A head MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a non-invasive medical test that uses a strong magnetic field and a computer to recapitulate digital pictures of brain and surrounding tissues. It is a noninvasive test that does...
A head MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a non-invasive medical test that uses a strong magnetic field and a computer to recapitulate digital pictures of brain and surrounding tissues. It is a noninvasive test that does not use radiation.
A head MRI can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including:
- Brain tumors
- Strokes
- Head injuries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer's disease
- Hydrocephalus
- Aneurysms
- Infections
A head MRI is also used to evaluate the brain before and after surgery, and to monitor the progress of treatment for brain conditions.
How a Head MRI Works
A head MRI works by using a powerful magnetic field to align the atoms in the body. When radio waves are then passed through the body, the atoms are disturbed and emit a signal. This signal is then detected by the MRI machine and used to create images of the body.
Head MRIs are typically performed in a hospital or clinic setting. The patient will be made to lie down upon MRI machine’s table that will go into the MRI machine. A technician will place a coil around the patient's head. The coil helps to transmit and receive the radio waves. The patient needs to stay still during the procedure of the scan. The scan takes somewhere between 30-45minutes.
Conditions that Can be Diagnosed with a Head MRI
A head MRI can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including:
Brain tumors : When the cells start growing abnormally inside the brain, they turn into tumors. Such clusters of cells can be both malignant and benign. A head MRI can be used to detect brain tumors and to determine their size, shape, and location.
Strokes : whenever there is sudden interruption in the blood supply through the arteries of the brain, it results in a stroke. This can cause brain cells to die. A head MRI can be used to detect strokes and to determine the extent of damage to the brain.
Head injuries : Head injuries can cause a variety of problems, including bleeding, swelling, and damage to the brain. A head MRI can be used to assess the severity of a head injury and to identify any damage to the brain.
Multiple sclerosis : Multiple sclerosis is mostly an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system. It causes inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath, which is a protective layer that surrounds nerve fibers. A head MRI can be used to diagnose multiple sclerosis and to assess the severity of the disease.
Alzheimer's disease : Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes dementia. It is characterized by the loss of nerve cells and the build-up of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain. A head MRI can be used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease and to assess the severity of the disease.
Hydrocephalus : Hydrocephalus is a condition in which there is an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. The brain and spinal cord are surrounded by this same fluid and it helps in the protection of these delicate structures by shock absorption. A head MRI can be used to diagnose hydrocephalus and to assess the severity of the condition.
Aneurysms : Aneurysms are bulges in the walls of blood vessels. Any part of the body, including the brain can be affected by aneurysms.. Aneurysms can rupture and cause bleeding, which can be fatal. A head MRI can be used to detect aneurysms and to assess the risk of rupture.
Infections : Infections of the brain can be caused by anything ranging from a bacteria to a small virus. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and seizures. A head MRI can be used to diagnose infections of the brain and to assess the severity of the infection.
Benefits of a Head MRI
Head MRIs are a valuable tool for diagnosing a variety of conditions. They are noninvasive, do not use radiation, and provide detailed images of the brain and other structures in the head. Even the head MRI scan cost is very affordable, specially at centres like Ganesh Diagnostic Centre where additional discount on head MRI price is provided.
Some of the benefits of a head MRI scan include:
Accurate diagnosis : A head MRI scan can help diagnose a variety of conditions such as tumors, strokes, aneurysms, infections, and other abnormalities in the brain and surrounding tissues.
Non-invasive : Unlike other diagnostic imaging tests, such as CT scans or X-rays, a head MRI scan does not use radiation, making it a safer option for some patients.
High-resolution images : MRI scans provide high-resolution images, allowing doctors to see the brain's structures in detail and identify any abnormalities.
Versatile : Head MRI scans can be used to evaluate a variety of conditions, including traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and dementia.
Useful in treatment planning : MRI scans can help doctors determine the best course of treatment for patients, such as surgery or radiation therapy.
Early detection : Head MRI scans can detect conditions in their early stages, which can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.
Overall, a head MRI scan is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions affecting the brain and surrounding tissues.
Risks of a Head MRI
The risks of a head MRI are very low.there is a small population that can complain about mild symptoms like nausea or vomiting after getting the MRI.There is a very small risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast agent that is sometimes used during a head MRI. Here are some of the potential risks of a head MRI:
Claustrophobia : People who are claustrophobic may find it challenging to undergo an MRI scan, as they will need to lie still inside a narrow tube for a period of time. Open MRI machines or sedation can be options to help with this.
Metal implants : Metal implants such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, and some types of metal dental work may be affected by the strong magnetic field of an MRI machine, which can cause movement or heating in the implant. People with these types of implants should discuss the risks and benefits of MRI with their doctor.
Contrast dye : Some MRI scans use a contrast dye to enhance the images, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. People who have a history of allergies or kidney problems may be at higher risk for a reaction to the dye.
Acoustic noise : MRI machines produce loud knocking or tapping sounds during the procedure, which can be uncomfortable or startling for some people. Earplugs or headphones can help with this.
It's important to note that the benefits of a head MRI scan typically outweigh the risks for most people. The risks can be minimized by informing the radiologist of any medical conditions, metal implants, or allergies before the procedure.
Best Diagnostic Centre for MRI Head Scan
Ganesh Diagnostic centre is deemed to be the best diagnostic centre with NABH accreditation around the Delhi regions. If you judge a book by it’s cover, then sure, the centre might not be clad with as much bling as the billionaire health centres but if you are the one to make decisions based on quality, then Ganesh diagnostic centre is the absolutely right choice for you. We offer the best MRI head scan cost and our head MRI is of top notch quality in the entire India.
Conclusion
Head MRIs are a valuable tool for diagnosing a variety of conditions. They are noninvasive, do not use radiation, and provide detailed images of the brain and other structures in the head. If you have any concerns about your health, please talk to your doctor.
