MRI can be used to detect brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, developmental anomalies, multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia, infection, and the causes of headache. Figure 1.
In a large series of research volunteers, incidental findings were found in roughly 4% of brain MRIs. The most common type of incidental finding was vascular disease followed by neoplastic and congenital lesions.
These newer, specialized types of MRI scans can now look and assess damage to the brains structure, or measure brain function to detect changes in the brains structure and function due to TBI and concussions.
Standard MRI can't see fluid that is moving, such as blood in an artery, and this creates "flow voids" that appear as black holes on the image. Contrast dye (gadolinium) injected into the bloodstream helps the computer "see" the arteries and veins.
An MRI can't give you the answers you want because it doesn't provide any information on how the brain functions. It only reveals problems with the brain's structure, such as brain tumors, inflammation, or swelling.
An MRI of the brain can be used to detect aneurysms and hemorrhages in the brain, which can be life-threatening issues. A brain aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in the wall of an artery in your brain. Brain damage, a stroke or death can occur if an aneurysm ruptures.
Dementia
While no diagnostic test alone can diagnose dementia, MRI scans are used for Alzheimer's or other dementias to track the change of the disease over time.
A head MRI can help diagnose various conditions, including blood clots, hemorrhages, infections, strokes, epilepsy-associated damage, tumors and cysts, causes of headaches and migraines, multiple sclerosis (MS), dementia, Alzheimer's (later stages), hydrocephalus (water on the brain), pituitary gland issues, traumatic ...
White matter lesions (WMLs) are areas of abnormal myelination in the brain. These lesions are best visualized as hyperintensities on T2 weighted and FLAIR (Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) sequences of magnetic resonance imaging. They are considered a marker of small vessel disease.
This means it's unlikely you'll get the results of your scan immediately. The Radiologist will send a report to the doctor who arranged the scan. They'll discuss the results with you. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for the results of an MRI scan to come through, unless they're needed urgently.
The inflammation can be measured in several ways. First, it can be seen on an MRI scan of the brain. Areas of inflammation take up a contrast agent called gadolinium, and show up brightly on MRI.
In some migraine patients, an MRI may show white spots on the brain. These spots are called white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), which are lesions in the brain visualized by areas of increased brightness. They can vary in size and location in areas of the brain.
Similar to CT scans, MRIs can show whether areas of the brain have atrophied (shrunk). Repeat scans can show how a person's brain changes over time. Evidence of shrinkage may support a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another neurodegenerative dementia but cannot indicate a specific diagnosis.
Disease-related changes in the brain or spinal cord are detected by MRI in more than 90% of people suspected of having MS.
Brain imaging can reveal unsuspected causes of your anxiety. Anxiety can be caused by many things, such as neurohormonal imbalances, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or head injuries. Brain scans can offer clues to potential root causes of your anxiety, which can help find the most effective treatment plan.
An MRI may be able help identify structural lesions that may be pressing against the nerve so the problem can be corrected before permanent nerve damage occurs. Nerve damage can usually be diagnosed based on a neurological examination and can be correlated by MRI scan findings.
On CT or MRI scans, brain lesions appear as dark or light spots that don't look like normal brain tissue. Usually, a brain lesion is an incidental finding unrelated to the condition or symptom that led to the imaging test in the first place.
brain scan by itself can be used for diagnosing a mental illness or to learn about a person's risk for disease. Researchers use brain scans to study brain development in healthy people and people with illnesses, disease progres sion, and the effects of medications or other treatments on the brain.
If you get MRI results that are bad or serious, your doctor will likely contact you right away. Their priority is your wellbeing and safety and they want to get you the care you need as fast as possible. If your results are not serious, they will be ready within 1-2 weeks.