MRI HEAD

MRI Head

MRI Head or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a painless, noninvasive test that produces detailed images of one’s brain and brain stem. An MRI machine creates the images using a magnetic field and radio waves. This test is also known as cranial MRI or brain MRI. MRI Head scan is usually different from a CT scan or an X-ray. An MRI Head scan combines images to create a 3-D picture of patient’s internal structures, so it’s more effective than other scans at detecting abnormalities in small structures of the brain such as the pituitary gland and brain stem. Often as suggested by doctors, a contrast agent, or dye, can be given through an intravenous (IV) line to better visualize certain structures or abnormalities.

Need for MRI Head

It helps in detecting brain conditions such as:

• aneurysms, or 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
• hormonal disorders, such as acromegaly and Cushing’s syndrome
• hemorrhage, or bleeding
• inflammation
• problems with development or structure (such as a Chiari malformation)
• blood vessel issues
• an issue due to a previous head injury

A Head MRI is also done to understand if a patient has sustained any brain or head injury from a stroke. Your doctor may also order a Head MRI to investigate symptoms such as:

• dizziness
• weakness
• seizures
• changes in thinking or behavior
• blurry vision
• chronic headaches

Benefits:

• A functional Head MRI (fMRI) is useful for people who might have to undergo brain surgery.
• An MRI can identify areas of the brain responsible for language and speech, and body movement.
• Head MRI measures metabolic changes that take place in your brain when you perform certain tasks.

Preparation

During Head MRI, a patient may needs to carry out small tasks like answering basic questions or tapping your thumb with your fingertips.