A radiology technologist will perform the test in the MRI suite of the Radiology department of the hospital or outpatient imaging center.
You will lie on a moveable bed with your head cradled on a headrest and your arms at your sides. An antenna device, called a coil, will be placed over or around the area of the body to be imaged. It is specialized to produce the clearest picture of the area it is placed over. If the MRI scan will be used for surgical planning, the technologist may place small markers called fiducials on your forehead, face, or behind your ear. Fiducials look like lifesavers and assist the surgeon during image-guided surgery.
Do not remove or get the fiducials wet. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will slowly move into the magnetic field. The technologist will stay in constant contact with you. You can listen to music on a stereo system during your testing. As the exam proceeds, you will hear a muffled "thumping" sound for several minutes at a time. This is the sound of the pictures being taken. There will be no pain or discomfort associated with the sound or exam.
The exam usually takes 20 to 50 minutes. It is important that you relax and lie as still as possible. Any movement during this time will blur the picture. You may be given an injection of contrast dye gadolinium into your arm or through an IV to enhance the images.
After the test is complete, the IV will be removed and you are free to go. You may be told to drink lots of fluids to help your kidneys remove the contrast dye from your body. MRI is very safe. There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine. Some people are sensitive to the contrast agent and may develop an allergic reaction. All contrast agents are FDA-approved and safe. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have diabetes or kidney problems.
In some cases a kidney function test may be needed prior to the MRI to make sure your kidneys are able to clear the contrast agent from your body. Minor headaches can occur for any number of reasons and usually subside after a little bit of rest. The majority of headaches are rarely caused by serious medical problems, but a particularly bad one might make you wonder about tumors, aneurysms, mental illness, or blood clots.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, your doctor may want to order a head scan:. Diagnostic imaging centers perform as many as 30 million MRI scans every year in the United States, and 6. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI uses radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body.
An MRI scan can create 3D images that can be viewed from different angles, and is helpful in diagnosing problems within the brain. Headaches that feel very different from those that you usually experience could be a warning sign of something more serious. Diagnostic imaging centers can perform the high tech head scan essential for early detection that could save your life. Call Us Today Call Us Today.
Ultrasound Ultrasound Thyroid Biopsy. Multiple sclerosis , often referenced as simply MS, is a progressive disease affecting the brain and central nervous system. With MS, the immune system rebels and attacks the protective sheath around nerve endings. An MRI of the brain is typically used to help confirm a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and gauge its severity and progress. Spinal cord injuries are often the result of some sort of traumatic injury.
A stroke occurs when blood supply to a part of your brain is cut off or impeded. This disrupts the flow of oxygenated blood to your brain, and brain tissue can begin to die within minutes when this occurs. Brain MRI can be used to detect damaged brain tissue that results from an ischemic stroke or a brain hemorrhage and determine immediate next steps for intervention.
Has your doctor ordered a brain MRI? Contact us to request an appointment at our nearest location. Conditions an MRI of the Brain Can Detect Your doctor may order an MRI of the brain for many different reasons and is often used to quickly confirm or determine a diagnosis of a brain-related medical condition that requires emergency treatment. Some common medical conditions diagnosed using an MRI of the brain include: Aneurysms or Hemorrhages An MRI of the brain can be used to detect aneurysms and hemorrhages in the brain, which can be life-threatening issues.
Brain Edema Brain edema is a swelling or inflammation of the brain. Hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus occurs when there is too much fluid in your brain. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis , often referenced as simply MS, is a progressive disease affecting the brain and central nervous system. Spinal Cord Disorders Spinal cord injuries are often the result of some sort of traumatic injury.
Stroke A stroke occurs when blood supply to a part of your brain is cut off or impeded. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.
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