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Magnetic resonance imaging (MR) is one of the most accurate diagnostic tests used in the diagnosis of diseases of internal organs. In a non-invasive and painless way, it enables the study of the body’s structures. In neurology, it is one of the most important research enabling imaging of the inside of the skull and its structures. If you have done an MRI of the head and are wondering what it means – check how the most common medical phrases are interpreted.
In the article below, we present the phrases that most often appear in the results of magnetic resonance imaging of the head, and at the same time may be difficult to understand for the patient. However, it should be remembered that the final interpretation of the result should be carried out by a specialist and take into account the patient’s diseases, general health and previous ailments. The explanations presented in the article are only intended to familiarize you with the complicated medical vocabulary that often appears in the results of imaging tests.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the head – indications
The main indications for performing an MRI of the head are:
- diagnostics of neurodegenerative diseases, e.g. Alzheimer’s disease,
- suspicion of brain tumors,
- suspected stroke
- diagnostics of neurological disorders, including epilepsy,
- headaches of unknown origin.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the head – what is it about?
Selected issues used in the description of magnetic resonance imaging of the head
- T1 weighted MRI images of the head
What they mean: they best represent the brain, white matter is presented in light colors (hyperintense area) and gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid in dark colors (hypointense area).
- T2 weighted MRI images of the head
What they mean: in this imaging method, white matter is shown in dark colors, and gray matter and cerebrospinal fluid in light.
Gray matter – what is it and what should you know about it?
- FLAIR in magnetic resonance imaging of the head
Which means: areas with a lot of water are shown in light colors (for example cerebrospinal fluid) and areas with little water in darker colors.
- Magnetic resonance diffusion imaging of the head
Which means: Diffusion-dependent imaging (DWI), which is highly effective in imaging strokes, deserves attention.
Check what symptoms indicate a stroke
- Magnetic resonance focal change of the head
What it means: single focal lesions as a result of the examination may mean, for example, the presence of a cyst or a solid tumor.
Interpretation: the record is general, it may indicate both a benign and a malignant lesion.
- Asymmetrical ventricular system in magnetic resonance imaging of the head
Which means: asymmetry may be the result of the presence of structures that constrict the brain and, as a result, shift its structures.
Interpretation: structures of this type may indicate, inter alia, hematomas or cancerous tumors.
Find out about the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors
- Vascular changes in magnetic resonance imaging of the head
What they mean: they can mean local ischemia within the brain tissue. They are the result of pathologies in the blood vessels.
Interpretation: the most common cause of ischemia is problems with the patency of a blood vessel. They can be caused by inflammation of the blood vessels or embolism.
- Dilated ventricular system in magnetic resonance imaging of the head
Which means: most often it is a widening of the fluid spaces in the brain (mainly the lateral ventricles). Its cause is abnormal resorption of the cerebrospinal fluid. Other causes include obstacles to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid or the physiological degenerative process and loss of brain tissue.
Find out what the different parts of the brain do
- Cerebral cortex atrophy by magnetic resonance imaging of the head
Which means: the most common causes of this condition are neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, among others.
Interpretation: the effects of such a state are, among others, problems with memory, a significant decrease in mental performance, the appearance of disturbances in consciousness and emotional disorders.
Also check the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
- Magnetic resonance demyelinating lesion of the head
Which means: it represents the area where demyelination took place, i.e. the breakdown of the myelin sheaths of nerve cells.
Interpretation: May indicate the development of demyelinating diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS).
The first symptoms of multiple sclerosis – what should you worry about?
- Leucoarajosis in MRI of the head
What it means: diffuse, bilateral changes in the white matter of the brain, which are located primarily periventricular and subcortical.
Interpretation: indicates, first of all, diseases of the blood vessels.
- Gliosis (gliosis) by magnetic resonance imaging of the head
Which means: simply put glucose means scar tissue resulting from damage and death of nerve cells.
Interpretation: occurs in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
- Magnetic resonance cyst of the head
Which means: it is an encapsulated fluid reservoir.
Interpretation: small, asymptomatic cysts are only periodically monitored. Larger cysts showing pressure symptoms require treatment.
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