Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can provide important information in the evaluation of neurological diseases, brain and spine diseases, certain tumors, disc problems, joint and ligament injuries, sports injuries, and various organ diseases. In particular, brain MRI helps in the detailed evaluation of brain tissue and intracranial structures.
Unlike X-rays and computed tomography, ionizing radiation is not used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Signals obtained from tissues within a strong magnetic field are processed by a computer and converted into images.
The preparation required before an MRI scan may vary depending on the region to be imaged and the examination to be performed. It is important to remove metal objects before the scan and to inform the health team about any medical implants or electronic devices in his body. In order to obtain clear images, he must remain as still as possible during the scan.
In some MRI examinations, a contrast agent may be used to ensure a more detailed evaluation of the images. The use of a contrast agent is not necessary for every MRI scan and is evaluated based on his clinical condition and the examination to be performed.
With MRI imaging;
- Brain, eyes, inner ear and surrounding structures,
- Pituitary gland,
- Brain artery and vein systems,
- Neck region and surrounding anatomical structures,
- Spine and spinal cord,
- Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and other joints,
- Muscle, tendon and ligament structures,
- Organs in the abdomen and pelvis region,
- Certain vascular structures
can be evaluated.
Depending on his clinical condition and the purpose of imaging, in addition to standard MRI examinations, diffusion MRI, perfusion MRI, MRI spectroscopy, MR angiography and other advanced MRI imaging methods can also be utilized.
MRI imaging is one of the diagnostic methods that contributes to the evaluation of the obtained images together with his complaints, examination findings and other tests.
Why is an MRI Performed?
MRI can be used to evaluate diseases and structural changes in different regions of the body. The reason for performing an MRI may vary depending on his complaints, age, clinical findings and the disease being investigated.
MRI imaging can be utilized in the evaluation of headaches, migraines and certain neurological symptoms, in patients suspected of having a brain tumor, in investigating the causes of epileptic seizures, and in certain problems related to the eyes and inner ear.
Spine MRI examinations help evaluate the vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, and surrounding soft tissues in the neck, upper back, and lower back regions. An MRI may be requested for herniated discs in the lower back or neck, disc problems, and certain spinal diseases.
Musculoskeletal MRI imaging, on the other hand, can be used to evaluate joints such as the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, wrist, and ankle. MRI imaging can provide important information in the evaluation of sports injuries, ligament and tendon problems, meniscus injuries, and various joint diseases.
MRI can also be used in the evaluation of;
- Brain and spinal cord diseases,
- Brain tumors and other masses,
- Certain vascular diseases,
- Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis,
- Spine and disc problems,
- Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries,
- Joint diseases,
- Sports injuries,
- Certain diseases in the abdomen and pelvis region,
- Certain organ and vascular structures.
Images obtained as a result of an MRI do not mean a disease diagnosis on their own. The findings are evaluated by the relevant physician together with his clinical condition, examination results, and other tests when necessary.
How is an MRI Performed?
The preparation required before an MRI scan may vary depending on the type of examination to be performed. Unless a different warning is given specifically for him, daily nutrition and regular medications can be continued before some MRI examinations. However, special preparation may be required for certain scans where a contrast agent will be used or which target specific organs.
His medical history is evaluated prior to the MRI examination. Individuals with a pacemaker, cochlear implant, neurostimulator, vascular clip, metal prosthesis, or any other medical device placed in his body must inform the health team of this situation before the scan. The compatibility of such devices and implants with MRI is evaluated separately.
Before entering the MRI room, items that may be affected by the magnetic field such as;
- Watches,
- Jewelry and metal accessories,
- Mobile phones,
- Credit and debit cards,
- Keys,
- Hearing aids,
- Other removable metal objects
must be removed.
He is laid on the moving table in the MRI device and positioned appropriately according to the region to be imaged. During the scan, rhythmic and loud noises may be heard from the device. When necessary, headphones or ear protectors can be used to increase his comfort.
It is important that he remains as still as possible throughout the scan in order to obtain MRI images of sufficient quality. Movement may cause distortion in the images and may require some images to be retaken.
The duration of the MRI scan may vary depending on the region to be imaged and the scanning protocol to be applied.
In some cases, an MRI contrast agent may be administered intravenously to increase the detail of the images. The contrast agent can help evaluate certain tissues, vessels, or lesions more clearly. The decision to use a contrast agent is made based on his health status and the examination to be performed.
After the scan is completed, the obtained images are evaluated and reported by the radiology physician. The MRI report is evaluated by the physician who requested the imaging, along with his clinical findings and other tests.
Brain MRI
Brain MRI is an important imaging method that provides detailed imaging of the brain tissue and anatomical structures within the head.
Brain MRI can be utilized in the evaluation of brain tumors, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and certain other neurological diseases. In addition, it can also be used in the evaluation of the pituitary gland, brain vessels, the area around the eyes, the inner ear, and other structures within the head.
Brain MRI may be requested as a result of a physician's evaluation to investigate the causes of headaches, neurological symptoms, epileptic seizures, balance disorders, vision changes, or other neurological complaints.
The location, size, relationship with surrounding tissues, and certain structural features of a lesion detected in the brain can be evaluated with MRI imaging.
In some patients, advanced MRI methods can be utilized in addition to standard brain MRI imaging. Advanced imaging methods such as diffusion MRI, DTI MRI, functional MRI, perfusion MRI, and MRI spectroscopy can provide additional information depending on his clinical condition.
While diffusion MRI is particularly used to evaluate the movements of water molecules in tissues, Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) can help image the white matter tracts of the brain.
Functional MRI can contribute to the evaluation of brain regions associated with functions such as speech, movement, and similar functions. Perfusion MRI can help evaluate blood supply characteristics in brain tissue, while MRI spectroscopy can help evaluate certain metabolic and biochemical properties of tissues.
Data obtained from these methods in brain tumors can contribute to diagnosis and treatment planning by providing additional information regarding the extent of the lesion, its relationship with surrounding tissues, and its proximity to critical functional areas.
A Safe Roadmap for the Surgeon
In addition to contributing to diagnostic evaluation, advanced radiological imaging methods can also provide important information in planning certain neurosurgical operations.
Particularly in cases where surgical treatment of brain tumors is planned, the proximity of the tumor to regions associated with critical functions such as movement, vision, and speech in the brain can be evaluated in detail prior to surgery.
Information about the course of certain nerve pathways can be obtained with methods such as Diffusion Tensor Imaging, and information about regions associated with specific brain functions can be obtained with functional MRI.
Three-dimensional data obtained from MRI images can be transferred to neuronavigation systems used during surgery in suitable patients. Neuronavigation can help the surgical team evaluate the location of the lesion and surrounding critical anatomical structures before and during surgery.
This information contributes to planning the surgical approach and taking the locations of critical brain structures into account while reaching the lesion.
Data obtained from MRI imaging and advanced MRI techniques are part of surgical planning. Treatment and surgical approach are determined by considering his clinical condition, imaging findings, and the evaluations of relevant specialists together.
