A head MRI is a form of medical imaging that uses radio waves and a large magnetic field to create pictures of the skull, brain, and surrounding tissues. Essentially, it allows doctors to produce high resolution images of the brain that can help to diagnose things like tumors, bleeding, stroke, inflammation, infections, and other problems.
Brain MRI scans are routine measures regularly undertaken by healthcare professionals worldwide. There are many misconceptions about the process that leads to having a brain MRI scan. In this article, we intend to respond to some of the more popular questions surrounding a brain MRI scan.
What Conditions May Need Brain MRI Scan?
A brain MRI can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of medical conditions affecting the brain and nervous system. A physician may order a brain MRI for symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, seizures, or when symptoms like vision or cognitive changes, or if there is a suspected or known neurological condition. Some of the most common medical reasons that would justify a brain MRI include:
Brain tumors: An MRI can identify the presence and location of a brain tumor whether it is cancerous or noncancerous.
Stroke: An MRI can identify areas of the brain involved in a stroke, which can help with diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An MRI can identify areas of inflammation and damage to the brain and spinal cord consistent with MS.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): An MRI can help detect bleeding, bruising, or swelling inside the brain caused by blunt force trauma to the head.
Epilepsy: An MRI can help identify structural abnormalities of the brain that may be causing seizures.
Dementia: An MRI can help identify brain changes consistent with dementia such as the loss of brain tissue, as well as the presence of protein accumulations.
Infections: An MRI scan may be used to locate areas of inflammation or accumulation of fluid in the brain due to infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Do All Headaches Need a Brain MRI scan?
Most headaches are not a medical emergency and will not warrant an MRI so you may not care to search for the MRI scan cost and the MRI test price. However, there are times when an MRI will be recommended because of the severity of the headache, the frequency of the headache, or when any other additional symptoms arise that are concerning such as neurological changes or vision changes.
If that was the case, you would have likely called your local diagnostic center for either MRI scan price or MRI brain scan cost information. Here are some of the scenarios that would indicate having an MRI for a headache:
Sudden onset of a severe headache: If you have participants reporting a sudden onset of a severe headache, especially when he/she is reporting it is the first time or the worse headache they have ever experienced, that can be a symptom of a more serious situation like a brain aneurysm and should be treated immediately.
Change in the pattern of the headaches: If you have participants that are reporting headaches and he/she reports a change in the number or pattern of their headaches, then you would have a scenario where an MRI is suggested by the physician in order to rule out a more serious underlying reason.
Neurological symptoms: If you are experiencing neurological symptoms of weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking or speaking concerns, or changed vision, an MRI would be required to rule out any underlying neurological disease.
Head injury: If you have a history of a head injury, your doctor may recommend an MRI for evaluation of brain or skull injuries.
Family history of neurological disorders: If you have a family history of neurological disorders, such as brain tumors or aneurysms, your doctor might order an MRI as a precaution.
It is important to mention that while an MRI may be beneficial in identifying some conditions, it is not always needed for headaches. Your doctor will consider your individual situation and decide if an MRI is warranted.
Does It Hurt To Get a Brain MRI Scan Done?
No – brain MRI scans are usually non-surgical and painless.
Some people may feel some form of discomfort or stress while having the procedure done because of the loud banging noise associated with the MRI machine or could just feel claustrophobic, being trapped in a small space.
If you are feeling nervous or anxious, earplugs, headphones, or even a blanket can be supplied to help ease your anxiety while you are being tested. If you are very anxious or claustrophobic, your physician may prescribe a sedative to help relax you during the process. The MRI scanner consists of a powerful magnet. Therefore, you should not bring along any metal object(s), such as jewelry, watches, or hairpins, and you will likely be asked to put on a hospital gown or clothing without any metal snaps, zippers, or buttons.
If you’re worried or have questions about what is going to happen during a brain MRI, be sure to discuss them with your physician before the treatment or anyone at the imaging centre.
What is the Procedure of Brain MRI Scan?
The procedure generally follows these steps:
Depending on the facility, you will either be required to wear a hospital gown or your own clothing that is free from metal snaps, zippers or buttons for the test. You may also be asked to remove any metal jewellery, watches or hair clips. If you are having a contrast enhanced MRI a small IV line may be inserted in your arm for the contrast agent injection.
You will be reclining on a table that will slide into the MRI machine which is a large, tube-shaped container with a powerful magnet inside. The technician will ensure that you are correctly positioned so that the magnet will encompass the appropriate body area.
It is important to remain still during the exam, as motion will make the pictures blurry. You may be provided earplugs, or headphones to help shield the noise from the machine. The machine will be making a series of banging sounds as the pictures are being taken. You will be able to remain in contact with the technician during the exam via intercom or alert button.
At some point in the test, the technician will put the contrast material into your IV line, if you are having a contrast-enhanced MRI. You may have a fleeting warm sensation or metallic taste in your mouth.
When the test is complete, the table will slide out of the machine so that you can get up.
Where Can I Get My Brain MRI Scan Done?
Carebox, best Diagnostic Centre aggregator in Delhi which is the most well-known for its best imaging service centres partnership. The prices for the head MRI scan at diagnostic centres in Delhi are reasonable, the machines are considered to be the first type of its kind with technology, and the imaging centres have an amazing infrastructure to accommodate the needs of patients, and meet patients last-minute requests.
Carebox does not compromise with quality. To support you in any way possible, we have a 24X7 support team.
Conclusion
Head MRI scans are a vital diagnostic method for diagnosing and monitoring all sorts of medical disorders. You can obtain the best quality and most precise MRI scan reports in the Delhi area with the assistance of carebox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What can a brain MRI detect?
The brain MRI can detect functional and structural abnormalities of the head and brain, including tumors, strokes, infections, bleeding, and multiple sclerosis.
Q. What is the full form of MRI?
The full form of MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Q. Can an MRI show brain damage?
The brain MRI scan is able to show atrophy long after the injury.
Q. What is the cost of a brain MRI scan in Delhi, NCR?
The cost of a brain MRI scan in Delhi ranges between 4000 INR and 6000 INR, and also this depends on center to center and other cost-affecting factors. For more details contact carebox.
Q. Why is Carebox your best choice?
While choosing the imaging centres at carebox, it’s important to understand and remember the reasons why carebox is the best choice for imaging tests- Convenience, affordability, trust & Quality, and expert Support.
