MRI of the Head
Alternate Names : Cranial MRI, Head MRI Scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Cranial, MRI - Cranial, NMR - Cranial, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - Cranial
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How is the Test Performed?
Since MRI makes use of radio waves very close in frequency to those of ordinary FM radio stations, the scanner must be located within a specially shielded room to avoid outside interference.
The patient will be asked to lie on a narrow table which slides into a large tunnel-like tube within the scanner. In addition, a small device may be placed around the head to be studied. This is special body coil which send and receive the radio wave pulses, and is designed to improve the quality of the images.
If contrast is to be administered, intravenous access will be placed, usually in a small vein of the hand or forearm.
A technologist will operate the machine and observe you during the entire study from an adjacent room. Several sets of images are usually required, each taking from 2 to 15 minutes. A complete scan may take up to one hour or more. Newer scanners with more powerful magnets utilizing updated software and advanced sequences may complete the process in less time.
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