Neurological conditions have become quite common these days. With an increasing percentage of health diseases come many solutions to detect and treat them. Brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a crucial tool in modern science used by healthcare experts to diagnose neurological conditions and plan a personalised treatment approach for patients. Brain MRI plays a vital role in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of neurological care by harnessing the power of advanced imaging technology.

Please keep reading to discover a brain MRI's purpose, procedure, results, and significance in the healthcare industry.

What is a Brain MRI?

A brain or head MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are a powerful diagnostic tool to detect neurological conditions such as tumours, strokes, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and others. These scans provide detailed brain and spinal cord images, allowing healthcare professionals to visualise and assess disease progression and guide neurologists in treatment decisions. The images produced by the MRI scans help healthcare professionals to intensely visualise the different structures in the brain, including white matter, grey matter, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Brain MRI uses specialised techniques like diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) and functional MRI (fMRI) to provide additional information about tissue characteristics and brain activity. It shows structures of the inner ear, brain, blood vessels that connect to the brain, eyes and their supporting tissues, and soft tissues of the skull-based structures.

Purpose of Brain MRI

Radiologists do brain MRIs and serve several functions in clinical settings. To begin with, it is utilised to diagnose an array of issues by generating detailed images of the brain's structure and identifying irregularities like tumours, vascular abnormalities and inflammatory spots. Moreover, MRI scans are beneficial for evaluating the scope and seriousness of conditions, aiding in treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression over time.

Additionally, brain MRI plays a role in planning surgeries involving the brain, enabling surgeons to pinpoint brain lesions and prevent harm to critical areas during procedures. It also assists in monitoring how patients respond to treatment and assessing the effectiveness of therapies like chemotherapy or radiation for treating brain tumours.

Furthermore, MRI can explore the root causes of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or cognitive impairments. This helps healthcare providers pinpoint the underlying issues and create management plans. Brain MRI is a tool in neurology and neurosurgery, offering insights into brain health and diseases.

Please Note: Some MRI Scans use injectable contrast material to enhance the nearby water molecules' magnetic properties and improve the images' specificity and sensitivity.

The Procedure of Brain MRI

With brain MRI scans, neuroexperts can identify inflammation, swelling, structural issues, fluid leaks, haemorrhage, white matter disease, and abnormal growths or masses in the brain. Below is the step-by-step procedure for a brain MRI:

Step 1: Preparation

The patient is advised to remove metal objects and clothing with metal components to prevent malfunctions.

Step 2: Positioning

The patient is laid down (on the back) on a motorised table, and earphones are used to block out the noise of the MRI machine completely.

Step 3: Coil Placement

Specialised coils are placed around the head to enhance the image quality and output. These coils are helpful in effectively capturing the radio waves emitted by the MRI machine.

Step 4: Entering the MRI Machine

The motorised table slowly starts moving into the MRI machine, which resembles a large tube.

Step 5: Scan Acquisition

The MRI technologist operates the scanner from a different room and can communicate with the patient through an intercom.

Step 6: Image Reconstruction

The MRI machine produces a strong magnetic field and sends radio waves throughout the body to capture brain images. The operator collects different sets of pictures from various angles and creates cross-sectional brain images.

Note: Patients must stay still and avoid movement during the MRI scan.

Results of Brain MRI

The results from an MRI scanner offer in-depth visuals of the brain composition, enabling experts to diagnose irregularities such as clots, tumours, masses, lesions, and strokes. The results help healthcare professionals understand the neurological condition of the patient's brain and decide on further courses of treatment.

Conclusion

MRI brain scans play a role in today's medicine, helping diagnose, personalise treatment strategies, and constantly monitor neurological issues. As research advances and technology evolves, MRI remains a cornerstone of neurological assessment, ensuring comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals with neurological disorders.