Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
of the Brain and Spine

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What is an MRI of the brain and spine?

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine is a diagnostic procedure that uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed 3D images of the anatomical structures as well as the underlying diseases in the organs and soft tissues of the brain, spine and spinal cord.

It is generally run in order to gain a better understanding of your clinical condition by ruling out injuries, structural abnormalities or other disorders such as brain tumours and infections.

Why would one need an MRI for their brain and spine?

MRI is used to check the brain or spinal cord for injuries and visualise structural abnormalities, as well as tumours and inflammation to get the diagnosis and aid in the planning of management for the brain and spine conditions. These include:

Congenital abnormalities — Abnormalities in the brain and spine that are developed at birth.
Trauma — To identify the underlying brain and spine injuries as well as the ligaments and other soft tissue injuries.
Tumours — An abnormal mass of benign or malignant tissue.
Infections and abscesses — Abscesses are collections of pus typically caused by bacterial infections.
Blood vessel abnormalities, like aneurysms, AVM or Venous malformations (VMs) — The swelling and weakening of an artery wall.
Haemorrhage — Bleeding into the brain or spinal cord.
Degenerative diseases — Degenerative changes in the brain and spine.
CSF pathway abnormalities like hydrocephalus — The build-up of fluid in the ventricles of the brain.

How long does an MRI brain and spine take?

The procedure will typically take less than an hour for simple scans. However, some special sequences in the MRI scan to diagnose certain diseases may require longer durations

Are there any risks of an MRI of the brain and spine?

An MRI is generally safe and there is no risk of exposure to ionising radiation during an MRI.

Implanted devices

However, due to the strong magnet in an MRI scanner, it is important to notify the radiologist if you have any metal implanted devices such as:
● Pacemakers
● Cochlear implants
● Surgical clips, plates, screws

Claustrophobia

If you are claustrophobic, inform your physician so that they may prescribe anti-anxiety medication or arrange to have you under general anaesthesia (GA) before the MRI. Otherwise, alternative diagnostic tests could be run.

Your doctor may also order a contrast dye to be used for better visualisation of internal tissues and blood vessels. Patients who might be allergic to contrast dye or iodine should inform the radiologist.

What can I expect during an MRI of the brain and spine?

You will be asked to wear a gown and remove any clothing, jewellery, spectacles, hearing aids, hairpins, removable dental work, or other objects that may interfere with the procedure.
If a contrast dye is used, an intravenous (IV) line will be started in the hand or arm for injection of the dye.
You will lie on a scan table that slides into the cylindrical scanning machine.
The technologist will communicate with and hear you through speakers inside the scanner. You will also be given a call button in case of problems during the procedure.
You will be provided with earplugs or headphones to wear to help block out noise from the scanner. Some headsets may provide music for you to listen to.
While scanning, a clicking noise will sound as the magnetic field is created and pulses of radio waves are sent from the scanner.
You would have to remain very still during the procedure, as movement could cause distortion and affect scan quality.
You may be instructed to hold your breath at intervals for a few seconds, depending on the body part being examined. If contrast dye is used, you may feel some sensations, such as a feeling of coldness, a salty or metallic taste in your mouth, a brief headache, itching or nausea. These effects are usually brief and occur when the dye is injected into the IV line.

How do I prepare for a brain or spine MRI?

You may eat, drink and take medications as per normal for most MRI exams. Inform the technologist if you are claustrophobic or have objects in your body that might affect the procedure.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
of the Brain and Spine

What is an MRI of the brain and spine?

Why would one need an MRI for their brain and spine?

How long does an MRI brain and spine take?

Are there any risks of an MRI of the brain and spine?

Implanted devices

Claustrophobia

What can I expect during an MRI of the brain and spine?

How do I prepare for a brain or spine MRI?

Have A Question?

Gleneagles Hospital

Mt Elizabeth Hospital

Farrer Park Hospital

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain and Spine

What is an MRI of the brain and spine?

Why would one need an MRI for their brain and spine?

How long does an MRI brain and spine take?

Are there any risks of an MRI of the brain and spine?

Implanted devices

Claustrophobia

What can I expect during an MRI of the brain and spine?

How do I prepare for a brain or spine MRI?

Have A Question?

Gleneagles Hospital

Mt Elizabeth Hospital

Farrer Park Hospital

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
of the Brain and Spine