An MRI of the head is a diagnostic test that causes no pain to the patient, and utilizes a very large magnet and computer to create digital images of the brain and the tissue surrounding the brain. This is a noninvasive test and does not use radiation.
An MRI of the head may be used to diagnose:
Brain tumors
Stroke
Head trauma
Multiple sclerosis
Alzheimer’s disease
Hydrocephalus
Aneurysms
Infection
An MRI of the head is also used to monitor the brain before surgery, after surgery and during treatment of conditions related to the brain.
How a Head MRI Works
A head MRI works by applying a magnetic field to align the atoms in the body. The atoms are disturbed and send out a signal that is recorded by the MRI machine when radio waves are passed through the body. The MRI machine uses the signals to create images of the body.
Head MRIs are usually performed in a hospital or clinic setting. The patient will lie on the table of the MRI machine that fits into the MRI machine. A coil will be placed around the patient’s head to transmit and receive the radio waves. The patient needs to remain still during the scan which will last 30-45 minutes.
Conditions that Can be Diagnosed using a Head MRI
There are several conditions that can be diagnosed with a head MRI. Some of these issues include:
Brain tumors: Brain tumors form when cells begin to grow in a way that disrupts the surrounding cells in the brain. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. A head MRI can identify the tumors, their size, shape, and whether they are near surrounding structures.
Strokes: If there is a disruption in blood flow through the arteries in the brain, it causes there to be a shortage of blood flowing to the tissues. An irregularity in blood supply will disrupt the tissues it supplies, causing cell death. A head MRI can diagnose strokes and if there is brain damage from the stroke.
Head injuries: with head injury can create multiple problems for the patient including bleeding, swelling and damage to the brain. A head MRI can provide the treating physician how bad the head injury is and whether a brain injury has occurred.
Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is primarily an autoimmune disease of the CNS, and causes inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath.(covering layer over nerve fibers). A head MRI can provide evidence that will help settle a diagnosis of MS and determine extent of disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Alzheimer’s disease is characterized as a brain disease that causes dementia. It consists of cell death and an accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. Minocycline Can Head MRI to Diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, and hopefully assess how advanced it is, i.e. prognosis.
Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus is defined as the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain where the brain and spinal cord are both surrounded by the same fluid and enveloped by a big protective CSF sac for shock absorption. This accumulation of fluid, enlarging the brain, is the definition of hydrocephalus. A head MRI could be ordered to ascertain hydrocephalus and stage the extent of hydrocephalus.
Aneurysms: A “bag” from the walls of blood vessels (protrusion). Aneurysms happen in the brain or any other place in the body. Aneurysms may burst, bleed and can be fatal. A head MRI could be used to help determine if there are aneurysms and assess potential for aneurysmal rupture.
Infections: Brain infections can be anything from something tiny like a bacteria or virus. Infections can also present with many different symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea/vomiting, and seizures. A head MRI could be used to determine if they are brain infections and assess the degree of infection.
Benefits of a Head MRI
Head MRI scans are very valuable in diagnosing a number of different ailments. They are noninvasive, and they do not use radiation, however they provide clear images of the brain and structures in the head. Even the cost of a head MRI scan is very reasonable.
Some of the advantages of a head MRI scan are:
Correct Diagnosis: A head MRI scan can detect a variety of conditions including tumors, strokes, aneurysms, infections, and other abnormalities within the brain and surrounding tissues.
Non-invasive: MRI does not involve radiation unlike a CT scan or x-rays, making MRI a safe option for certain patients.
High Definition Images: MRI creates high-definition images of the brain, allowing physicians to evaluate the anatomical structure of the brain in detail, and discover abnormalities.
Multifunctional: MRI can evaluate a variety of conditions such as traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and dementia.
Helpful in planning treatment: MRI scans might help physicians determine the best form of treatment for patients, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Find conditions earlier: Conditions can be identified in the early stages so treatment can commence sooner, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Overall, MRI scans of the head serve as an excellent imaging and diagnosis method to assess and treat a multitude of conditions related to the brain and surrounding tissues.
Risks of a Head MRI
The risks and dangers that can occur with an MRI of the head are very small and there are very few patients who might complain of soft symptoms such as nausea or vomiting after the MRI. The chance of an allergic reaction to the dye or contrast material used in some cases during a head MRI is very small. Here are some of the potential risks of a head MRI:
Claustrophobia: Those with claustrophobia may find it difficult to undergo an MRI because they will have to lie still within a small tube for some time. Open MRI machines, or even sedation, can be utilized to help.
Metal implants: Those with metal implants such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, and certain types of metal dental implants may be moved or heated by the intense magnetic fields of an MRI machine. Individuals with such implants should consult with their doctor for the risks and benefits of an MRI.
Dye/allergic reactions: MRI studies require the use of contrast dye, which makes for a better picture, but can cause a very small number of individuals to have an allergic reaction. Individuals with allergies and/or kidney problems may be at even higher risk for reactions to the iron based ink.
Noise: MRI equipment produces clapping or thumping noises throughout the exam, and this sound can be unnerving or uncomfortable for some patients. Usually earplugs or headphones are used to fix this.
It is important to say that the benefits of a head scan by MRI will outweigh the risk for most people. The risks can be minimized by informing the radiologist about any medical
Best Diagnostic Centre for MRI Head Scan
carebox is considered as the best diagnostic centre provider with NABH accreditation in and around the Delhi areas. If you would judge a book by its cover, then okay, the centre may not be shrouded with as much bling as the billionaire health centres but if you are the one who would decide on the basis of quality, then Carebox is the absolutely right place for you to find the best diagnostics imaging centre near you. Here you can have the best head MRI scan at the cheapest cost.
Conclusion
Head MRIs are essential diagnostic tests for many conditions and diseases. MRIs are not invasive, do not involve radiation, and produce very detailed images of the brain and structures in the head. If you have any health concerns, please consult your doctor.
