Cost of Brain MRI Scan in India
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What is MRI Scan Brain?
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the brain is a painless, safe, and non-invasive test without radioactive tracers/ionising radiation. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create high-quality dimensional images of the brain and brain stem and guides examining the brain’s anatomy.
An MRI scan combines images to create a 3-D picture of your internal structures, so it’s more effective than other scans at detecting abnormalities in small structures of the brain, such as the pituitary gland and brain stem. Brain MRI produces very detailed pictures of the brain, and the test usually takes between 30-60 minutes.
Why is the MRI Scan of the Brain done?
MRI scan is done to examine the brain and/or spinal cord due to any injuries or the presence of structural abnormalities or certain other conditions, such as:
- Tumours
- Abscesses
- Congenital abnormalities
- Aneurysms
- Venous malformations
- Hemorrhage
- Subdural hematoma
- Degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, hypoxic encephalopathy, or encephalomyelitis
- Hydrocephalus
- Herniation or degeneration of discs of the spinal cord
- Planning for spinal surgeries, such as decompression of a pinched nerve or spinal fusion
Who should get the MRI scan of the brain done?
Men and women of all ages can get a brain MRI scan done. Pregnant women in their first trimester should avoid this scan as the baby will be in a strong magnetic field. Due to the use of the strong magnet, MRI cannot be performed on patients with implanted pacemakers, Intracranial aneurysm clips, and Cochlear implants.
Disclaimer: It is advised always to consult your doctor to interpret the test reports.
What precautions should I take?
- Please follow the instructions suggested by your doctor
- Inform if one is on any medications or if any ongoing treatment is going on
- Show your old reports, if any
- Inform if one is pregnant / breast-feeding / menstruating.
What does the MRI scan of the brain measure?
MRI scan of the brain provide images of brain to rule out any related pathology or injury. It helps detect a variety of conditions of the brain, such as:
- Cysts
- Diagnose brain cancer
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Developmental and structural abnormalities
- Infections
- Inflammatory conditions
- Problems with the blood vessels
- It can determine if a shunt is working and detect damage to the brain caused by an injury or a stroke
- MRI of the brain can be useful in evaluating problems such as persistent headaches, dizziness, weakness, and blurry vision or seizures
- Detect certain chronic diseases of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis
- Detect damaged brain tissue
- An injured skull
- Impaired blood vessels
- To detect mental illness.
What are all the tests included in the MRI scan Brain?
Brain scans include several types of imaging techniques include computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and single proton emission (SPECT) scans.
Computed tomography (CT scan): A CT scan can aid in proper diagnosis by showing the area of the brain that is affected. CT scans can be used to quickly detect haemorrhage in the brain and to determine if someone who has had a stroke can safely receive intravenous treatment to dissolve clots.
PET scan: Provide two and three-dimensional pictures of brain activity by measuring radioactive isotopes that are injected into the bloodstream. PET scans can be used to evaluate people who have epilepsy or certain memory disorders, and to show brain changes following injury.
(SPECT) scan: It is a nuclear imaging test that can be used to evaluate certain brain functions.
MRI scan Brain Preparation
There is not much preparation needed before undergoing an MRI scan of the brain
- As the magnets interfere with the test doctor will advise you to open all kinds of metal jewelry or accessories which will interfere with the test.
- Inform your doctor about any internal device or implant you may have, such as a heart pacemaker, or a medication pump. One should not have an MRI scan if you have a heart pacemaker
- Individuals who are claustrophobic should tell their doctor. The doctor may offer you medication to help you relax during the procedure.
- If you are pregnant, you should always inform your doctor about it.
- You may eat, drink and take medications as usual for most MRI exams.
- In children are often given antianxiety medication prior to the procedure to relax them.
MRI scan Brain Procedure
- During the procedure, it is important to stay still in order to obtain clear images.
- Children who have difficulty staying still and may need sedation.
- You will lie down on a table that slides into the MRI machine. The table slides through a large magnet shaped like a tube. You may have a plastic coil placed around your head.
- After the table slides into the machine, a technician will take several pictures of your brain, which will take a few minutes.
- There will be a microphone in the machine that allows you to communicate with staff.
- The test normally takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- You may receive a contrast solution that will allow the MRI machine to see certain parts of your brain more easily, particularly your blood vessels.
- The MRI scanner will make loud banging noises during the procedure. You may be offered earplugs to block the noises.
What to expect after the MRI scan Brain is done?
- Your technicians may ask you to wait if they need to take more images after the MRI scan.
- If any sedatives were taken for the procedure, you might be required to rest until the sedatives have worn off.
- If you notice any pain, redness, and/or swelling at the IV site after you return home following your procedure, you should notify your doctor as this could indicate an infection or other type of reaction.
- There is no special type of care required after an MRI scan of the spine and brain. You may resume your usual diet and activities unless your doctor advises you differently.
- Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.
When will I get the Brain MRI scan report?
The reports and the images of the scan can be made available within 1 to 2 days. The doctor or the radiologist will review your scan and prepare a report that explains them.
Disclaimer: The time may vary based on your condition and the availability of the radiologist.
How will I get the MRI scan brain report?
The MRI images will be viewed by a radiologist specially trained in interpreting the scans. The radiologist will send a report to your doctor to discuss the results with you and explain what they mean. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the test time. If the MRI was done on an emergency basis, the results could be made available quickly.
How to interpret the MRI scan brain report?
Consult a doctor to interpret an MRI scan brain report. A systematic approach to MRI interpretation includes:
- Verify details of the patients
- Image details, the most recent image for the correct patient
- Look for previous cross-sectional imaging
- Look at the T2 weighted images
- Inspect the T2 weighted images: Look at each available plane (axial, coronal, sagittal)
- Check for abnormal MRI signals
- Work through the anatomy of the areas you are looking at to make sure nothing is missed/abnormal
- Comparing fat-sensitive images (T1) vs. water-sensitive images (T2 or STIR) can help differentiate pathologies such as ischemia and inflammation.
- Compare against other imaging modalities
- Compare against previous images
- Relate your findings to the clinical question.
What equipment or instruments are used for MRI scans of the brain?
A typical MRI machine is a large tube with a hole at both ends. A magnet surrounds the tube. You lie on a table that slides all the way into the tube. Your body is not completely inside the MRI machine. Only the part of your body that’s being scanned is inside, and the rest of your body is outside the machine.
An open MRI is open on all sides. This type of machine may be best if you have claustrophobic, or you are overweight. The quality of images from some open MRI machines is not as good as it is with a closed MRI.
How long does the MRI scan of the brain take?
The entire process of the MRI scan usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
How do I book the MRI scan of Brain through MFine?
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Frequently asked questions on MRI scan of the Brain
Why Is MRI Important?
MRI scans illustrate the difference between healthy and diseased tissue more clearly than ever before and can provide important information about the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs. It can lead to early detection and treatment of disease and has no known side effects. It will be easier for your physician will be better able to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
What are the uses of MRI scans?
MRI is used to detect various conditions, including problems of the brain, spinal cord, skeleton, chest, lungs, abdomen, pelvis, wrists, hands, ankles, and feet. In some cases, it can provide clear images of body parts that can’t be seen as well with an X-ray, CAT scan, or ultrasound.
Why should one have an MRI scan of the brain?
An MRI scan of the brain is a non-invasive imaging test that creates detailed pictures of your brain and surrounding tissues. An MRI allows your doctor to see inside your brain to check for diseases or injuries without having to do surgery. Your doctor can use the images to make a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment for your condition.
What are the questions you should ask before getting an MRI scan?
- What information will the MRI scan provide?
- Is there any reason why I shouldn’t have an MRI scan if you have any implanted devices, be sure your doctor knows about it.
- Will my exam involve a contrast agent?
Can I talk during an MRI scan?
Yes. The technologist will communicate with you throughout the exam. You can also talk to the technologist or ask questions at various times.
How can you calm yourself before an MRI scan?
- Simple meditation is like focusing on your breathing.
- Close your eyes or wear a sleeping mask
- Choose your tunes
- If nothing suits, talk to your technicians
Can you drink or eat before an MRI scan?
You should not have to do too much to prepare for a head MRI. You may be able to eat, drink and take your medications as usual. However, if your doctor ordered a scan for other parts of your body, such as your abdominal region, they may instruct you not to drink or eat four to six hours before the test.
What Causes the Noise in the Scanner?
The noise that the scanner creates is the electrical current rising within the wires of the gradient magnet. The current in the wires is opposing the main magnet field; the stronger the field, the louder the gradient noise.
How do you manage an MRI scan if you are claustrophobic?
- Listening to the music
- Breathe and meditate
- Stretch your muscles and limbs to help you be as comfortable as possible while in the machine.
- Take sedatives that will help you calm
What are the risks of an MRI scan of the brain?
Due to the strong use of the magnet, MRI cannot be performed in the patients:
- Implanted pacemakers
- Cochlear implants
- Certain intrauterine contraceptive devices
- MRI is also contraindicated in the presence of internal metallic objects such as bullets or shrapnel, as well as surgical clips, pins, plates, staples, screws, and stents.
- MRI is not advised for pregnant patients.
- If contrast dye is used, there is a risk for allergic reaction to the dye
What does a brain MRI cost?
Brain MRI cost in India ranges from Rs 5000 to Rs 10,000. The cost changes based on many factors like locality, lab, quality & technology.
Is MRI more detailed than CT?
Both scans help in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. Both types of scans have similar uses, but they produce images in different ways. A CT scan uses X-rays, whereas an MRI scan uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves. CT scans are more common and less expensive, but MRI scans produce more detailed images.
Why would a neurologist order a brain MRI?
MRI is used to diagnose stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain and spinal cord tumors, inflammation, infection, vascular irregularities, brain damage associated with epilepsy, abnormally developed brain regions, and some neurodegenerative disorders.
Is the Brain MRI scan covered by the Insurance?
Most MRIs are typically covered by health insurance. For some insurance plans, you may also need to get pre-authorization for an MRI before you have it performed. Contact your insurance agent to be on the safe side.
How is MRI better than CT scan?
- MRI scans can take images from any part of the body such as the head, joints, leg, abdomen in any imaging direction.
- MRI provides better soft tissue contrast than CT and can differentiate better between fat, water, muscle, and other soft tissue than CT.
- An MRI can accurately detect many diseases and abnormalities even in their early stages.
- One significant advantage to an MRI scan is that there is no exposure to radiation
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.