into brain anatomy and function. There are two types of MRI brain scans: MRI brain plain (without a special dye called contrast), used for detecting structural brain abnormalities, and MRI brain (with contrast) to highlight tumors, infections, or inflammation in the brain.
The MRI Brain helps detect several brain conditions, including aneurysms (bulging in the blood vessels of the brain), multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, hydrocephalus (a buildup of spinal fluid in the brain cavities), stroke, infections, tumors, cysts, swelling, hemorrhage, or bleeding, and inflammation. It also detects problems with brain development or brain structure (such as Chiari malformation), blood vessel issues, or head injury. The doctor may also suggest a head MRI to investigate the cause of symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, seizures, changes in thinking or behavior, blurry vision, or chronic headaches. These symptoms may be due to a brain issue, which an MRI scan can help detect.
An MRI scan differs from a CT scan or an X-ray because it doesn’t use radiation to produce images.
Before undergoing the MRI Brain test, remove metal objects like metallic coins, jewelry, metal wristwatches, metallic keys, dentures, or hearing aids, as the MRI uses strong magnetic fields and can pull on any metallic objects. Wear loose and comfortable clothing without metal fasteners. Inform the doctor about any pregnancy, medical history, allergies, medications, pacemaker, metal implants, etc. before going for an MRI test. If too claustrophobic or overweight to undergo a traditional closed MRI, discuss sedation or open MRI options (Open MRI machines have wider tunnels, which tend to be more tolerable) with the doctor.
Interpretation of test results requires expert guidance. Always consult the doctor for a proper understanding of the test results.
Disclaimer: You must visit your nearest Tata 1mg partnered lab facility for radiology tests.
What is MRI Brain used for?
The MRI Brain test is done:
- To evaluate brain damage from injury or trauma.
- To investigate the cause of sudden onset or long-standing symptoms like headaches or migraines, dizziness or balance issues, memory loss, vision changes, hearing loss, weakness, numbness, or paralysis.
- To track the progression of neurological conditions.
- To monitor treatment response.
- To identify changes associated with aging (brain volume loss or signal changes in brain tissue).
- As a part of pre-surgical assessment before a brain surgery.
- To investigate developmental or congenital brain abnormalities.
What does MRI Brain measure?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Brain is an imaging procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of the brain.
The MRI Brain test measures various aspects of the brain anatomy and function, including brain tissue density and volume, cerebral blood flow and oxygenation, water content and diffusion, white and gray matter integrity, lesions, tumors, or other abnormalities. It also measures brain activity and metabolism, blood-brain barrier integrity, cerebrospinal fluid flow, and dynamics. Additionally, it helps diagnose brain tumors, cysts, abscesses, hemorrhages, or infections, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, etc.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about MRI Brain
Frequently Asked Questions about MRI Brain
Q. What is the functional MRI (fMRI) Brain?
Q. What is MRA?
Q. What will happen during the test?
Q. What will happen after the test?
Q. Is the MRI Brain test safe?
Q. How long does the Brain MRI test take?
Q. Will I feel any pain during the MRI Brain test?
Q. Do I need a doctor's prescription for the MRI Brain test?
Q. Can I bring a family member or friend with me during the MRI Brain test?
Q. What are the risks associated with MRI brain?
Q. What if I’m claustrophobic?
Q. What is the difference between open and closed MRI?
Q. Can I have the MRI scan if I’m pregnant?
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