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 Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a
magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of organs and
structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI provides information that cannot be
obtained from an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT
scan.
MRIs
obtained at Epilepsy Centers are performed using special protocols and specially trained
neuroradiologists that make it much more likely that we will find the brain structural
abnormalities causing seizures.
For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is
positioned inside a strong magnetic field. The MRI can detect changes in the normal
structure and characteristics of organs or other tissues. It also can detect tissue damage
or disease, such as a tumor or infection. Information from an MRI scan can be saved and
stored on a computer for further study. Photographs or films of selected views can also be
made.
In some cases, a contrast
material may be used during the MRI scan to
enhance the images of certain structures. The contrast material may help evaluate blood
flow, detect some types of tumors, and locate areas of inflammation.
While MRI is a safe and valuable test for looking at
structures and organs inside the body, it may not be available in all medical centers. The MRI that we use is the latest and most
sensitive available anywhere.
Getting an MRI
l.
You may take all medicines.
You
may eat and drink unless a dye is to be used during the test.
If a dye will be used, you will be asked not to eat or drink for 8 hours before the test.
2.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies.A
contrast dye may be injected into your vein through an IV line to make a better, clearer
picture. Some people are allergic to this dye.
3. Tell your doctor if
you have any metal objects inside of your body. These may include
a pacemaker, aneurysm clips, a metal plate, staples from recent surgery or if you have a
prosthesis.
4.
Tell your doctor if there is flying metal debris where you work.
If any debris has ever been lodged in your eyes, this test may harm your retina.
5.
Remove all metal items, such as hair clips, jewelry, watches, hearing aids and dentures.
Credit cards will be erased if brought into the MRI area.
6.
Do not wear any makeup.
Some brands contain metal.
7.
Tell your doctor if you have any heart or respiratory problems.
8.
Tell your doctor if you suffer from claustrophobia
(fear of being closed in). You will be lying down in a narrow tunnel. This
makes some people uneasy.
9. You must sign a consent form before
the test.
During the MRI
1.
The MRI unit looks like a large box with a tunnel running through the middle. The tunnel
is open on both ends. This one huge piece is the magnet. You will be on a padded table
that slides or moves through the tunnel. The scanning is done while you are in the tunnel.
2.
You must be still and flat. Stay relaxed inside the MRI. Movement can distort the image.
3. The test takes 1 to 2 hours. Your entire body
will be encased in the machine. There will be an opening at your head and one at your
feet. You will be made as comfortable as possible.
>4.
You will be given a squeeze button to call the technologist if you need anything. Staff
will also be able to watch you at all times.
5.
You may have someone with you in the room if you wish. If you are very claustrophobic, you
can ask to be given a mild sedative, such as valium.
6.
A coil might be placed around the part of your body being scanned, such as your head,
knee, or stomach. This coil is really a special radio receiver.
7.
At certain times you will hear loud thumping, grating and whistling noises. These noises
are caused by changing magnetic fields. You will be given earplugs to wear, but you will
still be able to talk with MRI staff through a microphone. This may help if you start to
feel anxious.
8.
You will feel air moving as fans move the air within the tunnel.
9.
A dye may be injected into your vein through an IV line. You may feel some warmth or
shortness of breath after this is done. The feeling will go away soon after.
10.
The test is painless and there are no side effects. It is very safe.
After the MRI
1.
You can be as active as you like after the MRI, unless you were given a sedative. Check
with your doctor about this.
2.
Side effects have rarely been noted from the dye. If you notice anything unusual, though,
call your nurse or doctor.
3.
The pictures taken during the test will be reviewed by a radiologist. Your scans (films)
and the results will then be given to doctor who ordered the test.
Click
here to go to a site with some very good MRI images of different types of brain conditions
(Author's note: About Notes on Epilepsy-This section is meant to serve as a resource
for persons who want to learn about epilepsy. The material is written in note form and it
is meant primarily for health care professionals. The links and images are presently
sparsely annotated and are meant to be used by people who know roughly what to look
for.About Other Epilepsy links-This section links to sites which provide information on
medical / technical issues related to epilepsy. It has appeal to both health care
professionals and lay people.)
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