Brain scans can be used to diagnose serious conditions.If you show signs of a stroke or a head injury, a doctor won't recommend a brain Scan.The procedures don't require much preparation, unless you need an IV for contrast dye.The results will be sent to your doctor, who will discuss them with you.
Step 1: If you have any symptoms of tumors, strokes, or aneurysms, ask for a brain Scan.
Weakness on one side of your body, being wobbly on your feet, double vision or vision loss, abnormal reflexes, and confusion are some of the symptoms.If you are having these symptoms, you should go to a doctor.Go to the emergency room if you think you have a stroke.
Step 2: If you are in an at-risk group, you should request a brain Scan.
If you have headaches but no other symptoms, you don't need a brain scans.If you have headaches, have cancer, are over the age of 50, or have a recent head injury, an magnetic resonance image is a good idea.Minor anomalies that have nothing to do with headaches are often found by the magnetic resonance machines.This can cause a lot of stress.Unless you are in one of the at-risk groups, don't ask for an MRI.If there have been significant changes to your headaches, your doctor may make an exception.Discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor.
Step 3: Brain scans can be used to rule out physical causes of mental illness.
Brain scans can't be used to diagnose mental illness.Depression, anxiety, or panic attacks can be caused by physical injuries like tumors or bleeding in the brain.If your symptoms are caused by a physical change to your brain, your doctor may recommend a brain Scan.Therapy and medication will be recommended by your doctor.The doctor may recommend a brain Scan if you don't respond to this treatment.
Step 4: Look at soft tissue.
Magnetic resonance scans use magnets to create detailed images of brain tissue.This can be used to find things like tumors and aneurysms.For people with claustrophobia or who are too large to fit in a closed machine, some facilities offer open MRIs.Magnetic resonance images are more expensive and take longer than computed tomographic scans.Even with insurance, an magnetic resonance image can cost over $2,500 in the United States.Depending on where you live, they can cost anywhere from $500 to $13,000.
Step 5: The skull or blood vessels can be examined with aCT Scan.
ACT scans are the best way to see if you have a brain injury.If you don't know if you have one of these conditions, explain your symptoms to your doctor and ask if it's worth having a CT Scan.If you can't get an MRI, you may be able to get a CT Scan.If you have an injury that makes it hard for you to lay still, or if you are going to be treated for cancer, your doctor may recommend a CT Scan instead of an MRI.Depending on where you go and what your insurance covers, it can cost between $300 and 5000 for a computed tomograph.
Step 6: You should tell your doctor if you are claustrophobic.
If you have claustrophobia, there are a couple of things you can do.A doctor can prescribe a mild sedative that you can take ahead of time, or a stronger one that they can inject before the procedure.You can look for a facility with an open machine that isn't completely closed, but still gives a complete image.If you want to try a closed machine, try it first.Each case is unique.Discuss your symptoms and concerns with your doctor to figure out what is best for you.To deal with claustrophobia, focus on your breathing, counting, or going to a happy place.In some cases, the technician can play music for you.
Step 7: Take your medication normally before the test.
You don't need to prepare for an MRI because it is a non-invasive test.Unless you're told otherwise, eat and drink before the test and take your medication.Don't drink a lot of fluids before your test because you will have to lie still for 60 minutes.
Step 8: If you have metal or electronic devices in your body, tell your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you have a device like a pacemaker or metal screws.These can make it difficult to get a diagnosis.If a device is attracted to the magnets in the machine, it can be a safety hazard.
Step 9: Let the doctor know if you have any tattoos.
Metal can be found in dark tattoo ink.Since the machine uses magnets to create images, tattoos can cause interference.Depending on the placement of your tattoo and the ink used, your doctor may recommend aCT Scan instead.
Step 10: If you're pregnant, tell your doctor.
Doctors don't know what the effects of strong magnets are on pregnant women.If it is possible to delay your treatment, your doctor will probably recommend waiting until after you have given birth to try an MRI.If there is an urgent need, your doctor may recommend an alternative test.
Step 11: You should remove anything metallic from your body.
Clothes with metallic clasps, buttons, and bras with underwire need to be taken off.You may be asked to wear a hospital gown if your doctor has metal parts.There are glasses and cosmetics that may have metallic parts.
Step 12: If suggested, get an injected contrast dye during the scans.
A contrast dye can be used to make the final image more clear.A vein will be used to inject the dye.The dye can cause a reaction.You should tell your healthcare provider if you have chronic kidney disease.Sometimes the contrast dye can make these problems worse.
Step 13: For the test, lie on the table for around 30 minutes.
It's important to lie as still as you can because moving can blur the final images.The machine will be loud and you won't feel the magnetic field.If you need to end the test early, your technician might give you a panic button.
Step 14: The technician will give you instructions.
A simple task is what your technician might ask you to perform if you are taking a functional magnetic resonance image.This could be answering a question or rubbing your fingers together.The doctor will be able to see brain activity when you are doing a specific action.
Step 15: If you're pregnant, tell your doctor.
Radiation is used to create an image.Although the risk is low for unborn babies, your doctor may still recommend an alternative test.If you are worried about the low amount of radiation, you should talk to your doctor.
Step 16: A hospital gown is required for the procedure.
It is most likely that you will be asked to take off your clothes.It is important that your clothing does not interfere with the test.You may have to remove jewelry, glasses, hearing aids, and dental work.
Step 17: Through injection, receive a contrast dye.
The technician will need to inject a dye into your veins to make a clearer image.The liquid will be injected through an IV.The technician can give you a steroid if you have an allergic reaction.
Step 18: Lie on the table for a short time to complete the test.
A cradle may be needed to hold your head still.The table will move through the machine.The scans might move around you.Most scans take a few minutes.
Step 19: After the test is over, drink lots of water.
Your technician will tell you to drink a lot of water if you had a contrast fluid injected.The contrast fluid will be flushed out of your body faster.The technician may hold you back for a few minutes after the test to make sure you don't have a bad reaction to the contrast fluid.