Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) Head
Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI)is a diagnostic test to take description of the body parts and
give information more advance then x-ray, ultrasound and CT scan. For head mri
they do with same mri machine with using a imaging test with powerful magnetic
and radio waves to create the picture of the brain.
Mri procedure doesn’t use radiation, only lie of your head
inside the machine scanner using strong magnet then it will show pathologic
problem such as tissue damage, disease, infection, inflammation or tumor. In
the same time the result can be store in the computer and film or CD can be
made.
Maybe in some cases, injection of dye or contrast material
need, to see detail pictures such as in vascular study.
Magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) of the head is done to:
Look for the cause of headaches.
MRI of head can help to find the source of headache, stroke
or blood vessel problem in the head. It will show in the picture an aneurysm or
abnormal blood vessels formation during birth its called an arteriovenous
malformation. Check source of bleeding , head injury, brain diseases such as
Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s
disease. Check retention fluid in the brain called hydrocephaly, look for
tumor, infection, an abscess, or figure conditions of the brain or brain stem,
such as encephalitis or meningitis. Check the eyes, the nerves from the eyes of
the brain (optic nerves), the ears, and the nerves from the ears of the brain
(auditory nerves).
How the Test is
Performed
You may be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothing without
metal fasteners (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt). Certain types of metal can
cause blurry images, and you will lie on a narrow table, which slides into a
large tunnel-shaped scanner. Some exams require a special dye (contrast). The
dye is usually given before the test through a vein (IV) in your hand or
forearm. The dye helps the radiologist see certain areas more clearly. During
the MRI, the person who operates the machine will watch you from another room.
The test most often lasts 30 - 60 minutes, but it may take longer.
How to Prepare for
the Test
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 - 6
hours before the scan. Tell your doctor if you are afraid of close spaces (have
claustrophobia). You may receive medicine to help you feel sleepy and less anxious,
or your doctor may suggest an "open" MRI, in which the machine is not
as close to the body.
Before the test, tell
your health care provider if you have:
Brain aneurysm clips
Certain types of artificial heart valves
Heart defibrillator or pacemaker
Inner ear (cochlear) implants
Kidney disease or dialysis (you may not be able to receive
contrast)
Recently placed artificial joints
Certain types of vascular stents
Worked with sheet metal in the past (you may need tests to
check for metal pieces in your eyes)
The MRI contains
strong magnets. Metal objects are not allowed into the room with the MRI
scanner. This includes:
Pens, pocketknives, and eyeglasses
Items such as jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing
aids
Pins, hairpins, metal zippers, and similar metallic items
Removable dental work
How the Test Will
Feel
An MRI exam causes no pain. If you have difficulty lying
still or are very nervous, you may be given a medicine to relax you. Too much
movement can blur MRI images and cause errors. The table may be hard or cold,
but you can request a blanket or pillow. The machine produces loud thumping and
humming noises when turned on. You can wear ear plugs to help reduce the noise.
An intercom in the room allows you to speak to someone at any time. Some MRIs
have televisions and special headphones that you can help you pass the time or
block the scanner noise. There is no recovery time, unless you were given a
medicine to relax. After an MRI scan, you can go back to your normal diet,
activity, and medications.
Why the Test is
Performed
posted by Sandi at
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