One of the diagnostic procedures widely used in modern medicine is magnetic resonance imaging of the head, which we perform in our laboratory located in the center of Poznan. Magnetic resonance is a non-invasive and completely painless imaging technique that allows an accurate assessment of the nervous system and major brain structures. Using a high-powered magnet and radio waves, even small abnormalities in the brain such as aneurysms, tumors or lesions caused by inappropriate vascular development can be detected.
When is an MRI scan of the head worth considering?
The nervous system performs many vital functions in the human body. When its work is disrupted, then various disturbing symptoms can appear, such as balance problems, sensory disturbances, difficulty focusing, numbness or tingling in the limbs, fainting and seizures. If a neurodegenerative disease or other neurological condition is suspected, a highly specialized MRI scan may be considered.
Such complaints as:
- persistent tinnitus,
- Pain in the orbits, temples or jaws,
- Visual disturbances of unclear etiology,
- mobility problems,
- Paralysis of the face, arms or legs,
- involuntary movements that are regularly repeated.
This modern diagnostic imaging is very often used by doctors to rule out or confirm the presence of conditions requiring urgent medical intervention (brain aneurysm, intracerebral hemorrhage, brain tumor, etc.).
Is there any special preparation required for a head MRI?
The procedure, which is based on the magnetic properties of the human body, is non-invasive, comfortable for the patient and requires no special preparation. It is important not to wear clothing with metal components. If the test will require the administration of a contrast agent, you should refrain from eating and drinking for about three hours beforehand. The contrast is delivered to the body through an intravenous route using a venflon. It allows more accurate imaging of the tumor and tissues, which is particularly important, for example, when cancer is suspected.