Question 1

when a brain mri is necessary?

Accepted Answer

Many indications: There are literally too many examples to list in this forum.  The best answer is that doctors are highly trained to know if/when  symptoms are worrisome enough to warrant imaging. Mri is the best way to get a very detailed look at the brain and other intracranial structures. Some examples of indications include stroke, seizures, visual changes or severe headache, though the list goes on.

Question 2

i'm going for my first brain mri, what are things i should ask?

Accepted Answer

First MRI: Ask if the machine is 'closed' or 'open' .  If you have difficulty in close spaces ask for an open machine.  Ask what types of things you can bring with you.  Metal that can be magnetized is not allowed.  Ask about dental braces or metal orthopedic metal.  If you are very nervous, ask about sedation.

Question 3

gray spot on brain mri - freaking out!

Accepted Answer

There is: simply not enough information to venture a guess.  It could be nothing.  How is it described in the MRI report?

Question 4

what does a big black spot on a brain mri mean?

Accepted Answer

Unanswerable: Many possibilities depending on sequence used, contrast, location of "spot" etc. The MRI report should provide details.

Question 5

can a brain mri for dizziness see cholesteatoma?

Accepted Answer

Yes: CT has better spatial resolution and would be better for surgical planning for cholesteatoma surgery.  MRI should be able to exclude middle ear cholesteatoma

Question 6

what causes bright spots in 1 year old brain mri?

Accepted Answer

Lots of things: "bright spots" on an MRI have various causes.  They can range from benign, insignificant findings to infections, injuries, metabolic problems and more.  An MRI is only a tool, and the findings need to be put in the context of the patient's clinical condition. Mri's are often ordered unnecessarily and then odd findings (like bright spots) can make a straightforward case much more confusing.

Question 7

hello docs, is a brain mri common for headache sufferers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It can rule out: Structural brain disorders and other conditions like multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular disease, or a vascular malformation and even rheumatologic diseases that can harm the brain and cause migraine headaches. It can also help rule out central nervous system lyme's disease, mengiomas  and  malignancies. Best wishes.

Question 8

what causes chronic headaches? i've had a negative brain mri.

Accepted Answer

Many causes: Headaches can be due to many causes 
primary headaches
1migraine
2tension headache
3cluster headaches
secondary headaches
1excessive use of analgesics
2post head injury(concussion)
3cranial neuralgias due to inflammation of 12 nerves which supply motor;sensation to head;neck
4brai tumors
5high blood pressure
6sinus problems
7pseudotumor cerebri
8 other rare conditions
see doctor to find out

Question 9

what does it mean when brain mri results state "arteries are patent?"

Accepted Answer

Good news. : The blood vessels supplying your brain are not narrowed or blocked. These are the cerebral arteries.

Question 10

what does it mean if a t2 prolongation on brain mri is getting larger?

Accepted Answer

Very complicated ans: Without going into the physics of MRI (which I doubt even the most ardent Radiologist could explain), prolongation of the T2 signal (a bright area on T2-weighted images) generally means a higher water content - swelling from stroke, inflammation, tumors, infections can cause this. If you've had multiple MRIs, increasing prolongation may not mean much as each MRI is obtained differently.

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Doctor answers about:

Whiplash the brain and mri

A member asked:

When a brain mri is necessary?

A member asked:

I'm going for my first brain mri, what are things i should ask?

A member asked:

Gray spot on brain mri - freaking out!

A member asked:

What does a big black spot on a brain mri mean?

A member asked:

Can a brain mri for dizziness see cholesteatoma?

A member asked:

What causes bright spots in 1 year old brain mri?

A member asked:

Hello docs, is a brain mri common for headache sufferers?

A member asked:

What causes chronic headaches? i've had a negative brain mri.

A member asked:

What does it mean when brain mri results state "arteries are patent?"

A member asked:

What does it mean if a t2 prolongation on brain mri is getting larger?

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