Headache is a complaint often addressed to doctors by people of all ages. Recently, this problem was considered a purely age-related ailment, now teenagers and middle-aged people are increasingly complaining of headaches. To determine the cause of migraine, a doctor can prescribe a survey such as an MRI.
What is MRI of the brain
Brain magnetic resonance imaging: magnetic resonance imaging or non-invasive head examination that helps to establish the diagnosis accurately and prescribe the right treatment. What is the MRI of the brain? With the help of this survey, you can assess the state of the nervous system, the structure of the substance and the vessels. MRI is a fast, safe method of research. Medical practice considers it to be the most sensitive and accurate way of viewing organs, which can give detailed information about the disease.
The essence of the survey using a tomograph is to use magnetic high-power fields and high-precision pulses, which are transmitted to a PC.The screen shows an accurate three-dimensional picture of all parts of the brain. The result of such an analysis can be displayed on a large screen, sent by e-mail. The method is safe. What will the MRI scan show? Detailing images helps doctors in detail to detect abnormalities in organs, arteries and tissues.
How is the MRI of the brain performed?
The patient is allowed to lead a habitual lifestyle before and after the examination of the brain, without limiting the intake of food. Immediately before the procedure, the radiologist should be informed of all operations, diseases the patient has ever suffered. It is also important to talk about an allergic reaction to medications, especially with the contrast method of MRI.All metal and jewelry must be removed. A woman should prescribe a scan using a tomograph to warn the doctor about a possible pregnancy. Also it is necessary to inform the radiologist about the presence:
- of prosthetic joints or limbs;
- of artificial heart valves;
- metal plates, etc.
The whole procedure takes about an hour:
- The patient is then placed on the movable table. The body is fixed with rollers and belts.
- Around the head is a device with wires that send and receive radio waves.
- The patient is alone in the study, but the radiologist hears it and sees it.
- To reduce the anxiety of the subject, the doctor can include relaxing music.
- The radiologist fully controls the entire process. It can:
- adjust picture quality;
- to change the frequency of radio waves;
- take additional pictures;
- write photo slices to the USB flash drive.
Which pathology reveals the tomogram of the head
The magnetic resonance method is the most popular in modern medicine. With the help of MRI it is possible to detect brain diseases at early stages. The tomogram is of high quality, even the smallest details can be seen on it. When issuing a referral to a survey using a tomograph, the attending physician can indicate a preliminary diagnosis and which departments should be given special attention. Here is what MRI of cerebral vessels shows:
- encephalitis;
- ischemic disease;
- meningitis;
- injury;
- defects during development;
- neoplasm;
- of vascular pathology;
- causes epilepsy;
- vision impairment;
- hemorrhage.
MRI of the brain with
contrast Diagnosis of the head using a tomograph is of great informative value in case of suspected metastases or malignant tumors. MRI of the brain with contrasting helps to increase the reliability of diagnosis in detecting CNS diseases. As a rule, examination with contrast is performed with the following indications:
- craniocerebral trauma;
- suspected vasodilation;
- pituitary adenoma;
- tumors;
- cyst;
- Multiple Sclerosis;
- metastases.
The contrast used( special substance) is administered intravenously before the test, the amount is calculated based on the weight of the patient. The contrast agent, when injected into the blood, accumulates only in places with altered tissues, allowing them to express them clearly on the scanner, improving the quality of the image, creating accurate projections of the tumor. As a substance, a paramagnetic preparation, based on gadolinium, is often used. This agent improves the visibility of all structural changes during scanning.
Tomography of the brain without contrast
The type of MRI test, as a rule, depends on the patient's complaints. If there are no obvious pathologies, the patient complains of loss of coordination and pain, first an overview tomography without special substance is performed. The patient does not feel the procedure without contrast. Only the fact of placing a closed small space and rhythmic loud sounds can be unpleasant. What is the MRI of the brain without contrast? A study of the head on a tomograph without the use of a substance can show:
- which organ or tissue suffered from a bruise;
- presence of a cyst;
- hematoma and other problems.
When a brain examination is needed using the MRI method
Indications for the appointment of a magnetic resonance examination:
- frequent dizziness;
- headache of unknown origin;
- speech disorders;
- suspicion of oncology;
- movement disorders;
- intracranial pressure;
- disorders of cardiac function, respiratory organs;
- states with loss of consciousness;
- head injury;
- memory impairment, orientation;
- suspected of swelling;
- stroke, suspected of it;
- is a parasite in the brain.