Often, brain diseases do not have bright and very informative symptoms, which could immediately determine the development and causes of the disease. For more extensive information, a brain scan is required that will give the doctor maximum information for the final diagnosis.
When do I get a tomography?
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is a safe method of investigation based on the use of magnetic field and pulsation of electromagnetic waves. Thanks to him, you can take pictures of the brain and blood vessels, which can not be obtained either by X-ray or ultrasound. Very often MRI is confused with computed tomography of the brain. In appearance, the apparatus does not differ in any way, but the difference is that with X-rays, X-rays are used. It is difficult to say which method will be most effective and informative.
Indications MRI of the brain:
- bruises and head injuries;
- brain tumors;
- hearing damage;
- speech impairment;
- diseases of the cerebral vascular system;
- meningitis ;
- abscess;
- HIV infection;
- epilepsy;
- sinusitis;
- abnormal development of cerebral vessels;
- multiple sclerosis;
- neurodegenerative diseases;
- pathology of the selly region;
- praxisal states;
- violation of blood circulation in the vessels of the brain;
- tumors of the bridge.
This type of diagnosis is often prescribed to monitor changes and conditions after surgery and transferred diseases.
Contra-indications for the procedure
There are absolute and relative contraindications to MRI of the brain, in which it is impossible to carry out this type of examination. The absolute applies:
- presence of pacemakers and other electronic bodies;
- presence of dental plates, pins;
- intracranial aneurysms;
- claustrophobia.
Relative contraindications include:
- pregnancy;
- heart failure;
- tattoos with iron-containing dyes;
- metal braces;
- epilepsy .
How is the MRI of the brain done?
To begin with, all metal objects, as well as clothing, are removed from the patient's body. For the duration of the procedure, a special gown is issued. The examination is carried out in a special cell, where there is an apparatus on which the patient lies. Since during diagnostics it is very important not to move, special fixators for hands, feet and head can be used. During the magnetic tomography of the brain, the table enters a special tunnel, where there are powerful magnets. In the examination room, the patient is alone, followed by a laboratory operator conducting diagnostics through a special glass. At this time, if necessary, you can communicate with him through the loudspeaker. If there is a possibility of a panic in the patient, then a sedative can be used before the diagnosis. The whole procedure lasts an average of about 15 minutes.
MRI of the brain with contrasting
Despite the fact that MRI is not an invasive method of examination, some doctors insist on the need to use contrast to get a more informative picture of the disease. What is special about MRI of the brain with contrast? The body introduces a special substance that increases the contrast of various tissues. Most often, this drug is used when it is impossible to determine the volume of inflammatory processes. It should be noted that despite the natural origin and safety of gadolinium, which is used for contrast, allergic reactions in some patients are noted. Therefore, it is very important to check the reaction of the body to the contrast medium before the diagnosis.