MRI Brain/Head with contrast is a diagnostic aid that uses Magnetic field, radio waves and intravenous contrast agent to outline the anatomy and disease of the brain. It employs a set of MRI sequences and generates images with greater resolution and clarity to assess and examine any disease or condition of the brain.
The contrast medium, typically Gadolinium, accentuates the tissues that contribute towards improved evaluation of the underlying pathology.
MRI is superior to CT scan owing to the following reasons:
1) No exposure to ionizing radiations
2) Do not employ iodinated contrast medium, hence no risk of contrast induced nephropathy.
3) Improved neurovascular evaluation and assessment.
Now-a-days MRI is the most sensitive imaging procedure of head/brain for detection of disease compared to other imaging methods like X-rays or a CT scan.
What are applications of MRI Brain with Contrast?
MRI brain/head with contrast is employed for detection and diagnosis of wide range of diseases including:
Brain tumors
Secondary metastases in Brain
Brain infectious diseases
Leukoencephalopathy
Multiple sclerosis
Neuro-degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease
Vascular disorders
Traumatic injury
Progressive blindness
Nerve compression
Pituitary tumors
Tumors in Cerebellopontine angle
Epilepsy
Refractory Migraine
Chronic Tinnitus and hearing loss
Recurrent dizziness leading to fainting.
What are patient preparations for MRI Brain or Head with Contrast?
Appointment- Schedule an appointment in a Diagnostic center with the facility of MRI Brain with contrast as it is done in limited centers.
Fasting- Fasting for 4-5 hours is needed prior to MRI with contrast study.
Pregnancy- Inform your Doctor regarding pregnancy if you are pregnant so that your Doctor can assess the risk vs benefit ratio.
Implants- Inform your doctor about any implant in your body such as cardiac implant, inner ear implants, neurostimulators or any type of hearing aids. MRI utilizes strong magnetic fields and implants may lead to safety issues and health hazards.
Clothing- Wear clothes as comfortable as possible and that are easy to put on and off.
Allergy- Inform your Clinician about prior history of allergy to any drug.
Claustrophobia and anxiety – If you suffer from claustrophobia or anxiety disorder then don’t waste any time in informing your Doctor about it. He can provide sedative or some alternatives to help get over this while conducting test.
Medical reports- Don’t miss to carry all concerned medical reports with you while visiting for MRI Brain with contrast.
Get company- Have a friend or family member accompany you for mental, emotional support and to take you home.
What is the process of MRI Brain with Contrast?
Informed consent is taken before you go into the scanner room.
You’ll be requested to take all the metal elements such as jewelry, hearing aids, metal hair clips, belts, metal underwired bras, wallets ,keys, coins, cards with metallic strips, goggles etc.
You’ll be then requested to get changed and put on a gown provided by the technician who is assisting the procedure.
You will be given headphones or earplugs to make you more comfortable and shielded from the noises emitted by the MRI machine.
If you have anxiety disorder or Claustrophobia, then you may be administered sedatives or some other options to make you comfortable throughout the scan.
Prior to contrast-enhanced MRI scan, your supporting Doctor will discuss all the potential side effects of administering contrast material like itchiness, rash, swelling etc. Your KFT report will be needed to exclude any kidney disease pathology and to assess your GFR. Since contrast material, Gadolinium should not be administered to a patient having a GFR below 30.
Subsequently, an intravenous contrast medium, typically Gadolinium, is administered.
After that you will be required to lie flat on the MRI exam table which will move and position you within the MRI scanner.
You will have to remain still throughout the test as the movement of the body can interfere with image quality generated. Your Radiologist will obtain a few images of the Brain and the surrounding tissues to assess the underlying pathology and finally these images will be interpreted for making a certain diagnosis.
After imaging is completed you might be permitted to leave the scanner room and wait in the observation room for a while, to observe for any potential side effect of contrast agent being administered.
You shall receive reports the following day. But you can get the film images on the same day if necessitated by your doctor.
How long does it take to perform MRI Brain with Contrast?
MRI Brain using contrast is a significant neuroimaging method which is employed for the evaluation and assessment of various diseases of the brain tissue or head’s blood vessels.
MRI contrast offers additional benefits compared to regular MRI without contrast agent because of the following reasons-
Detection of diseases at an early stage which aids in managing the condition in an initial stage.
Estimation of precise size and position of lesion.
Even minute foci of metastases can be detected.
Malignancy can be assessed.
It will take around 20-30 minutes to carry out MRI Brain with contrast.
The process might, however, take longer based on the co-morbid conditions and the extent of severity of illness.
What is the cost of MRI Brain with Contrast?
Price of MRI Brain/Head with contrast can differ based on certain factors such as city and locality. Charges also tend to differ in various Diagnostic centers based on the quality of the service and the offers currently available.
Conclusion
MRI Brain/Head with contrast is a diagnostic aid that uses Magnetic field, radio waves. Understanding the preparation, process and application is helpful for the best results. Carebox is a best imaging centre provider with top-notch facilities and an easy booking process. The cost and the process is affordable and here on the carebox website you can analyse the test price with different diagnostic centres across Delhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is an MRI brain with contrast?
An MRI brain with contrast is a study that employs a special dye (most often gadolinium) injected into a vein to make specific brain tissues and abnormalities more visible on the scans.
Q. Why do doctors use contrast in a brain MRI?
Contrast makes blood vessels, tumors, inflammation, and other abnormalities stand out more clearly, allowing physicians to diagnose conditions such as tumors, multiple sclerosis, or infections more easily.
Q. How is the contrast dye administered?
The contrast dye is administered through an IV that is put into your hand or arm prior to or during the test.
Q. Is MRI with contrast safe?
Contrast agents used in an MRI are typically safe; serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon, but mild side effects such as nausea or headache may occur.
Q. How do I prepare for an MRI brain with contrast?
Typically, there is no special preparation, but tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or allergies to contrast dyes.
