Get Your Post-Stroke Mri: What You Need To Know

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that provides detailed images of the brain and arteries. It is a vital tool for diagnosing and managing stroke, as it can detect blood vessel and brain abnormalities and identify which areas of the brain have been damaged by an ischaemic stroke. MRI scans can also be used to diagnose other conditions, such as tumours, blood clots, infections, and disorders like multiple sclerosis. During an MRI, a patient lies on a table that moves into the machine, which creates a magnetic field to alter the polarity of water molecules in the body. This response is then used to create detailed images, which can help doctors diagnose and treat various medical conditions.

How to get a copy of your MRI scan

Getting a copy of your MRI scan is a straightforward process, but it's important to know the steps to take to ensure you receive the images and reports you need. Here is a guide on how to obtain a copy of your MRI scan and results:

Firstly, identify where your MRI scan took place. Your MRI scan was most likely performed in a hospital or private imaging service. Knowing the location is crucial, as you can only obtain a copy of your MRI images from the place where the scan was conducted.

If your MRI scan was performed in a hospital, you can obtain a copy of the scans from the hospital's radiology department. On the other hand, if the scan was done at a private imaging service, you will need to contact them directly to request a copy of your images.

When requesting your MRI images, ask for both the brain images and the radiology reports. The radiology reports are essential as they provide the interpretations and findings from the radiologist who reviewed your scans. Ensure that you receive a copy of both the images and the corresponding reports.

In some cases, the facility may be unable to provide you with the radiology reports. If this happens, you can obtain the reports from your primary care physician or neurologist, who should have access to them.

Once you have identified the location and requested the necessary information, you will need to decide on the format for receiving the images. You can typically choose between a physical copy or electronic access. Physical copies are often provided on a CD, DVD, or USB drive, while electronic access allows you to view the images digitally. Choose the option that best suits your needs and preferences.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully obtain a copy of your MRI scan and results. Having access to your MRI images and reports can be beneficial, as it allows you to share them with your treating clinicians, ensuring they have all the necessary information to optimize your treatment plan.

MRI vs CT scans

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that provides highly accurate pictures of the brain and arteries. It is used to detect a wide range of blood vessel and brain abnormalities and is the most accurate technique to determine which areas of the brain have been irreversibly damaged by an ischemic stroke. MRI scans can also be used to diagnose several other conditions, such as tumours, blood clots, infections, and disorders like multiple sclerosis. They are often more accurate than CT scans, showing brain abnormalities that are too small or precisely located for a CT scan to detect.

MRI scans do not use X-rays or iodinated contrast, unlike CT scans. However, they take longer, typically between 30 to 90 minutes, and patients with metal implants or devices need to take extra precautions due to the strong magnetic field. During the procedure, the patient lies on a table that moves into the opening of the MRI machine, which creates a magnetic field. This magnetic field briefly alters the polarity of the water molecules in the patient's body, and the response to this is used to create a detailed image of the brain.

CT (computed tomography) scans are another type of medical imaging test that doctors use to diagnose strokes. They are more widely available in hospitals and are faster than MRI scans, making them the first choice for urgent imaging. CT scans provide detailed, three-dimensional images of the body by taking a series of X-rays very quickly in a circle around the patient. They are excellent for ruling out a hemorrhagic stroke or other causes of symptoms, such as a tumour, but they do not provide the same level of detail as MRI scans.

While MRI scans excel at showing certain diseases that CT scans cannot detect, CT scans are better at spatial resolution, showing the edges of structures and where one structure ends and another begins. CT scans are also ideal for emergency situations, as they can quickly rule out fractures or other trauma-related issues.

In summary, both MRI and CT scans are valuable diagnostic tools, each offering unique advantages and providing different types of information to guide treatment decisions.

MRI accuracy

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool with a wide array of applications. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate highly detailed images of the body's internal structures, particularly soft tissues. MRI technology is constantly evolving, and its accuracy depends on the latest available research.

MRI scans are highly accurate in detecting breast cancer, with a success rate of about 90%, outperforming other methods such as ultrasounds and mammograms. They are also superior to CT scans in detecting certain cancers, including uterine, prostate, and some liver cancers. Additionally, MRI scans can detect brain metastases (cancer spread) more effectively than CT scans.

However, there are certain limitations and challenges to the accuracy of MRI scans. In orthopaedics, for instance, MRIs may have limited accuracy in cases involving prior surgeries, the presence of hardware, or chondral and cartilage defects. A study found that 43% of knee MRIs were deemed arguably useless, with a high percentage of false-positive rates, especially in older patients.

Furthermore, the interpretation of MRI results can be subjective and open to interpretation, sometimes leading to unnecessary surgeries or incorrect diagnoses. The accuracy of MRI also depends on the specific body area being examined and the type of MRI machine and sequences used. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) MRI, for example, is effective in detecting strokes by measuring shifts in fluid in the brain.

To determine MRI accuracy, researchers consider three key indicators: sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV). Sensitivity measures the ability of the test to correctly identify positive results ("true positives"), while specificity gauges its ability to produce negative results for people without the disease ("true negatives"). PPV reflects the proportion of positive results that are actually indicative of the disease.

While MRI technology offers significant advantages in diagnostic accuracy, it is important to acknowledge its limitations and potential pitfalls. The interpretation of MRI results should be coupled with a comprehensive patient history, physical examination, and other diagnostic tools to ensure accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

MRI safety

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe procedure, but there are some important precautions to be aware of. Firstly, it is crucial to screen anyone who will be near the MRI machine for contraindications. This includes patients, medical staff, and any other individuals in the vicinity. Contraindications can be determined using resources such as Dr. Frank Shellock's *Pocket Guide to MR Procedures and Metallic Objects* or his website, mrisafety.com.

MRI machines use powerful magnets, which can attract ferromagnetic objects with great force. This can be dangerous if such objects are in the room or on a person's body. Therefore, it is essential to remove all metallic belongings, including external hearing aids, watches, jewelry, cell phones, and clothing with metallic threads or fasteners. Makeup, nail polish, and cosmetics with metallic particles should also be removed from the area being scanned.

Additionally, comprehensive screening procedures are necessary to identify potential hazards, such as medical implants or devices that may interact with the magnetic field. These include pacemakers, ICDs, pacing wires, loop recorders, and certain vascular clips, medication pumps, cochlear implants, and neurostimulation systems. If a person has any of these implants, special precautions must be taken, and in some cases, the exam may need to be canceled or alternative imaging methods considered.

It is also important to note that the MRI machine can be noisy, and earplugs are usually provided to protect the patient's hearing. The procedure is generally painless and does not cause any known tissue damage. However, lying still in a confined space for an extended period may be challenging for some patients, and discussing this with the care team beforehand is advisable.

MRI uses

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging technology that produces highly detailed 3D images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels. MRI scanners use magnets and radio waves to create these images, and unlike X-rays, they do not use ionizing radiation. This makes MRI a preferred choice when frequent imaging is required, especially for the brain.

MRI is often used for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring. It can be used to detect a wide array of blood vessel and brain abnormalities, including tumors, blood clots, infections, and disorders like multiple sclerosis. MRI is particularly useful for detecting ischemic strokes and determining which areas of the brain have been irreversibly damaged by them. It can also detect old strokes that occurred years or even decades earlier.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is the fastest type of MRI and is used to detect strokes soon after their onset by measuring shifts in fluid in the brain. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to determine the specific location in the brain where certain functions, such as speech or memory, occur. This information is crucial for planning surgeries or other treatments for brain disorders.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a specialized type of MRI used to evaluate blood flow through arteries and detect aneurysms and vascular malformations in the brain, spinal cord, or other body parts. MRI is generally more accurate than CT scans in detecting brain abnormalities, but it is more expensive and time-consuming. It is also important to note that caution must be taken with patients who have metal in their bodies, as this can cause issues with the magnetic field.

Frequently asked questions