Brain MRI at The Women’s Imaging Center
Detect Brain Abnormalities With an MRI
The brain is a complex organ composed of gray and white matter and neural and chemical pathways organized for various functions. The cerebrum, which takes up most of the volume of the brain, consists of two hemispheres (right and left) and is made up of sections called lobes. The main lobes are frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital. MRI is the first line in imaging to exclude primary tumors of the brain or metastasis to the brain from cancer somewhere else in the body.
A brain MRI can distinguish subtle changes in the white or gray matter that make up the substance between the lobes. These neural speedways are especially important for everyday processes such as problem-solving and memory recall. Pathology can present as dementia, neurologic disorders like multiple sclerosis, or movement disorders, including Parkinson's Disease.
When Do You Need a Brain MRI?
A brain MRI often shows subtle findings that other imaging tests can miss. We use brain MRIs to evaluate or diagnose many brain conditions or symptoms, including:
Traumatic brain injury
Hemorrhagic stroke
Chronic headaches
Dementia
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson’s disease
A brain MRI provides an in-depth look at the brain's structures, including the cerebrum, cerebellum, pituitary gland, ventricles, and brainstem. Neural and chemical networks connect these components, allowing them to function.
For sudden incidents, such as a traumatic brain injury or suspected hemorrhagic stroke, a CT scan is the best initial source of medical radiology imaging because it best shows blood. However, the CT scan may not show subtle findings like an MRI. An MRI of the brain is the imaging test most often used to detect and diagnose progressing symptoms such as chronic headaches and rule out a tumor.
Interpreting Your Brain MRI
We provide comprehensive imaging of the whole woman, not just imaging of individual organs like most other facilities. Our radiologists and technologists are specially trained to perform and interpret interrelated imaging examinations, helping you get a quick, accurate diagnosis.
How a Brain MRI Is Performed
A brain MRI can take anywhere from 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the complexity needed for imaging or imaging sequences or whether you will need contrast dye.
Meet Our Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain MRIs
A brain MRI is a diagnostic imaging test that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed brain images. For the exam, you will lie on a movable table, which will slide into a large tube-like machine. The technician will position your head and make sure you are comfortable. Sometimes, a contrast material may be injected into a vein in your arm. This substance helps to highlight certain areas of the brain and can provide more detailed images. You must remain as still as possible during the scan to avoid blurring the images.
After the procedure, a radiologist will review the images to interpret the results and provide a diagnosis. It is important to note that an MRI is a painless and non-invasive procedure without exposure to ionizing radiation.
MRI is generally considered to be a safe procedure for brain imaging. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain. While the magnetic field is strong, it is not harmful to the body as long as appropriate safety precautions are taken, such as screening patients for metal implants or objects that may be affected by the magnetic field.
However, some people may not be able to undergo an MRI due to certain medical conditions or devices, such as pacemakers, which may be affected by the magnetic field. It is important to inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions or devices you may have before undergoing an MRI
Brain MRIs can detect a wide range of brain conditions and abnormalities, including:
- Tumors: MRI can detect brain tumors, their size, location, and type.
- Stroke: MRI can help diagnose ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke by identifying areas of brain tissue that are damaged or not getting enough blood supply.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MRI can detect the presence and extent of MS lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): MRI can reveal brain damage from a head injury, including bleeding, swelling, and contusions.
- Infections: MRI can detect brain infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis.
- Structural abnormalities: MRI can identify structural abnormalities in the brain, such as cysts, abnormalities in the blood vessels, and brain malformations.
- Neurodegenerative diseases: MRI can detect changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Hydrocephalus: MRI can detect the buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can cause pressure on the brain and lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
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Brain MRI Near Me
With multiple location across the Denver area, we make it easy for you to find a “Women’s Imaging Center near me” or a “Medical Diagnostic Imaging Center near me”
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