Has your doctor suspected that you may have a neurological condition? For possible epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis, a medical team may refer you to receive a brain MRI.
These MRIs can find abnormalities in your brain and inform your doctor on how to best proceed with treatment. Below, learn how an MRI works and what to expect during a typical brain MRI in Brooklyn, NY.
What Is a Brain MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging is a tool doctors can use to look at the brain. The scan can point out neurological disorders, such as tumors, epilepsy, blood clots, and stroke.
Brain MRIs are helpful for both the diagnosis of these conditions and monitoring their progress. For example, a doctor might use an MRI to monitor the effects of chemotherapy on a brain cancer patient. Brain MRIs also allow physicians to explore the root cause of symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and even sudden deafness.
If your doctor has previously tried to treat such symptoms without success, they might want you to undergo a brain MRI. Neurosurgeons also use MRI results to plan brain surgeries and avoid causing further harm.
The Science Behind Brain MRIs
To conduct a brain MRI, your radiologist will scan your body with a strong (harmless) magnetic field. The waves cause your body’s atoms to move in the same direction. Then, the MRI scanner emits radio waves to move atoms back into their original positions.
The atoms return the radio signals as they move, which the scanner converts into an image of your brain. In some cases, the radiologist will want to scan your brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging, as this technology determines the specific part of the brain in which a function occurs – like speech. During these scans, the provider might ask you to perform a task, such as reading a paragraph or counting numbers in order.
Another new technology, magnetic resonance angiography, evaluates the flow of blood through your arteries. It’s helpful for detecting vascular abnormalities and brain aneurysms.
What To Expect During a Brain MRI
If this will be your first brain MRI, you may wonder what to expect during the procedure. First, rest assured that MRI is painless. The scan does not involve ionizing radiation, so you will not be exposed to radioactivity, either.
Here’s what to expect when you arrive for your scan:
- The provider will ask you to remove anything metal, such as jewelry or a belt. Metal objects can derail the results as the MRI scanner uses magnets.
- Next, you’ll lay on a table and get comfortable. The technician will insert earphones into your ears to block out the sound from the scanner, which can be quite loud.
- The operator will place coils around your head to capture radio waves and enhance the image quality from the brain scan.
- The table will move you into the MRI scanning machine, which looks like a large tube. If you aren’t comfortable with enclosed, tight spaces, you can instead opt for an open MRI that allows you to see your surroundings.
- The operator will leave the room and watch as your scan progresses on the monitor. Try to stay as still as possible during the scan for accurate results.
That’s the end of your open MRI. Brooklyn operators will then send the results to your doctor for review. Your medical provider can follow up with you about your next steps.
Why Opt for an Open MRI Brain Scan?
If you’re claustrophobic or simply dislike tight spaces, an open MRI might make sense for you. Open MRI uses the same technology as closed MRI scanners do, except that you can see your surroundings.
Other benefits of open MRI options include the following:
- Movement affects open MRI brain scans less, so you do not need to stress over remaining completely still as the traditional scans require.
- Open MRIs use less powerful magnets, making them ideal for patients with metal implants that they cannot remove.
- Open MRIs are less noisy, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
As a top provider of open MRI in Brooklyn, City Wide Radiology would love to tell you more – reach out to us today!
Schedule Your Open MRI – Brooklyn
At City Wide Radiology, we believe that the MRI process doesn’t have to be stressful, especially with open MRI for claustrophobic patients who visit us in New York. Our compassionate and experienced technicians make the MRI process as comfortable as possible. Schedule your appointment – call City Wide Radiology at (718) 236-6800.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
FAQs
Have further questions? Learn more about brain MRI scans here.
What Are Some Common Abnormalities That Prompt Follow-Ups After a Brain MRI?
According to the American Journal of Radioneurology, the most common abnormalities (43%) that prompted a follow-up after a brain MRI were vascular in nature. These abnormalities indicate an issue with blood flow to the brain. The second and third most common abnormalities were neoplastic (21%) and congenital (15%), respectively.
Should You Get an MRI Scan After a Car Accident?
Yes, you should consider getting a brain MRI after a car accident if you hit your head in the crash and are experiencing neurological symptoms, such as confusion, trouble balancing, or unusual headaches. According to a study published by Brain Communications of Oxford Press, an estimated 34 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries in car crashes annually.
Can Brain MRIs Find Tumors?
Yes, MRIs excel at finding tumors in the brain. That’s great because the earlier you detect a brain tumor, the better your prognosis will be. According to The Oncologist, about 2% of cancers involve brain tumors, and while this number may sound low, tumors of the brain are disproportionately responsible for cancer deaths.
How Long Does a Brain MRI Take?
Brain MRIs typically take about 30 minutes to one hour. How long does a brain MRI take if you’re getting one with contrast? In some cases, this added step will push the scan to two hours, but check with your doctor.
