Magnetic resonance imaging of the head is one of the most accurate imaging tests, which is also very safe for the patient. However, some people may not benefit from this type of imaging diagnosis. What are the contraindications for performing an MRI? Check in what situations the doctor can order MRI head imaging and what diseases he detects.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the headis the most accurate examination that allows you to visualize the structures of the skull. Magnetic resonance imaging (magnetic resonance imaging) is one of the most frequently used imaging tests in modern diagnostics. With its use, it is possible to visualize many different organs and their pathologies. Tests such as MRI of the abdominal cavity, pelvis, knee joint and many others are performed. However, one of the more common uses of this technique ishead imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head: types

There are several different types of magnetic resonance imaging. The basic breakdown includes:

  • contrast test
  • and no contrast.

Contrast agents are administered intravenously and is usually gadolinium contrast. Contrast is given when there is a need to obtain the most accurate test result, but its administration is associated with - admittedly low - the risk of an allergic reaction.

A special type of magnetic resonance imaging isMR angiography , i.e.magnetic resonance angiography . The aim of the examination is to visualize the vascular structures in the studied area. In the case of the head, thanks to angio-MR, it is possible to assess the blood vessels located within it, and to detect possible aneurysms in the patient.

Another type of magnetic resonance imaging of the head ismagnetic resonance spectroscopy . It is used for the non-invasive assessment of the course of metabolic processes within the examined tissue. The test is used primarily in the diagnosis of brain tumors and allows, inter alia, assess the degree of their malignancy.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head: what diseases does it detect?

The main indications for performing an MRI of the head are various neurological diseases. The survey is sometimes commissioned, inter alia, in diagnostics:

  • multiple sclerosis,
  • neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease),
  • Congenital malformations of the central nervous system (e.g. hydrocephalus),
  • brain tumors (both malignant and benign lesions),
  • epilepsy,
  • strokes,
  • central nervous system infections (e.g. encephalitis, sometimes also with suspected meningitis),
  • vascular defects (e.g. in suspected vascular aneurysms or malformations),
  • diseases of the pituitary gland (e.g. when a pituitary adenoma is suspected),
  • diseases of the inner ear or the organ of vision.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head: indications

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head can be performed not only when a specific disease is suspected. Often the test is ordered when it is necessary to look for the causes of the patient's ailments.

Symptoms that persist for a long time may be considered indications for MRI of the head:

  • persistent headaches,
  • dizziness,
  • visual disturbance,
  • fainting,
  • imbalance.

It is worth mentioning here that MRI of the head is also performed in patients with mental disorders. This examination is especially important in those patients whose symptoms of mental disorders appeared suddenly and immediately became very intense.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head: safety

One of the main concerns of patients about various tests is whether the procedure will be safe for their he alth. In the case of magnetic resonance imaging of the head, it can be said that the examination is safe.

Contrary to, for example, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging is not related to the patient's exposure to ionizing radiation. Therefore, MR can be performed many times, even in children and pregnant women.

As mentioned above, it is possible to develop an allergic reaction to contrast agents, but they are generally rare.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the head: contraindications

Just as MRI can definitely be determined by a safe test, not all patients can be tested with this technique. Duringresearch, a strong magnetic field is generated, which - as it is not difficult to guess - can attract various metals.

ThereforeMRI of the head is not possible for people who have some kind of metal objects inside the body(such as dental implants, pacemakers or endoprostheses).

It is worth adding here, however, that nowadays, thanks to technical progress, implants made of metals that are not susceptible to magnetization are increasingly used. In the case of introducing a metal object inside the body, it is worth obtaining documentation about its properties immediately. Thanks to it, if necessary, it will be possible to quickly determine whether the patient really cannot have magnetic resonance imaging.

Interestingly,a contraindication to MRI of the head may also be having a tattoo on the skin.This applies only to tattoos made with the use of a dye containing some metal particles.

Absolutecontraindication to performing a resonance is claustrophobia . The test takes place in a tunnel with a small width, therefore people with an increased fear of confined spaces may not be able to withstand it for the required time.

The patient's cooperation is required to obtain a complete test result. This is very important especially with children for whom it can be very difficult to stay in one position for a long time (MRI requires staying still).

Both in the case of claustrophobia and in the case of the risk of non-cooperation on the part of the patient, it is possible to perform an MRI of the head under anesthesia.

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