Monday May 21 , 2012
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MRI - Cranial

Cranial MRI - Overview & Technique

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the head is a noninvasive method to create detailed pictures of the brain and surrounding nerve tissues. Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic (CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet. The magnetic field produced by an MRI is about 10 thousand times greater than the earth's. The magnetic field forces hydrogen atoms in the body to line up in a certain way (similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet). When radio waves are sent toward the lined-up hydrogen atoms, they bounce back, and a computer records the signal. Different types of tissues send back different signals. Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces dozens or sometimes hundreds of images.

Cranial MRI - Alternative Names and Explanations

MR Imaging of the head, magnetic resonance imaging of the head, brain MRI, MRI of the brain, MR imaging of the brain, head MRI, cerebral MRI, cerebral MRA, MR brain, brain MR, MRI Brain w/o contrast 70551. MRI Brain with & w/o contrast 70553, Nuclear magnetic resonance - cranial; Magnetic resonance imaging - cranial; MRI of the head; MRI - cranial; NMR - cranial; Cranial MRI; Brain MRI; MRI - brain; MRI - head

Head MRI - Benefits versus Other Diagnostic Tests

  • Images of the brain and other head structures are clearer and more detailed than with other imaging methods.
  • MRI contrast material is less likely to produce an allergic reaction than the iodine-based materials used for conventional x-rays and CT scanning.
  • Exposure to radiation is avoided.
  • MRI enables the detection of abnormalities that might be obscured by bone tissue with other imaging methods.
  • A variant called MR angiography (MRA) provides detailed images of blood vessels in the brain—oftentimes without the need for contrast material. The risk of an allergic reaction from MRA contrast is extremely low and kidney damage does not occur.
  • New MRI systems can depict brain function, and in this way detect a stroke at a very early stage.

MRI of the Brain/Head - Indications, Common Uses, & Positive Findings

  • tumors of the brain.
  • developmental anomalies of the brain.
  • vascular anomalies of the head (aneurysm for example).
  • disorders of the eyes and the inner ear.
  • stroke.
  • trauma patients (in selected patients).
  • disease in the pituitary gland.
  • certain chronic disorders of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis.
  • causes of headache.

Cranial MRI -  Images

cranial_mri

Cranial MRI - References, Links, and Additional Information

Schedule Your Cranial MRI Today! 

  • If you are looking for professional radiology services at your imaging site/center, call us at 1-800-626-8315 or contact us for a consultation. 

  • If you live in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Mid-Wilshire and need to schedule a radiology examination such as a MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, X ray, or PET scan, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

  • If you are in search of other things, we're surprisingly resourceful!  Call us 1-800-626-8315 or contact us via our contact form.
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  • Cranial MRI, MRI of the brain, head MRI, MR brain
  • Cranial MRI information including overview, technique, alternatives, benefits, and common findings. Schedule an MRI of head in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, or Glendale.
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