MRI Brain

For Members:

• What is MRI?
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets, you lie on a flatbed that’s moved into the scanner tube.
  • You will be provided earplugs or headphones to wear because inside the MRI scanner tube it is bit noisy. It is extremely important that you stay still during the scanning, otherwise the scan can take longer.
  • You must remove any metal on your body like jewellery or chains or rings.
  • You will be provided with an intercom to communicate with your radiologist during the scanning.
  • It is a painless and safe procedure. The magnetic fields and radio waves used during MRI scan are not harmful. Multiple Researches has confirmed that MRI scans are one of the safest medical procedures available.
  • For Nerves, Brain stem lesions and Spinal cord, MRI is the most suitable investigation.
  • It can be performed with or without contrast (dye). Usually, contrast agents are used to highlight vascular structures and to help characterize inflammation and tumors. Your Physician will inform you if contrast is being used and an allergy test might be performed for contrast before the MRI.
  • MRI scans aren’t usually recommended for pregnant women.
  • Some tattoo ink contains traces of metal, if you have a tattoo on body and feels uncomfortable or burning sensation then immediately informed your radiologist.
  • If a scan is ordered to evaluate headache disorder, MRI with contrast is preferred over CT scan.

• What are the General Indications for MRI Brain?
  • Swelling of the optic nerve.
  • Abnormal Reflexes.
  • Weakness on one side of the face or body.
  • Unsteady gait.
  • Double vision.
  • Vision loss.
  • Abnormalities of pupils.
  • Confusion.

• What are the Specific Indications for MRI Brain (Headaches)?
  • New headache in a cancer patient.
  • Headache in immunocompromised patients.
  • Headache that is becoming worse.
  • Headache in people over age 50.
  • Headache that is not getting better with prescribed medications.
  • Persistent headache after head injury.
  • Persistent fever.

• What are the Specific Indications for MRI Brain for children?
  • Detect a variety of brain conditions and abnormalities like cysts, tumors, bleeding, swelling, or problems with the blood vessels
  • In cases of head injuries.
  • Diagnose infectious or autoimmune diseases like encephalopathy or encephalitis
  • Persistent headaches, dizziness, weakness, blurry vision or seizures
  • Diagnose problems with the pituitary gland and brainstem
  • Assess the cause of developmental delay (please ask if your insurance policy is covering developmental delay).

• When MRI Brain is NOT indicated in People who:
  • Meet the criteria of migraine.
  • No abnormal findings on examination.Have not had a significant change in headache pattern.
  • People with mild intermittent headaches which are managed and have no red flags.
  • Patients who have a heart pacemaker may not have an MRI scan.
  • Patients who have a metallic foreign body (metal sliver) in their eye, or who have an aneurysm clip in their brain, cannot have an MRI scan since the magnetic field may dislodge the metal.
  • Patients with severe claustrophobia may not be able to tolerate an MRI scan, although more open scanners are now available, and medical sedation is available to make the test easier to tolerate.
  • MRI scans aren’t usually recommended for pregnant women.

 For Healthcare Providers:

Recommendations:

• All MRI require pre-approval from Nextcare.
• Always submit detailed history of the sign & symptoms with onset and duration of the disease.

References:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mri-scan/
• https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/neurologic-disorders/neurologic-tests-and-procedures/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-in-neurologic-disorders?query=MRI%20Brain