This article will elaborate on an ear MRI, its purpose and procedure. We will also discuss the cost of ear MRI in Delhi/Noida/NCR.
What is an Ear MRI?
Ear MRI is a non-invasive painless procedure that produces clear images of the cochlea (snail shell-like body with fluid-filled parts), vestibules (bones of the ear), auditory nerve (cochlear nerve, vestibular nerve) of the ear and tissues around it. The ear is the hearing and balancing organ in humans. The ear is divided into two parts i.e., inner ear and outer ear. The inner ear consists of a pinna or auricle, external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, middle ear and eustachian tube. In contrast, the outer ear comprises cochlea, vestibule and semicircular canals.
MRI is the short form of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create images of the body. MRI does not use radiation for scanning which is why it is preferred body scan by healthcare experts. This technique is also susceptible to scanning compared to CT (computed tomography) scans or X-rays. MRI scans can be done with or without using the contrast. Healthcare experts can suggest contrast MRI scans if they need enhanced-quality images for diagnostic purposes.
What is an Ear MRI With Contrast?
Ear MRI uses intravenous gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) to show abnormalities. Gadolinium is a rare earth metal that alters the magnetic properties of water molecules present nearby which helps to enhance the quality of scanned images. It is better to go for the scan under the guidance of a healthcare expert as the contrast can have mild to severe side effects of the contrast, but severe reactions happen very rarely.
Ear MRI is Used to Show?
Ear MRI provides detailed images of the inner and outer ear and associated tissues. The ear MRI will detect the following abnormalities:
- To detect any injury or fracture of the ear.
- To diagnose the inner ear infection in labyrinthitis, ostosyphilis etc.
- To detect cancer and tumour in the inner ear.
- To detect traumatic conditions like otosclerosis of the inner ear.
- To diagnose the dehiscence syndrome, which causes body balance disorder and hypersensitivity to sound.
- To detect any abnormal structure changes of the ear like narrowing or stenosis.
- To diagnose the ear edema.
- To diagnose the soft tissue mass lesion (schwannoma).
- To diagnose the noncancerous fatty tissue tumour (Lipoma).
- To diagnose the vascular lesions or cystic lesions.
When to Go for an Ear MRI Scan?
A person can go for an ear MRI if the healthcare provider suspects any abnormality related to the ear like narrowing of the ear canal, cancers, tumours, blockage of blood vessels, ear infections, ear injury or tears etc. Healthcare providers also use ear MRI scans before surgeries to better prepare for the surgery. They also use these scans to ensure that healing from the previous surgery is going well.
What to Do Before Going for an Ear MRI Scan?
Before going for the ear MRI scan, a patient needs to consult a healthcare expert as he may suggest some conditions before going for the test. Tell your healthcare provider if you have body implants. MRI uses strong magnets and radio wave signals that can cause the heating and possible movement of metal objects inside the body. These implants can cause health and safety issues, so it is important to consult a healthcare expert before going for an MRI.
Besides these, the patient is also advised to keep all the jewellery, watches, or any wearing metal at home or remove them before the MRI scan. These can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and cause burns or injuries with harmful projections. Items that can interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and have to be discussed before going for MRI are pacemakers, implants, nerve stimulators, metal fragments, jewellery, pins, cell phones, electronic watches etc. Healthcare providers should be aware if the patient is pregnant and fears closed narrow spaces.
What is the procedure for an ear MRI scan?
The procedure involves the patient to lie on the bench, which glides into the MRI scanning machine. In case of patients using contrast dye, patients will be allowed to wait for almost 1 hour after the administration of the drug. Dye is used to get perfect and clearer images of the body parts. Patient will be completely safe in the machine and the process can take 30 to 60 minutes.
What is the Cost of an Ear MRI Scan in Delhi/ Noida/ Ncr?
The cost of ear MRI scans in Delhi/ Noida/ NCR depends on the area, healthcare facility and the quality of healthcare provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for ear MRI scan screening tests as they provide the best facility, quality, and Government accreditations and have expertise in healthcare with affordable prices and discounts available. (Click to know Discounts)
Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic?
Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and prestigious Diagnostic centres that provides a 24x7x365-day facility. The quality is backed by NABH and NABL accreditations. The centre provides free blood sample collection at home for different tests, Get tested with the best diagnostic centre. Grab the opportunity of available discounts and book an appointment.
What is the Treatment After an Ear MRI Scan?
MRI scans for the ear detect various abnormalities like tumours, cancers, infections, vessel blockages, inflammations, injuries etc. Different abnormalities have different treatments as per the diagnosis. Healthcare experts can suggest treatment only after analysis of the condition reported in the MRI.
Conclusion
Ear is the sensory organ used to hear and balance the body. Ear is divided into the inner ear and outer ear. Abnormalities in the ear like tumours, cancers, infections, inflammations, narrowing of the ear canal etc. Patients need to choose the MRI centre only after checking the Government accreditations, technical staff and previous expertise in the healthcare field. An ear scan MRI can be done with or without contrast depending on the need and the healthcare provider's suggestion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What does an ear MRI scan mean?
Ear MRI scan is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging non-invasive medical diagnostic tool for the detection of disorders and diseases related to the ear.
What is the most common disease of the ear?
Otitis media (middle ear infection) is the most common disease of the ear.
What do ear MRI scans show?
Ear MRI scan shows tumours, cancers, inflammation, blockage, infections, lipoma, cystic lesions, blood flow issues etc.
What is the difference between an MRI scan and a PET scan?
MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves while PET scans use radioactive tracers for the detection of abnormalities.
Which is better scan for the ear?
Some small or emerging abnormalities can go undetected in X-ray and CT scans, but MRI can detect the abnormalities at the early stage.
When to go for an ear MRI scan?
Patients should not avoid any symptoms related to ear abnormalities or disorders. Patients should go for regular screening to avoid any delay in diagnosis and treatment. (Click for screening)
What are the risks associated with ear MRI scans?
There are almost no risks associated with ear MRI when conducted in the presence of a healthcare technician and at a good facility with proper guidelines and protocols.
How long does an ear MRI scan take?
ear MRI scans can take around 30 to 60 minutes. Timing can also depend on the type of MRI like whether taking contrast or not for MRI.
Is the MRI ear painful?
MRI ear is a painless non-invasive procedure, but some patients may feel uncomfortable if they have claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces).
What is the cost of an ear MRI scan?
Cost depends on the area and the healthcare facility provider. You can choose Ganesh Diagnostic for discounts and the best facility or call at 011-47-444-444 / 011-47-333-333 for price confirmation. (Book Now)
What is the treatment after the ear MRI scan?
Ear treatment depends on the condition diagnosed after the MRI. Treatment can only be suggested after the healthcare expert analyses the report because MRI detects a wide range of abnormalities like cancers, tumours, inflammation, infection, blockage of vessels etc.
Is MRI good for ear scanning?
MRI ear is a good MRI scanning tool as it can detect early abnormalities in the ear.
What are the side effects of ear MRI?
Ear MRI is safe but in some rare cases, patients may feel side effects like rash, nausea and vomiting.
What is the best scan for ear pain?
MRI and CT scans are the best and non-invasive scans for ear pain, which can show any abnormality related to pain.
How to find an ear scanning centre nearby?
You can type ear MRI scan near me in Google search for the nearest centres available or click here for consultation.