Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Headaches, head injuries as a result of a fall or a car accident are the most common situations in which an MRI of the head is ordered. Head resonance imaging is also performed when no other cause of pain cannot be found and modern and very accurate diagnostics are needed. However, if you want to perform an MRI of the head at the expense of the National Health Fund, you have to wait in queues for months. In what situations is MRI necessary and what is the course of the examination?
How does magnetic resonance imaging work?
Magnetic resonance imaging enables the presentation of a cross-section of an internal organ on all planes. The method uses a magnetic field and radio waves generated by a computer – thanks to them it is possible to create, among others body tissue image in high quality. The test is non-invasive and has the reputation of being a safe and effective diagnostic tool.
The MRI machine is placed in a Faraday cage, a room that isolates it from external electromagnetic waves. Radio waves are sent to the patient from the apparatus and interact with protons. Protons become magnetized and thus absorb the pulses of electromagnetic waves. Later, the protons return to their original form and become a signal of varying intensity.
Such physical dependencies allow for the creation of a very accurate picture of the structures of organs and their tissues, making it possible to create their cross-sections and even three-dimensional models of the examined part of the body.
Do you often have a headache? Read the article and recognize the type of pain – you will find out the cause of the problem!
What is MRI of the head?
Recurrent, intense headache, balance disorders or vision problems are just some of the symptoms that can be diagnosed by MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head allows for a very quick and accurate diagnosis of the causes of persistent head ailments or to check how much area of the brain has been affected (e.g. cancer) or has been damaged as a result of an injury.
Do you need to do an MRI of the head? Compare the offers of clinics in your area and sign up for a test.
Indications for MRI of the head
In the case of magnetic resonance imaging of the head, the indication may be unexplained headache or post-traumatic headache diagnosis. Most often, MRI of the head is ordered when there is a suspicion of:
- brain tumor;
- spinal cord tumor;
- Alzheimer’s disease;
- multiple sclerosis;
- diseases of the pituitary gland;
- orbital diseases;
- meningitis;
- encephalitis.
Contraindications for performing magnetic resonance imaging of the head
People with metal objects inside the body cannot take part in the study. These are i.a. metal sutures, cochlear implants, pacemakers, cardiac defibrillators, vascular clamps, insulin pumps, heart valves. What’s more, it is also contraindicated to have an orthodontic appliance, dental implants and intrauterine devices.
If a person with a device containing metal parts inside their body participated in the study, they could burn the tissues – in their case, magnetic resonance would probably displace and heat the metal of which the element is made. However, more and more often the mentioned elements are constructed of parts devoid of magnetic properties.
Preparation for MRI of the head
First of all, you should show up after removing all metal objects from your body. The patient should not wear any jewelry. On the day of the examination, do not put on make-up, and do not use hairspray – these cosmetics may contain metal particles that will distort the examination image. Before the examination, we will also be asked to remove the mobile phone, keys, payment cards, glasses and any hair ornaments from the pocket.
We should go to the examination on an empty stomach, as a contrast may be given to us for a better image. This means that we should not eat for 6-8 hours before the test – this applies to both eating and drinking. Performing an MRI of the head it does not require taking off your clothes, so on this day it is worth choosing a comfortable, airy outfit that will not restrict your movements.
How much does MRI of the head cost?
The price of the test depends on two factors – the test method and the facility where the procedure will be performed. The average price of an MRI of the head is PLN 460. For the test, we will pay the least 360, and the most – 730 PLN. You can check the current prices here:
The course of magnetic resonance imaging of the head
Magnetic resonance imaging of the head is a painless examination, does not interact with pharmacological treatment and does not cause biological reactions. Such a study has no harmful effects on health. If someone is taking medications, they should consult whether they can take them before the test, or whether they must wait until the test is finished.
Before the examination, the patient will be asked to lie down on a special bed, which will then be inserted into a tunnel-like tomograph. So if we suffer from claustrophobia, it is worth telling the person who will perform the test in advance. During the examination, the patient simply lies still while the body responds to the sounds made by the device. The entire test usually takes 10 to 30 minutes and the results are subject to individual interpretation.