Medical studies of all organs and systems located in the human head are characterized by increased complexity of both conduct and subsequent analysis. At the same time, due to the large volume of nervous tissue in the brain in this area, it is undesirable to use radiation diagnostics, and due to the compact placement of the auditory and visual organs, the vestibular apparatus, and a large complex of vessels, it is very difficult to use invasive techniques during diagnostics.
That is why magnetic resonance imaging is today the most important method for studying all organs that are located in the human head. It has absolutely no radiation or ionization effect on the brain, and also does not leave behind any side effects.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear is performed on patients during studies of the brain, eye orbits, temporal bones, and various arteries. Due to the compactness of the placement of the above structures and their constant influence on each other, complex diagnostics become possible, unless the totality of specific symptoms requires a highly specialized examination.
Symptoms for an MRI
All possible studies of the vestibular apparatus should be carried out after collecting an anamnesis. They consist in the diagnosis and analysis of sensory (the occurrence of dizziness when changing the position of the head, causeless vomiting that is not associated with food intake, indicating problems with the labyrinth), somatoabnormal (the occurrence of impaired coordination and nystagmus) and autonomic (measured by measuring pulse, pressure, respiration , sweating) signs.
The manifestations of diseases of the inner ear are violations of the tone of the facial muscles, anomaly of the facial nerve, lack of a sense of balance. All this may indicate pathologies of the cerebellopontine angles and other pathological processes.
Frequently occurring tinnitus deserves special attention, since its connection with the pathology of the inner ear is often not taken into account at all.
Noises can be provoked by various processes in the brain, vascular disorders, disorders in the spine, however, in order to suggest the development of any of the above diseases, doctors need to exclude the pathology of the inner ear, for which magnetic resonance imaging of this area is performed.
In general, an MRI of the inner ear is indicated for patients with the following symptoms:
- hearing loss (complete or partial);
- swelling and redness of the ears, itching and pain in them;
- pain in the nasopharynx and throat;
- increased body temperature;
- ringing or noise in the ears;
- ear discharge;
- dizziness.
What will help identify the diagnosis
Magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear region allows early detection of the most insignificant changes in the structures and functions of the brain located in the area of the inner ear. During an MRI, a series of images are taken that visualize sections of a specific organ or structure in different projections. The advantage of this type of examination is the fact that there are no dark areas during tomography, it is possible to visualize any area.
It is also possible to create a 3D model of the scanned area, which can be viewed from different angles.
Tomography can detect inflammation localized on the patient’s auditory nerve (cochlear neuritis), neurinoma or other tumor on the auditory nerve, tissue proliferation, destruction and deformation of bone tissue, metastases, the consequences of otitis media or labyrinth deformation. Peripheral labyrinth disorders are usually divided into non-inflammatory and inflammatory, which affects the choice of methods for further therapy.
In general, magnetic resonance imaging of the inner and middle ear is needed for a detailed analysis of the patient’s auditory canals, assessment of the condition of his cerebellopontine angles, where inflammation is often localized, and other pathologies that can only be cured by surgery, or to confirm the acoustic neuroma.
Most of these imaging studies are performed using contrast agents administered intravenously and spread through the bloodstream throughout the body. This is necessary for better visualization of the identified pathological changes, since the contrast stains these structures differently compared to the surrounding healthy tissues. In the zone of inflammatory changes, the blood flow is increased, due to which these areas are always colored brighter than others. In parallel with this, all those areas where there is a violation of blood circulation for one reason or another are identified.
Preparation for research
To prepare for an MRI scan, you do not need to stop taking previously prescribed medications or food. An MRI should not be performed in the presence of a pacemaker, since the magnetic field can disrupt its operation. It is also important to notify the doctor about pregnancy, especially in its first trimester, since the effect of tomography on the fetus has not been fully studied, although there are no prerequisites to think that a negative effect of the procedure in this position is possible.
Before the tomography, it is necessary to change into a disposable medical gown without metal elements and remove all jewelry, wig, hearing aid and dentures. This must be done, since the metal is able to disrupt the effect of the magnetic field, as a result of which the pictures will turn out to be of poor quality and uninformative. It is also worth removing all electronics as far away as their magnetic radiation can damage.
The presence in the body of metal particles of prostheses, such as an artificial joint, artificial heart valve, dental implants or middle ear, must be reported to doctors in order to avoid negative consequences for one’s own health and failure of these prostheses.
There is no special preparation before magnetic resonance imaging, however, when using contrast agents, it is important to make sure that there is no allergy to their components by conducting a special sensitivity test on the eve of the study. The doctor must also be notified of violations in the functioning of the kidneys, if any, the patient has, since the contrast is excreted from the body with urine and in acute renal failure its use becomes dangerous, and therefore impossible.