MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is one of the most accurate diagnostic procedures available today. Most of all, the accuracy of the data obtained is important for MRI of the head and neck, since it is here that the most valuable vessels and arteries of the body, as well as the brain, pass. The study of the brain often brings with it numerous difficulties, as it is one of the most unexplored organs of the human body.
Timely MRI of the vessels of the head and neck can prevent the development of serious pathologies. Diagnostics using MRI has undeniable advantages over similar studies. On X-ray, you will not see what processes occur in soft tissues, since it can only detect bone pathologies, and ultrasound is not as sensitive as MRI.
What is this?
When performing MRI diagnostics, the electromagnetic field has a strong effecton human tissues. When examined, the cells enter into resonance with the electromagnetic field. Affected cells and tissues resonate completely differently. These differences are fixed by an MRI study. In the final picture, the differences are clearly visible. The peculiarity of this technique lies in the fact that the result is a picture in three planes. MRI of the head and neck helps the doctor to examine the pathological changes from all sides and make the most accurate diagnosis.
Usually, this type of MRI is performed on people who have had a previous head and neck injury. For normal rehabilitation, it is necessary to check and do research in a timely manner. MRI is also done to anyone who wants to know the condition of blood vessels and soft tissues.
Contraindications for testing
MRI of the head and neck is done for a variety of reasons. The procedure is relatively safe and has virtually no side effects. It is not based on radioactive substances. It is performed at any age. It is not recommended to prescribe this procedure only in a few cases:
- If the patient has a pacemaker.
- If the patient has metal prostheses or implants with electronic "stuffing".
- If there is a special clip in the patient's brain vessels that stops the flow of excess blood.
The procedure can also be canceled at the insistence of the doctor. Consider also how great the risk will be if the procedure is notheld.
MRI of the head arteries
What does an MRI show? Most often it is prescribed in the presence of diseases associated with neurological abnormalities. MRI is used for the following disorders, diseases and complaints:
- If the patient complains of frequent headaches.
- Patient experiences dizziness and fainting.
- Complaints about jumping pressure. Sudden fluctuations may occur.
- Nosebleed, possibly pus.
- Swelling appeared in the temple area.
- Identified symptoms of blood clots (regular pain in the head, nausea, dizziness, ringing in the ears, black dots before the eyes, etc.).
- Patient complains of hearing loss and speech impairment.
- There are suspicions of a brain tumor.
- Additional diseases, such as epileptic seizures, multiple sclerosis, sinusitis (mostly chronic), neurodegenerative disorders, etc.
Cervical MRI
In the case of the cervical spine, the doctor gives a referral for this study if an accurate diagnosis using other methods is not possible. Typically, an MRI scan is done for the following symptoms:
- If there is damage to the vascular system during an injury, but it is difficult or impossible to determine the degree of danger without examination.
- There are persistent pains in the cervical region, which may indicate the onset of tumor development.
- The patient has a cardiac disorderrhythm.
- There is a hernia in the neck.
- Stenosis of the vascular system.
- Patient complains of memory loss.
- Restless sleep.
- A disease of the larynx and lymph nodes was diagnosed.
- Injured or narrowed spinal canal through which cerebrospinal fluid flows.
- Diagnosed with osteochondrosis in the cervical region of the spinal column.
- There are malfunctions in the thyroid gland.
Preparing for an MRI
As a rule, specialized preparation is not required for MRI of the head and neck. The patient needs to inform the doctor about the presence of chronic diseases, allergies, pregnancy and, if present, fear of confined spaces. It is also necessary to get rid of all metal things present on the body: jewelry, piercings, metal belts, etc. During the procedure, the patient is required to remain still.
How an MRI procedure works
Usually a patient would like to know how an MRI of the head and neck is done. The procedure can be performed with or without contrast. Contrast is needed only for a more visual diagnosis. It is usually used in difficult situations. To do this, some coloring components of preparations specially provided for such cases are introduced into the body. Some people may be allergic to dyes, so before undergoing a contrast MRI procedure, it is necessary to be tested for an allergic reaction. For the standard procedure of suchno contraindications.
The MRI machine is a tunnel where the patient is placed. His limbs are securely fixed, and a soft cushion is placed under his head so that the patient is comfortable during the MRI of the head and neck. Wires are attached to the neck. They send information to the monitor in the next room. The procedure is carried out in half an hour. Basically, its duration depends on the use of the contrast agent.
What do you see on an MRI?
After the procedure, it will be interesting to know what the MRI shows. In the picture you can see all the vessels that are present in the cervical region. The patient can see the carotid artery, vertebral arteries and jugular veins, as well as all their branches.
Deciphering an MRI of the head and neck does not take very long. In a few minutes, the patient will know his diagnosis. On an MRI you can see:
- Are there any changes in the arteries and veins of the cervical region.
- Are there plaques in the arteries (atherosclerosis).
- Is there a blockage of blood vessels.
- You can see the formation of blood clots.
- Traumatic injuries of the neck.
- Inflammatory processes and lesions.
- The presence of tumors in the vessels, and whether this causes their narrowing and squeezing.
Even without an MRI, the presence of pathology can be assumed by the accompanying symptoms. Due to changes in the arteries and blood vessels, the amount of oxygen supplied to the brain changes. This, of course, affects the well-beinga person, which can manifest itself in the form of headaches, regular migraines, loss of vision and hearing, as well as various nervous disorders.
Deciphering the results obtained and the price of an MRI
Those who are going to have an MRI of the vessels of the head and neck are primarily interested in the price. It mainly depends on the quality of the service provided, equipment and the prestige of the clinic.
After the MRI is completed, the patient receives a pair of A4 images. The number of images on one sheet can be up to 4 pieces. It all depends on how difficult the study was. Also, the results of the scan are copied to other media and sources of information dissemination. These can be CDs, DVDs, on which the result will be stored in DICOM format.
The patient himself is unlikely to be able to independently decipher the results. Knowledge of the school anatomy course will not help here. For the correct diagnosis, it is better to contact a qualified specialist.
The price for an MRI of the vessels of the head and neck may vary. On average, one procedure with the diagnosis of one part of the neck or brain costs from 5,000 rubles. If you are going to undergo a full brain examination, be prepared to pay at least 100 thousand rubles.
