Download MRI of the Head - Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital

What will I experience during the procedure?
Most MRIs are painless. You will feel a slight prick
when the IV line is inserted into your vein and
some slight bruising when it is removed.
imaging to diagnose and treat diseases, will
analyse your results and send a signed report to
your primary care or referring physician, who will
share the results with you.
PGS/RAD/56/01/E
Patient Guide Series
GETTING AN
MRI OF THE HEAD
NOTES
The area of the body that is being imaged may
feel slightly warm and you should notify the
technologist if this bothers you.
Once you are injected with contrast material, you
may have a warm, flushed or burning sensation
during the process.
You will be alone in the exam room during the
scan but your technologist will be able to see, hear
and speak with you at all times.
You will hear some sounds when the MRI
machine is operating. You will be given earplugs
to help reduce the noise level.
Women who are nursing mothers should avoid
breastfeeding their baby for up to 48 hours after
the procedure.
When will I be allowed to go home?
An MRI of the head is an outpatient procedure.
Unless you received a sedative, no recovery period
is needed and you may resume your normal diet
and activities immediately following the procedure.
Who interprets my results and how do I
get them?
A radiologist, a physician trained to use medical
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
7A Block R-3, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3594 5100 Ext 2299 | Fax: +92 42 3594 5150
www.shaukatkhanum.org.pk
Shaukat Khanum
Memorial Cancer Hospital
and Research Centre
What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly known
as an MRI, is a scan that uses radio waves and
powerful magnets to produce detailed images of
organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal body
structures.
What is the use of an MRI of the head?
Your physician has probably asked you to have
an MRI of the head to help diagnose any
development abnormalities, tumours in the brain,
an aneurysm or abnormal widening of the artery
due to a weakness in the wall of the blood vessel,
any disorders in the eyes or inner ear, stroke,
disorders of the nervous system. An MRI of the
head also helps document the brain function of
patients with dementia and also comes in use
assess the condition of a trauma patient.
or technologist will draw a small amount of blood
before the procedure to make sure that your
kidneys are working properly.
exposure to the baby. You should also inform
your physician if you are breastfeeding at the
time of the exam.
Is there any information I should relay to
my physician before the scan?
How is the procedure performed?
If you suffer from claustrophobia, you should let
your physician know. In this procedure, you will
typically be placed into a small, enclosed area. In
some cases, a mild sedative may be given to relax
you during the procedure.
Be sure to inform your physician of any recent
illnesses or other medical conditions such as a
history of heart or kidney disease, asthma,
diabetes, or thyroid problems. Let your physician
know if you have any implanted devices, such as
a defibrillator or pacemaker, as the magnet can
affect them during the process and they can pose
a danger to you.
How can I prepare for the procedure?
Remove all metal objects such as jewellery,
eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins. These objects
can affect medical images and should be removed
prior to your exam.
You should also notify your physician of any
allergies, especially to contrast material or
anaesthesia, and about any medications you may
be taking. It is important to note that the contrast
material used in an MRI does not contain iodine
and is less likely to produce an allergic reaction.
You will receive specific instructions if any
changes that need to be made to your regular
medication schedule.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything
several hours before your scan, especially if you
will be given contrast material, which is a dye that
enhances the visibility of certain tissues or blood
vessels. If contrast material will be used, a nurse
Women should always let their physician or
technologist if there is a possibility that they are
pregnant because the x-rays can harm your
baby. If an x-ray is absolutely necessary,
precautions will be taken to minimise radiation
Wear comfortable, loose clothing to the Hospital.
You may be asked to wear a gown during the
procedure.
You will be positioned on the scan table. Straps
and pillows may be used to maintain your position
and hold still during the exam. Small devices
capable of sending and receiving radio waves
may be placed around or adjacent to your body.
If contrast material is to be used, an intravenous
(IV) line will be inserted into the small vein in your
hand or arm. Your technologist will place you
inside the MRI unit and then leave the room so
that some initial scans can take place.
Next, if required, you will be injected with contrast
material, a dye that enhances the visibility of
certain tissues or blood vessels, via the IV line.
Another series of scans will take place after this
takes place.
Once this is completed, your technologist will ask
you to wait until they have determined that your
images are readable. Finally, your IV line will be
removed.
The entire process is usually completed within 45
minutes.
If you are also schedule for an MRI spectroscopy,
a test that provides information on the chemicals
present in the body's cells, this may also be
performed during the MRI exam and will add
approximately 15 minutes to the exam time.