When referring to a specialist with complaints of headache and a feeling of dizziness, the patient is often referred for a diagnostic examination through tomography. During an MRI, the time and speed of the electromagnetic response of the nuclei of hydrogen atoms to their excitation by electromagnetic waves in a contrast magnetic field with a high voltage level are measured.
The magnetic field provokes a change in proton interstitial movements. If in a normal state protons in tissues move randomly, then when exposed to a magnetic field they begin to move along a certain boundary. After the end of the magnetic field effect on the particles, a stream of energy is received, received from the radio wave. The device sets the amount of energy and the rate of its release by protons. Any violations of the established norms of the released energy flow in a certain area will speak about human health problems.
Where is the procedure used
There are many indications for MRI of the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and head is performed for:
- identification of pathological processes in the spinal cord and human brain;
- definitions of diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- identifying problems in the development of human organs and systems.
MRI in the neurological field
What are the indications for brain MRI? Often such an examination is carried out in neurology. The study of cerebral vessels in neurology is quite common, as it helps to obtain the most accurate information about the patient's condition and his mental health.
This diagnostic technique is considered relatively safe and affordable compared to other methods. What helps to identify the procedure in terms of neurology? Tomography helps to get a complete picture of all layers of the brain and spinal cord, spine, but without the use of x-rays.
MRI is used in neurology to transmit images of the brain, ligaments of the spine, nerve fibers, and intervertebral discs.
Using this procedure, doctors can determine the following pathologies in the human body: tumor formations, cysts, acute ischemic strokes, intracerebral aneurysms and other diseases.
The main advantages of MRI compared with other studies
There are indications and contraindications for brain MRI. This procedure is quite common and is prescribed to many patients.
To begin with, it is important to determine all the indications for an examination of an MRI of the brain, and only then make a diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging has many positive aspects:
- through such an examination, you can get detailed information about the structural deviation and pathological processes in any part of the body;
- This is a unique non-invasive procedure, which is distinguished by its accuracy, as well as its high sensitivity to any disturbances in the structure of organ tissues, extraneous formations in the body;
- enables the specialist to create a 3D image of a specific area;
- writes the results of the study to disk;
- does not bring muta and carcinogenesis, the procedure does not use ionizing radiation;
- can determine the pathological formation of a minimum size (from 1 centimeter to millimeter sizes);
- MRI helps to accurately examine both the longitudinal and transverse sections of tissues.
Indications for the study
The following indications for adult brain MRI are:
- getting injured and injured in the skull (if a fracture or damage to the bones is suspected);
- suspicion of the presence of a tumor in the brain or adjacent tissues (such a condition leads to severe pain in the head, double vision, dizziness and general malaise);
- in the presence of degenerative changes in the nervous tissue;
- to assess the overall extent of brain damage after a stroke or heart attack;
- if there is a suspicion of the presence of cerebrovascular diseases that have arisen due to structural and shaped changes in the body;
- confirmation or exclusion of multiple sclerosis (characterized by severe problems with memory and memory, as well as loss in space);
- suspected cerebral hemorrhage;
- determination of the general condition of a person after surgery.
Regular MRI examinations of cerebral vessels are necessary if there are certain problems in the body. Indications for brain MRI in adults:
- regularly increased intracranial pressure;
- vasculitis;
- definition of blood clots;
- after a stroke or heart attack;
- persistent headaches that appear for no particular reason;
- VVD in an advanced stage;
- congenital heart disease in humans;
- people prone to bad habits (in this case, there is a high risk of getting various diseases of the cardiovascular system);
- those who regularly load their body with physical activity, whose professional activity is associated with active sports and blows to the head (wrestling, boxing, basketball or volleyball).
Conducting in childhood
Indications for MRI of the brain in children:
- fainting
- regular pain in the head;
- convulsions, bouts of epilepsy;
- loss of visual acuity or hearing impairment;
- sudden mood swings;
- problems with the development of the speech apparatus, as well as disorders in the nervous system;
- sports associated with strokes or jumps (even during gymnastics).
The main contraindications
It is important to remember that this procedure also has its contraindications. Despite its high safety and other medical advantages, there are certain factors under which this type of research is prohibited.
The main contraindications for brain MRI are:
- the presence of metal implants (a magnetic field can lead to a change in their position, and also at the end of the procedure, the device may give an incorrect picture);
- the presence of hemostatic clips in the vessels of the brain (in this case, the examination can lead to intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage);
- tattoos in which metal elements are located.
Relative contraindications
Experts also identify relative contraindications, during which an MRI can be done, but only after examination by a specialist. Relative contraindications to the procedure include:
- bearing a child (doctors have not found a specific negative effect of MRI on the general course of pregnancy and embryo development, but to prevent the occurrence of individual changes in the body, you should first visit the attending specialist);
- the presence of claustrophobia in the patient (a panic process in which it is impossible to conduct a full examination);
- heart failure;
- nerve stimulants;
- heart valve prostheses;
- specialized insulin pumps.
When conducting a diagnostic study with the introduction of contrasting components, it is important to first conduct a test for an allergic reaction in the patient.
Features of diagnosis in childhood
MRI of the brain - a safe examination for the child’s body. When it is carried out, the children's body does not receive any dose of radiation or x-ray exposure.
But many adults worry, for a long time they do not agree to conduct the procedure for children, because they are afraid of possible complications and negative effects. The main problem that doctors and parents have is how to conduct a study so that during its course the child does not show activity, but strictly follows the instructions.
The most important thing is to calm the child before the procedure and give minimal information about the procedure, while you can use various analogies (flight into space, we will take a photo and more).
Inside the MRI device there is a special connection through which the child will be able to talk with the parent or just listen to him, which will help him not to be so afraid of the procedure and not be nervous.
It is important to warn the baby that, perhaps, he will have to hold his breath for a while (this should also be submitted in a playful way). It is important to remember that it is important to have an MRI scan for the child who is at risk (for example, is engaged in boxing or wrestling), this procedure will help eliminate possible violations in the brain and its structure.
Young children (under 5 years old) are given special medications that inject them into anesthetic sleep. The use of the drug is pre-negotiated with parents and an anesthetist.
Preparation for the procedure
Doctors do not establish special preliminary preparation for the procedure. But there are some rules that are important to follow.
- Before the procedure, the nurse may ask you to change into a white spacious shirt. But if a person’s clothing is not tight and does not constrain his movements, and also there are no metal inserts on it, then you don’t need to change clothes.
- There are no restrictions on the intake of food or drugs before the procedure (only in some cases the doctor can set some prohibitions for the patient).
- Before conducting a diagnostic measure with contrast, you should first pass a blood test (check the condition of the kidneys), as well as conduct an allergic test.
- Women in position must first notify the doctor of this.
Prohibited Items
It is important to remove all metal products and jewelry from the body or simply not to wear them before going to the hospital:
- watches, jewelry, hearing aids;
- various pins, beads, lighters;
- dentures;
- piercing, glasses;
- buttons on clothes, metal fasteners.
Diagnostic Progress
After determining the MRI of the vessels of the brain, it is important to consider the features of the procedure. First, the patient is placed on a movable table, the body is fixed by means of specialized belts, a roller is placed. Around the head, special devices are installed that send and receive radio waves. When using special contrast, the nurse injects the prepared product into the vein of the upper limb, and they also use a special saline solution to disinfect the device.
After preparation for the procedure, the table with the patient moves under a magnet (it is a tunnel). A signal is given to start shooting - then there are tapping sounds or characteristic clicks. To ensure maximum comfort, special headphones can be offered to the patient to isolate excess sounds.
During the examination, the patient should remain motionless. In some cases, he is required to hold his breath. At the end of the tomography, the nurse removes the catheter (if used). The whole procedure lasts for 45 minutes and passes without pain and other unpleasant sensations. The doctor decides the results. After imaging, the patient is given a conclusion, which is then interpreted by the attending specialist who referred him to an MRI.