Introduction
Head imaging is a valuable aspect of medical diagnostics, providing diagnostic information that is useful in evaluating the complex structures and conditions of the human head. Of the different imaging modalities, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides the most optimal means for acquiring a hard-copy image of the head with the greatest precision.
MRI leverages the components of strong magnets along with radio waves to create high-resolution images of the head that enhance the ability of a healthcare professional to investigate the brain, skull, blood vessels, and other structures of the head. MRI is a non-invasive imaging method that allows for significant flexibility within the imaging study and has transformed the field of diagnostic medicine by establishing the ability to detect and characterize many neurological disease processes, acute injuries, tumours, vascular diseases and developmental disorders.
With the imaging capabilities of MRI and its ability to create images that are accurate, detailed, high in quality, MRI will continue to lead in head imaging, allowing health care providers to accurately establish diagnoses and subsequently develop relevant treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes.
Understanding the principles of Head MRI
Head MRI, based on the basic principles of MRI technology, depends upon the interaction of magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the head. The MRI scanner generates a strong magnetic field, a strong, homogeneous magnetic field all around the head of the patient when inside the scanner. When applying radio waves to the head, those hydrogen atoms in the body align with the magnetic field. Once the radio waves are turned off, the hydrogen atoms release energy back to the detector coils.
That metered energy is received and processed by the computer to create accurate cross-section images of the head. Within the MRI scanner, there are many components, including the gradient coils, and radiofrequency coils, all of which work together to manipulate the magnetic field in order to create accurate images of the structures of the head.
These images are rich with diagnostic information for the physicians involved with the diagnosis and assessment of conditions such as brain tumors, stroke, and neurological diseases.
The foundation for head MRI rests on this sophisticated imaging technique employing a wonderful non-invasive technique to observe the precise anatomy and pathology of the head.
Various modalities of head MRI
Head MRI scans are just one imaging technique, but there are many head MRI scans continually providing new information with respect to brain structure, brain function, and brain perfusion. The key types of head MRIs include the following:
Structural MRI: Structural MRI is the most common form of brain imaging. Structural MRI provides detailed, anatomical data regarding brain structure and abnormalities. The two methodological approaches that we use are:
T1-weighted imaging: T1-weighted imaging describes contrast among various brain tissues, which provides excellent visualization of brain structure. T1-weighted imaging is very effective at showing lesions, tumors, and cortical atrophy.
T2-weighted imaging: T2-weighted imaging describes contrast based on differences in the water content of tissue, and provides good detection of abnormalities based on increased water content, including edema, inflammation, and white matter lesions. T2-weighted imaging is extremely relevant for identifying diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Functional MRI (fMRI): At present, functional magnetic resonance imaging identifies the hemodynamic responses and alterations in oxygenation associated with activity in the brain. It can help localize activity in the brain, and clearly demonstrates the regions of the brain that are active in the different cognitive domains, such as language, motor activity, and memory. fMRI is important in research and particularly in presurgical mapping to identify functional areas that are preserved when surgery of the brain occurs.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI): Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is a more complex form of MRI that measures the movement of water molecules in brain tissue. Diffusion tensor imaging is unique as it illustrates white matter tracts in the brain and informs on the connectivity and integrity of the brain. DTI data is particularly useful in the assessment of stroke, concussion, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative disease.
Perfusion MRI: Perfusion MRI measures blood flow in the brain, providing information about tissue viability, vascular malformations, and ischemic change. Perfusion MRI is useful in diagnosing brain tumors, grading brain tumors, and observing treatment response.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): MRA obtains images of the vascular structures of the brain and neck. By using a specialized contrast agent or time-of-flight technique, MRA can identify (in a broad range of cases) aneurysms, vascular malformations and vascular diseases. Thus; MRA has a significant role in neurosurgical planning and diagnosing cerebrovascular disease.
Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI): SWI is exquisitely sensitive to hemorrhages and products of blood degradation. It provides exquisite detail regarding microbleeds, small veins and iron deposits; therefore could potentially help identify and characterize brain lesions from trauma and stroke as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Applications of head MRI
Head MRI is an important modality for the diagnosis and subsequent management of many conditions. Some of these include:
Brain Tumors: MRI provides detection and characterization of brain tumors, which is important for planning treatment.
Stroke: Used for the diagnosis of acute strokes, assessing their severity, and attempting to determine the cause.
Traumatic Brain Injury: MRI is used to assess brain injuries, and evaluate for bleeding, contusions, and axonal injury.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Used to assist in the diagnosis of and follow management of diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Vascular Issues: MRI is able to identify aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and other vascular pathologies of the brain.
Epilepsy: Head MRI helps identify structural abnormalities of the brain that may be the cause of seizures and inform therapy.
Infection and inflammatory diseases: MRI can be used to diagnose brain abscesses, meningitis, encephalitis, and other inflammatory processes, and guide diagnosis and management.
Hydrocephalus: MRI contributes to work-up of cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in the head, the underlying cause, and how best to manage it.
Pituitary Disorders: MRI helps to look at pituitary tumors and note their size, location, and effects on nearby structures.
Cranial Nerve Disorders: MRI helps to identify cranial nerve lesions/compressions, which is important in diagnosing trigeminal neuralgia or Bell’s palsy.
Head and Neck cancers: MRI is extremely useful in staging and follow-up of head and neck cancers, to assess the size, extent and involvement of neighbouring structures.
Price of Head MRI
To determine the cost of a head MRI we will need to be familiar with what goes into the cost of this diagnostic imaging service. There are many variations to the cost of a head MRI, including where the MRI is performed, what kind of hospital and/or facility is providing the service, if the MRI lacked complexity, where it is not uncommon to receive and additional services. In addition, insurance should be taken into consideration, and there will be differing individual health plans in relation to out-of-pocket costs for a head MRI.
Although it is exceptionally challenging to give you a precise price tag on a head MRI, it is still possible to consider the quality and cost of this diagnostic service.
Typically the head MRI scan ranges between 4500 to 5000 INR, this price is subject to change. Contact Carebox to understand about the cost of a head MRI scan near you.
Conclusion:
Last but not least, a head MRI is an important diagnostic tool that can provide rich information on brain structure and function. Whether for evaluation of neurological disorders, detection of tumours, or assessing the sequelae of a concussion, head MRI’s are an important adjunct decision-making tool and diagnostic tool.
Though the cost of a head MRI can often be variable depending on numerous reasons, it is important to consider the balance of quality and price. An intentional plan should be made to pursue way to get the best imaging modality possible while searching for multiple alternatives, obtaining insurance coverage, and applying for financial assistance, so as to not jeopardize one’s economic state.
Ultimately, the benefits of a head MRI with respect to early diagnosis, improved treatment planning, and overall patient care, far outweigh the potential cost concerns, and is integral to modern medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a head MRI and how does it work?
A head MRI is a non-invasive imaging exam that uses strong magnets and radio waves to generate diagnostic images of the brain and surrounding soft tissues, without applying radiation.
Q. Why would my doctor recommend a head MRI?
Your doctor may prescribe a head MRI to evaluate the causes of unexplained symptoms such as persistent headaches, dizziness, seizures, visual disturbances, or changes in cognitive function. It can also help your healthcare team discover the cause of problems such as a stroke, an aneurysm, a tumor, multiple sclerosis, and infections.
Q. What do I need to do to be ready for a head MRI?
You may be asked to not eat or ingest anything for a period of time before the scan. You will be asked to take off all metal items (jewelry, watches, hairpins) and to wear comfortable clothing that does not contain any metal, such as buttons or zippers. Be sure to inform your physician if you have any metal implants, metal fragments, or if you have a history of kidney disease.
Q. What happens when I have my scan done, and how long does it take?
You will be placed on a table that moves you into a tube-like scanner. The procedure is not painful to you, but it may be loud. If you are still concerned about the noise, earplugs are often available. Typically head MRI’s take between 20 to 60 minutes, depending on how many images are needed and, if a contrast dye is going to be used.
