Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive method of medical imaging that is widely employed in clinical practice. MRI utilizes a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and advanced digital processing to produce pictures of internal structures. In particular, head MRI scans are a vital method for diagnosing and managing many medical conditions. Head MRI scans help clinicians visualize the brain, surrounding tissues, and vessels accurately.
The following article provides substantial information on how head MRI scans work with a full review of indications, procedure, and performance of this important diagnostic investigation.
Indications for Head MRI Scans
There are numerous conditions for which a doctor might order a head MRI scan. Common conditions that may require the use of head MRI are the following:
Headache – Headache is a common symptom afflicting individuals with various medical conditions, including migraines, sinusitis, and brain tumors. A head MRI scan may identify the reason for the headache, and in turn provide information to guide the treatment.
Traumatic Brain Injury – A head MRI can be used to identify the degree of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as to monitor the patient’s progression of recovery.
Seizures – Seizures arise from irregular electrical activity in the brain, and there are many medical conditions that may result in seizures. A head MRI scan can be used to identify the reason for the seizures and provide treatment options.
Tumors – A head MRI scan can identify the presence of brain tumors as well as their size, location, and type.
Strokes – A head MRI can also provide evidence of a stroke, including a blood clot or bleed in the brain. Early detection is important so that an injury can be minimized and managed as best as possible.
Multiple Sclerosis – Multiple sclerosis is a type of chronic disorder of the nervous system. MRI scanning can identify the abnormal lesions that appear in the brain and spinal cord.
Preparation for a Head MRI Scan
Before the MRI scan, the patient is asked to remove all metal from their body, including jewelry, watches, and hearing aids. These metal items may move or become heated because of the magnetic field of the MRI machine and thus pose a danger.
If required, the patient will need to change into an additional gown from the diagnostic centre. The patient may also be given a mild sedative to help with relaxation if they are claustrophobic or are nervous about the scan.
Throughout the Head MRI Scan
Preparation: When everything is ready for the patient, they will be asked to lay down on a thin table which would be put into the MRI machine. The MRI machine is very large and shaped like a tube. The magnetic field is many times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field.
Communication: The MRI tech will be using the intercom system to speak with the patient and let them know what is happening throughout the scan. The patient will need to hold as still as possible during the scan because any movements can cause blurring.
During Scanning: The MRI machine will make a loud thumping noise during the scan. The patient may be given earplugs or head which will help to drown out some of the noise. Alternatively, they will be allowed to listen to music or an audiobook to pass the time.
Time: The scan can take anywhere from 30 min up to an hour depending on the images needed. If the patient is getting multiple scans, the patient may have to change positions between scans.
Contrast agent injection: If a contrast-enhanced MRI has been ordered by the patient’s health care provider, than they will receive an injection of a contrast agent before the scan. The contrast agent will help eliminate some of the overlap of structures in the brain and improve the overall quality of the image.
After the Head MRI Scan
After the scan is completed, the patient can change back into clothing and resume their normal activity. There are no restrictions on diet or activity after a scan, and the patient will typically be able to drive home, or go back to work, right after the scan.
The images taken during the scan will be sent to a radiologist, a specialist in interpreting medical images, who will study the images and send a report back to the healthcare provider who ordered the scan.
Risks and Side Effects of Head MRI Scans
Head MRIs are safe in most instances, and the magnetic fields and radio waves do not appear to cause any known harm. Here are a few common things to keep in mind:
Claustrophobia – The small enclosed space of the MRI machine may be confusing or frightening for everyone, but especially for individuals with claustrophobia. If the patient begins to feel anxious or claustrophobic, they may ask for a mild sedative to calm them down.
Gadolinium Contrast Agents – Contrast agents may trigger an allergic reaction in rare cases. An allergic reaction can manifest as hives, itching, and shortness of breath. If the patient gets any such symptoms during or directly following the MRI scan, they need to tell the MRI technician immediately.
Metal Implants – Certain patients with metal implants, like pacemakers, cochlear implants, etc., cannot have an MRI scan. The metal can be jostled or even heated with the strong magnetic field and could become a dangerous situation.
Noise – The MRI machine makes loud thumping and tapping noises during the test. Patient will be given earplugs or headphones to wear over their ears to eliminate damaging sound.
Anxiety – The patient might be anxious or claustrophobic while in the machine, technicians will work with them if they feel they need a break or if they need a mild sedative if they are anxious or uncomfortable from being in the machine.
Conclusion
A head MRI scan is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses a strong magnet and radio waves to generate images of the brain, blood vessels, and other soft tissues. It is done to diagnose various medical conditions including tumors, strokes, damage from a traumatic brain injury, etc.
Before the scan, the person being examined will be asked to remove any metal from their body and to change clothes into a hospital gown. The person being examined will then be asked to lie on a narrow table and remain still inside the MRI machine. This can be noisy or uncomfortable for some individuals and will make them anxious or scared. The head MRI may take from 30 minutes up to a full hour depending on the images needed.
Head MRI scans are considered safe in most circumstances; although patients with certain media-assistive implants will typically not be able to undergo this scan. Allergic reactions are rarely associated with the use of a contrast agent. In a small subset of adults patients will feel anxious or claustrophobic; this may complicate the situation by being unable to abide the request to stay still during the scan.
If you are scheduled for a head MRI scan you should reliably follow the preparation instructions written by your physician, disclosing fully any implanted devices and informing them of the nature of your health conditions.
