MRI-BRAIN

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is a safe and painless test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and the brain stem. An MRI differs from a CAT scan (also called a CT scan or a computed axial tomography scan) because it does not use radiation.

An MRI scan is different from a CT scan or an X-ray in that it doesn?t use radiation to produce images. An MRI scan combines images to create a 3-D picture of your internal structures, so it?s more effective than other scans at detecting abnormalities in small structures of the brain such as the pituitary gland and brain stem. Sometimes a contrast agent, or dye, can be given through an intravenous (IV) line to better visualize certain structures or abnormalities.

MRI-BRAIN

A head MRI is a useful tool for detecting a number of brain conditions, including:

• aneurysms, or bulging in the blood vessels of the brain
• multiple sclerosis
• spinal cord injuries
• hydrocephalus, a buildup of spinal fluid in the brain cavities
• stroke
• infections
• tumors
• cysts
• swelling
• hormonal disorders, such as acromegaly and Cushing?s syndrome
• hemorrhage, or bleeding
• inflammation
• problems with development or structure (such as a Chiari malformation)
• blood vessel issues
• an issue due to a previous head injury

A head MRI can help determine whether you sustained any damage from a stroke or head injury. Your doctor may also order a head MRI to investigate symptoms such as:

• dizziness
• weakness
• seizures
• changes in thinking or behavior
• blurry vision
• chronic headaches

These symptoms may be due to a brain issue, which an MRI scan can help detect.

A functional MRI (fMRI) of the brain is useful for people who might have to undergo brain surgery. An fMRI can pinpoint areas of the brain responsible for speech and language, and body movement. It does this by measuring metabolic changes that take place in your brain when you perform certain tasks. During this test, you may need to carry out small tasks, such as answering basic questions or tapping your thumb with your fingertips.

Additionally, there is a type of MRI called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), which better examines the blood vessels in the brain.

The medical staff will need to know if you have any metal in your body, including:

• inner ear implants
• artificial joints
• a defibrillator or pacemaker
• particular types of heart valves
• vascular stents
• brain aneurysm clips

They?ll also ask whether you?ve ever worked with sheet metal or been injured with metal shrapnel. All of these things can affect how safely you can undergo an MRI. In the case of implants and pacemakers, those items can stop working properly due to an MRI?s powerful magnetic field.

If you?re wearing anything that contains metal, including jewelry or sunglasses, you will need to remove those items. Metal interferes with the MRI machine?s ability to produce a clear image. Braces and dental fillings typically won?t pose a problem, but pocketknives, pens, pins, and certain dental appliances can interfere. The staff may ask you to wear a hospital gown or clothing that doesn?t contain metal fasteners. You can?t have electronic devices in the MRI room.

Tell the medical staff if you?re pregnant. An MRI?s magnetic field affects unborn children in a way that isn?t yet fully understood.

Additionally, it?s important to let the staff know if you have claustrophobia. If so, you might need to take sedatives during the exam or have an ?open? MRI. Open MRI machines have wider tunnels, which tend to be more tolerable for claustrophobic patients.

The MRI machine looks like a long narrow tube that has both ends open. You lie down on a movable table that slides into the opening of the tube. A technologist monitors you from another room. You can talk with the person by microphone.

If you have a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), you might be given a drug to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Most people get through the exam without difficulty.

The MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body. The procedure is painless. You don't feel the magnetic field or radio waves, and there are no moving parts around you.

During the MRI scan, the internal part of the magnet produces repetitive tapping, thumping and other noises. You might be given earplugs or have music playing to help block the noise.

In some cases, a contrast material, typically gadolinium, will be injected through an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm. The contrast material enhances certain details. Gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions.

An MRI can last anywhere from 15 minutes to more than an hour. You must hold still because movement can blur the resulting images.

During a functional MRI, you might be asked to perform a number of small tasks ? such as tapping your thumb against your fingers, rubbing a block of sandpaper or answering simple questions. This helps pinpoint the portions of your brain that control these actions.

If you haven't been sedated, you can resume your usual activities immediately after the scan.

An MRI scanner can be used to take images of any part of the body (e.g., head, joints, abdomen, legs, etc.), in any imaging direction. MRI provides better soft tissue contrast than CT and can differentiate better between fat, water, muscle, and other soft tissue than CT (CT is usually better at imaging bones). These images provide information to physicians and can be useful in diagnosing a wide variety of diseases and conditions.

Because MRI uses powerful magnets, the presence of metal in your body can be a safety hazard if attracted to the magnet. Even if not attracted to the magnet, metal objects can distort the MRI image. Before having an MRI, you'll likely complete a questionnaire that includes whether you have metal or electronic devices in your body.

Unless the device you have is certified as MRI safe, you might not be able to have an MRI. Devices include:

• Metallic joint prostheses
• Artificial heart valves
• An implantable heart defibrillator
• Implanted drug infusion pumps
• Implanted nerve stimulators
• A pacemaker
• Metal clips
• Metal pins, screws, plates, stents or surgical staples
• Cochlear implants
• A bullet, shrapnel or any other type of metal fragment
• Intrauterine device

If you have tattoos or permanent makeup, ask your doctor whether they might affect your MRI. Some of the darker inks contain metal.

Before you schedule an MRI, tell your doctor if you think you're pregnant. The effects of magnetic fields on fetuses aren't well understood. Your doctor might recommend an alternative exam or postponing the MRI. Also tell your doctor if you're breast-feeding, especially if you're to receive contrast material during the procedure.

It's also important to discuss kidney or liver problems with your doctor and the technologist, because problems with these organs might limit the use of injected contrast agents during your scan.

"iHealthMantra

We at iHealthMantra enable patients to book their diagnostics tests from best Diagnostics Labs in India such as Thyrocare, Dr Lal Pathlabs, Metropolis, Suburban Diagnostics, Medall Clumax and many others top quality diagnostic labs. Diagnostics tests booked through us are at low price and patients can avail free home sample collection.

We also provide preventive health checkups, Regular Health check-up, Health checkup packages, Thyroid Profile, PET Scan, MRI Scan, CT Scan, Full body check up, Vitamin D Profile, Lipid Profile, Renal Function Tests and other blood tests. Provided below is a brief description of few of our partner labs.

About Thyrocare

Thyrocare, with its tag line of Think Thyroid, Think Thyrocare, is India's first fully automated diagnostic laboratory with a focus on providing quality at affordable costs to retail customers, laboratories and hospitals in India and other countries. Thyrocare has strong focus on technology, brand and systems that enables Thyrocare laboratories to give their clients the best of science and technology at an affordable cost. Thyrocare laboratories have NABL and CAP accreditations. Thyrocare supports home sample collection to provide convenience to customers.Thyrocare is a PAN India chain with services across all the major Indian cities such New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

Key tests and health profiles supported by Thyrocare are: T3, T4, TSH also called Thyroid Profile, TSH also called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyrocare Aarogyam Packages such as Mini Aarogyam, Aarogyam A, Aarogyam B, Aarogyam C, Vitamin Profiles such as Vitamin D Profile and Vitamin D3 test.

About Metropolis

Metropolis is India?s one of the biggest and multinational chain of pathology labs and diagnostics centre known for excellent customer satisfaction and preventive healthcare. Metropolis has following accreditations, CAP, NABL and RNTCP. Metropolis Healthcare has been honoured for its best practices and its commitment to excellence in customer satisfaction and innovation. The journey of Metropolis started in 1981, when its Founder and Chairman, Dr. Sushil Shah had a vision to introduce specialized testing facilities to the Indian population. Processing over 30 million tests a year, catering to over 20,000 Laboratories, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and 2,00,000 consultants; and with 34 years of experience in delivering accurate reports, Metropolis has earned the reputation of being India's multinational chain of laboratories with a strong presence in Sri Lanka, UAE, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius & Ghana. Metropolis supports home sample collection to provide convenience to customers. Metropolis is a PAN India chain with services across all the major Indian cities such New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Common Tests supported by Metropolis are Lipid Profile, Thyroid Profile, Vitamin D Profile, Renal function test, Blood Tests, Vitamin D3, TSH, T3, T4, Diabetes Test, ECG test, thalassemia test, preventive health checkups, Regular Health check-up, Health checkup packages and Full body check up.

About Dr Lal Pathlabs

Dr Lal PathLabs is a leading Diagnostic Centre and Pathology Lab for Blood Test in India. Dr Lal PathLabs has a strong focus on quality with NABL accreditation. Dr Lal PathLabs has a qualified team of Pathologists, Radiologists, Microbiologists, Biochemists and specialists. Dr Lal PathLabs supports home sample collection to provide convenience to customers. Dr Lal PathLabs is a PAN India chain with services across all the major Indian cities such New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

Common Tests supported by Dr Lal PathLabs are Lipid Profile, Thyroid Profile, Vitamin D Profile, Renal function test, Blood Tests, Vitamin D3, TSH, T3, T4, Diabetes Test, ECG test, thalassemia test, preventive health checkups, Regular Health check-up, Health checkup packages and Full body check up. Few unique health packages supported by Dr Lal PathLabs are Swasth Plus Basic Health Checkup, Swasth Plus Advanced Health Checkup and Swasth Plus Vitamins Package. "

"We can help and guide you to find answer to your queries. Some sample questions we answered for our customers are:

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You can also call us at 9503472446 or email us at customercare@ihealthmantra.com or chat with our customer support."