Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI as it is commonly known, is widely used to detect brain disorders. Because of the image quality and sensitivity, MRI is currently the best test to evaluate any abnormalities or disorders within the brain. The number of brain disorders can be quite extensive and/or complex, and must be visualized well to enable the radiologist to make an accurate and definitive diagnosis. The diagnosis can be further correlated with the patient's symptoms to determine the treatment.
Brain Tumors
MRI can detect brain tumors of any part of the brain. It is useful even in detecting very small tumors, such as pituitary tumors. The early detection of brain tumors by MRI can help the physician plan the appropriate treatment for the patient.
Strokes
A stroke can easily be identified by an MRI. A hemorrhagic stroke is characterized by bleeding in the brain caused by a ruptured blood vessel. An ischemic stroke is when a blood vessel is obstructed or clogged, and cuts off the blood supply to the brain. Both are life-threatening and can be easily evaluated by MRI due to the changes in contrast of the surrounding tissues of the brain.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis, which is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, can be definitively diagnosed with MRI. MRI is the test of choice to not only diagnose, but to follow the progression of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is seen as "lesions" in the brain and the progression of the disorder or effective treatment of the disorder can be determined by an increase or decrease in the size and/or amount of these "lesions."
Seizures
MRI can show the causes of seizure activity. People who have a history of seizures or epilepsy may have structural changes in the brain that can be detected on an MRI. Some of these structural changes include a brain tumor or an abnormality of the blood vessels in the brain.
Dementia
Dementia is defined as a loss of brain function that can affect language, memory, coherence, judgment and thinking. Although certain disorders in the brain can contribute to a general diagnosis of dementia, MRI can help to differentiate the forms of dementia. This information can be used not only as a tool to implement the best plan of care for the patient, but also help the family of the patient to better prepare and adjust to the new circumstances.
Aneurysms
Aneurysms are a "ballooning" or bulging of an artery wall due to weakening. Most people who have an aneurysm are unaware of it until it ruptures. When an aneurysm ruptures, there is limited time to repair it before detrimental or fatal consequences occur. An MRI is an excellent imaging tool used to detect an aneurysm before it ruptures. The accurate test for diagnosing an aneurysm is an MRA, or magnetic resonance angiogram. This test uses certain MRI sequences to best see the flow of blood through the arteries. It is a safe, effective and non-invasive way to diagnose an aneurysm.
