If you are searching for What is a Brain MRI? Brain MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging scan, is a painless test that creates very detailed pictures of the inside of your head specifically, your brain. MRI creates these detailed images using a big magnet, radio waves and a computer.
What does a Brain MRI Reveal?
A brain (or head) MRI reveals the structures in your head, including:
- The brain
- The skull and bones of the face
- Structures of the inner ear
- Your eyes and the supporting tissues of your eyes (such as the optic nerve)
- The nerves of your head (the large nerves in your head known as cranial nerves)
- Supporting soft tissue and skull-based structures
- (fat, bone, muscle, connective tissue)
What are the advantages of a brain MRI?
There may be some definite advantages that can be attributed to brain MRI compared with other imaging technology:
High-Resolution Images: MRI provides high-resolution images of brain soft tissues, i.e., cerebrospinal fluid, blood vessels, gray matter, and white matter. MRI provides clear visualization even for minor abnormalities.
No Ionizing Radiation: Although CT scans and X-rays utilize no ionizing radiation, MRIs neither utilize any ionizing radiation and are therefore safer in case a repeat serial scan is on a repeat cycle or for sensitive cases.
Multiplanar Imaging: MRI can image greater than one plane (axial, sagittal, coronal, and oblique) without restaging the patient. Provides a general impression of the brain in very different orientations.
Excellent Soft Tissue Contrast: MRI can resolve contrast better between various soft tissues and is therefore highly sensitive to processes such as plaques of multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, stroke, and infection.
Functional MRI (fMRI): The newest of the MRI methods, fMRI can quantitate changes in the pattern of blood flow and hence can quantify brain function. It is particularly suited to studies and for creating maps of functional brain areas before surgery.
MR Angiography (MRA) and MR Venography (MRV): These two MRI scans are able to image brain blood vessels without intra-arterial injection or other inside imaging such as traditional angiography. MRA can image arteries, and MRV images veins.
Also Read: Difference Between PET CT Scan and MRI Scan
MRI takes place in the brain?
MRI is unlike no other x-ray or CT using ionizing radiations. The process is in a chronological manner too, listed here step by step in detail:
Preparation: Typically, after your appointment the nurse asks you a series of questions about your medical history, medical implants (that is metal devices such as pacemakers), and the nurse will also ask about allergies if needed.
Position: You will be positioned on a moving table that is located in the MRI machine. The machine is very large, has a tube-like appearance, and is open on both sides.
Image Acquisition: After that, the technologist will go to a control room nearby. You will be able to speak to them through an intercom. The scanner will start with very loud banging, banging, or whooshing sounds.
Contrast Agent (Optional): Use of an intravascular contrast agent (typically gadolinium-based) is permissible on a discretionary basis during the intra-procedure.
Scan Completion: When your images have been scanned, the table will come out from the scanner. The technologist will scan-check your images to be sure that they are quality images before you are released.
Conclusion
A brain MRI is a non-invasive and safe imaging procedure with a very high degree of accuracy for looking at structural and functional abnormalities of the brain, blood vessels, and surrounding tissues. Because it does not use radiation, it provides clear images and is a beneficial asset for diagnoses and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the cost of a brain MRI scan NCR?
The price of a brain MRI scan in Delhi is between 4000 INR and 6000 INR depending on the center and other cost affecting factors.
Q. What are the other types of scans used to detect brain abnormalities?
CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, EEGs, and MEGs can also be used to detect brain abnormalities, in some cases, these different tests may be recommended, such as in the case of metal implants, etc.
Q. What are the types of brain MRI scans?
There are 2 types of brain MRI scans, such as structural and functional.
Q. Is a brain MRI scan harmful?
Since it does not use any radiation, it is a safe and painless procedure.
Q. Is there any difference between a head and brain MRI?
A brain and a head MRI are the same held exam, they are both taking pictures of everything inside of your head.
