Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Procedure Description:
Like CT, MRI is also used to study the brain and spinal cord. However, MRI provides much more detailed information of the intricate structure of these organs. Unlike CT, the technique of MRI utilizes changes in the body’s own magnetic properties to generate remarkable pictures of the inside of the nervous system. There is no radiation or x-ray involved in MRI studies. Sometimes, a special iron-based contrast dye is administered to enhance the ability of detecting abnormalities. Not all MRI machines are the same. The best results are obtained when the procedure is carried out in a high strength (1.5 Tesla or higher) narrow bore machine. Open MRI studies typically utilize less powerful MRI machines and the quality of the pictures are not as detailed as that obtained from high strength machines.

For more information visit:
View MRI Images
Read more about MRI

Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA)

Procedure Description:
MRA is carried out to study the blood vessels of the brain. The blood vessels in the neck carrying blood to the brain are called the carotid and vertebral arteries, and the network of arteries inside the brain is referred to as the Circle of Willis. Like MRI, MRA also utilizes changes in the body’s own magnetic properties to generate pictures of the blood vessels. Sometimes, it is necessary to study the blood vessels draining blood from the brain, called veins, using a technique called magnetic resonance venogram (MRV). Typically, MRI and MRA studies are done at the same time.