MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for Spine and Brain

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure used for various medical conditions. It utilizes a large magnet and radio frequencies to produce detailed images of organs and structures inside the body. The MRI machine looks like a cylindrical tube with a narrow tunnel in the middle.

How does an MRI scan work?

It creates a strong magnetic field around the patient while radio waves are used to shift the atoms’ nuclei from their natural position. When the nuclei return to their original position, they emit radio signals that are detected by sensors in the machine. The collected data is then processed, analyzed, and converted into two-dimensional (2D) images of the body or the organ being examined.

MRI is preferred over Computed Tomography (CT) in cases where soft tissues need to be studied, as it provides better differentiation between normal and abnormal soft tissues.

Different types of MRI technology:

• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): A new procedure used to evaluate blood flow through arteries and detect vascular abnormalities in the brain and other parts of the body.
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS): A safe method for measuring and analyzing chemical changes in the brain and body tissues. It helps diagnose specific disorders like HIV infection in the brain, strokes, head injuries, comas, Alzheimer’s disease, tumors, and multiple sclerosis.
• Functional MRI (fMRI): It is used to identify functional areas in the brain, such as language or memory centers. The patient is asked to perform specific tasks during the procedure, activating the targeted area, aiding in diagnosing and treating specific brain disorders.

Spinal Anatomy:

The spinal column (spinal canal or vertebral canal) consists of 33 vertebrae separated by ligaments and intervertebral discs, which have fibrous outer rings and a gelatinous center. It is divided into the following regions:

1. Cervical Vertebrae: Consisting of 7 vertebrae.
2. Thoracic Vertebrae: Comprising 12 vertebrae.
3. Lumbar Vertebrae: Forming the lower back and consisting of 5 vertebrae.
4. Sacral Region: Fusion of 5 vertebrae into a single bone piece.
5. Coccyx: The lowest part of the spine, formed by the fusion of 4 vertebrae.

Inside the spinal column (spinal canal), the spinal cord (part of the central nervous system) extends from the base of the brain (medulla oblongata) to the end of the spine (upper part of the lower back) surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. The primary function of the spinal cord is to transmit sensory and motor signals between the brain and the body, as well as controlling various involuntary reflexes.

Brain Anatomy:

The brain acts as the center of the nervous system, controlling cognition, memory, emotions, touch, motor skills, vision, respiration, temperature, hunger, and other bodily functions.

The brain can be anatomically divided into three main parts:

1. Cerebrum: The largest part of the brain responsible for cognitive, sensory, mental, and language functions. It is divided into two cerebral hemispheres: the right cerebral hemisphere and the left cerebral hemisphere.
2. Brainstem: A mass of brain tissue that connects the cerebrum to the spinal cord, responsible for transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain and vice versa. It also controls involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, and reflexes like sneezing, coughing, and swallowing. Additionally, it regulates consciousness, wakefulness, sleep, and pain sensation.
3. Cerebellum: Located at the back of the head, behind the brainstem, responsible for coordinating voluntary muscle movements and maintaining body balance.

Other parts of the brain include:

1. Pons (Brainstem): Contains various control areas for eye and facial movements.
2. Medulla Oblongata (Brainstem): The lower part of the brainstem containing control centers for the heart, lungs, and other autonomic functions.
3. Midbrain: Controls visual and auditory reflexes.

The cerebrum consists of four major lobes:

1. Frontal Lobe: Located in the front of the head and involved in cognitive functions and voluntary movements.
2. Parietal Lobe: Found in the middle of the brain, responsible for spatial perception and interpreting sensory sensations like pain and touch.
3. Temporal Lobe: Situated on the sides of the brain and plays a role in memory and speech processing, as well as smell.
4. Occipital Lobe: Positioned at the back of the head and primarily responsible for vision.

By understanding the anatomy of the spine and brain, medical professionals can utilize MRI technology to diagnose various conditions and provide appropriate treatment for patients.

What are the reasons for performing MRI of the brain or spinal cord?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to examine the brain and/or the spinal cord to detect injuries, structural abnormalities, or certain medical conditions, including:

• Tumors.
• Abscesses.
• Congenital abnormalities.
• Vascular dilation.
• Venous malformations.
• Hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain or spinal cord.
• Subdural hematoma.
• Neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis, and brain hypoxia-related damage (functional brain impairment due to oxygen deficiency), or brain and spinal cord inflammation (infections or inflammations).
• Hydrocephalus (cerebrospinal fluid accumulation) in the brain.
• Herniated or degenerated spinal discs.
• Assisting in planning spinal surgery.

What are the risks of MRI?

MRI uses strong magnetic fields, so precautions must be taken for patients with certain implanted devices, such as pacemakers or cochlear implants. Patients with such devices should inform the MRI technician to assess the safety of the procedure. Additionally, patients with metal objects in their body, such as surgical clips, plates, or screws, should inform the medical staff, and necessary precautions will be taken based on the individual case.

Contrast dye may be used during some MRI exams to enhance visualization of internal tissues and blood vessels. In such cases, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction, so patients should inform the radiologist of any known allergies to contrast dye or iodine.

How to prepare for an MRI?

Eating/Drinking: Patients can eat normally before the MRI.

Expectations: The imaging takes place inside a large, cylindrical structure with open ends. Earplugs may be provided to reduce noise, as MRI machines produce loud sounds. It is essential to remain still to ensure high-quality images.

Sensitivity: If a patient has experienced allergic reactions in the past or has claustrophobia, they can request anxiety-reducing medications before the procedure.

High Magnetic Environment: If a patient has metal objects inside their body, they should inform the doctor, and precautions will be taken accordingly.

Before scheduling the MRI, patients should inform the doctor about the following:

• Presence of a pacemaker or heart valve replacement.
• Implanted pumps like insulin pumps.
• Presence of metal plates, screws, surgical clips, or vascular stents.
• Pregnancy.
• Any body piercings.
• Wearing a medical patch.
• Tattooing.
• Previous exposure to a gunshot.
• Work with metal (for example, a metal grinder or a welding machine).
• The presence of metal fragments anywhere in the body.

What happens during an MRI?

The MRI is conducted in a clinic or hospital, and the procedure varies depending on the patient’s condition. Common steps include:

1. The patient is asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, glasses, hearing aids, removable dental work, hairpins, or any other objects that may interfere with the procedure, and is provided with a patient gown.
2. An intravenous (IV) line may be started in the hand or arm to inject contrast dye (if necessary). Patients may experience a brief cool sensation, metallic taste in the mouth, short headache, itching, or nausea after the injection.
3. The patient lies on a table that slides into a large circular opening of the MRI machine. A window separates the patient and the technician, who communicates through speakers.
4. Loud noises occur during the scanning process, and earplugs may be given to the patient.
5. It is essential for the patient to remain still during the examination to ensure clear images.
6. Breath-holding or not breathing for a few seconds may be requested depending on the area being scanned.
7. If the patient experiences difficulty breathing, sweating, numbness, or heart palpitations, they should inform the doctor immediately.

What happens after an MRI?

There is no specific post-care required after an MRI of the brain or spinal cord. Generally:

• Patients should get up slowly as some procedures may take longer.
• If any sedatives were taken, patients should wait until the effects wear off before driving.
• If contrast dye was used during the procedure, patients will be monitored for any side effects or reactions, such as itching, swelling, skin rash, or difficulty breathing.

Treatment in Türkiye

REHABTÜRK HEALTHCARE PROVIDER NETWORK relies on the latest preventive, imaging, and diagnostic medical technologies to ensure patient reassurance and evaluate various medical conditions. They have a dedicated team of medical counselors who provide information to patients before the procedure and offer post-treatment care.

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