MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive, painless medical procedure that is used by your doctor to assist him or her in diagnosing and treating certain medical conditions.
A functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI is a newer procedure that utilizes MR imaging to measure the tiny metabolic changes that occur in an active part of the brain.
Brain Imaging is used for:• Examining the anatomy of the brain
• Brain mapping - to see exactly where each part of the brain handles specific functions like thought, speech, movement and sensation
• To determine the extent of damage associated with stroke, trauma or degenerative disease
• Determining the growth and function of brain tumors
• Guide your doctor whether it's performing surgery, radiation therapy or other brain surgical applications
The ProcedureThis procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. You will be positioned on the moveable examination table. If you have are experiencing a difficult time holding the correct position during the exam, straps and pillows may be needed to assist you.
Tiny containers that encase coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves will be strategically placed around the area of the body being studied.
Your head will be placed in a brace so that you don't move it during the exam. This brace may include a mask that has been designed specifically for you.
If you need to take contrast material for certain testing, it will be swallowed, injected through an IV or given by enema. The table will then move rapidly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the images.
You will be moved into the magnet of the MRI unit and the radiologist and technologist will leave the room while the MRI examination is performed. You will then be asked to perform a number of minor tasks like tapping your thumb against each of the fingers on the same hand, rubbing a block of sandpaper, or answering simple questions. You will need to wait until the technologist determines that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read. The procedure usually lasts between 45 minutes.
