Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also known as magnetic resonance imaging. If the tomography is performed in the area of the head, it is called cranial magnetic resonance imaging. It is performed to accurately depict structures in the skull and brain and to detect pathological processes if necessary.
Fields of application
A magnetic resonance tomography is used for detailed imaging of the structures of the head. It is used to detect or exclude various diseases. These include in particular diseases affecting the soft tissue structures of the head area, such as tumor diseases or inflammations.
Inflammations and tumors can affect many structures in the head area, so the MRI serves to clarify: Brain infarctions can also be detected by an MRI of the head, as can cerebral haemorrhages and changes in the blood vessels of the brain (aneurysm), such as calcification (arteriosclerosis) or aneurysm formation. Injuries affecting the cranial nerves can be detected on an MRI image, for example, a functional impairment of the auditory and vestibular nerves can also be detected. Since bony structures are also depicted, malformations of the skull, injuries of the temporomandibular joint and the eye socket can be detected. Craniocerebral trauma (SHT) can also be detected on an MRI image.
- Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Sinusitis
- Tumors
- Inflammations in the area of the salivary glands
- Inflammations of the throat
- Inflammations of the larynx
Preparations for MRI of the head
An MRI examination of the head, like any other MRI examination, does not require any special preparation. In the preliminary consultation with the doctor, possible allergies to contrast media should be clarified and if claustrophobia exists, the administration of a sedative should be discussed. If you have a pronounced claustrophobia, you should consider the possibility of having an MRI.
On the day of the MRI examination, the patient must remove all metal parts that he or she is wearing on the body, as these are magnetically attracted by the examination device and can lead to injuries. This includes especially jewelry, such as bracelets, watches, necklaces, earrings and piercings. But also clothes with metal parts like buttons or buckles should be taken off.
Key rings and purses should be removed from the pockets and removable dentures should also be removed. In addition, wires or screws that have been surgically inserted into the bones should be mentioned in the explanatory talk. Electronic devices, such as cell phones or MP3 players, should not be taken into the examination room, nor should EC or credit cards, as they influence the magnetic field and can also cause damage themselves.
For MRI imaging of the head, the patient usually does not need to be fasting. There are no effects on the image quality. The normal intake of food and beverages is possible.
An exception is the planned administration of contrast medium. In this case, the contrast medium is injected into the patient through an access point located in the crook of the arm. In order to avoid possible aspiration (vomit reaches the lungs via the airways) in the case of contrast agent intolerance, food intake should be avoided in the 4 hours prior to the examination for safety reasons.
