Brain MRI

Patient Prep

There are no preparations for this study. You may eat, and take any medication that you would normally do in a day.

Test Procedure

The technologist will place what is called a coil on top of your head. This is what will create the images needed by the radiologists to provide you with an excellent examination. This will remain above you during the whole examination. The technologist will explain everything as they go along in setting you up for the procedure.

For most of the head studies we will be using contrast (dye). The contrast used in MRI is very different than other parts of Radiology. The MRI contrast does not contain Iodine, which is what a lot of patients are allergic to with CT or IVP contrast. However, if you do feel anything during the injection please informs the technologist immediately. Even though it is safer does not mean you may not be allergic to this type of contrast. The technologist will use a "butterfly" needle, or start an Intravenous Line (IV) before the study begins. How your study needs to be performed will determine how the contrast will be administered. This is the only way to best look at certain pathology such as tumors and infections. This will make your examination complete. The technologist will inform you prior to beginning the study if you will be getting contrast. The determination for the use of the contrast is by the radiologist, your physician might not have informed you because of this reason.

The study will take approximately 20-45 minutes. If your study will be used for surgical planning and/or is a research study, the time may increase to approximately 50 minutes. The technologist will instruct you how long your particular study will be at the beginning. This total time is from beginning to end, unless we have to repeat images. You will be asked to hold perfectly still, no motion during the examination. MRI is very sensitive to motion, and with the high quality images we will be performing we want to guarantee the best examination as possible for you.

You will be covered with a blanket if you desire one, and be given the option of listening to music.

All patients will go in head first, and unfortunately there is no other way to perform your test. Keep in mind, the area of concern has to be within the center of the magnet. The technologist will be placing you where you need to be to perform the study, unfortunately at times this means your head is in the machine. If you are claustrophobic and/or very nervous, contact your physician to see if they would like to give you some medication to make the test more pleasant. A family member is able to join you in the MRI suite, just as long as they too pass our medical screening.

We strongly recommend keeping your eyes closed, and try to relax. The MRI will make various noises that are considered normal; it is the technologist acquiring the images needed for your study. The technologist has no control over the volume and/or noise; therefore we will provide you with earplugs to minimize the noise.

The radiologist will review your images later, and your physician will provide you with the results. This may take up to three days. However, if it is considered an emergency, there are ways for physicians to get results more quickly.