MRI Head Test: Understanding Its Purpose & What to Expect

Learn about the MRI head test and its purpose in diagnosing brain conditions. Read our guide to understand the procedure and results.

MRI Head Test and Its Purpose

What Is MRI Head Test?

MRI Head is also Brain MRI test and is used to look for various conditions in the head and those include:

• Brain tissue
• Cerebral hemispheres
• Brainstem
• Cerebellum
• Ventricles
• Blood vessels, with appropriate MRI techniques
• Cranial nerves
• Pituitary gland
• Skull and surrounding soft tissues
• Areas around the brain

What is the Purpose of MRI Head Test?

The main purpose of MRI Head Test includes:

• Persistent or unexplained headaches
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Seizures
• Memory or cognitive changes
• Unexplained weakness or numbness
• Changes in vision
• Speech difficulties
• Suspected stroke
• Head injuries
• Suspected brain tumours
• Inflammation or infection
• Multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions
• Abnormal findings on previous imaging tests

MRI Head for Brain Disorders

There are various disorders diagnosed by MRI head like:

• Brain tumours and other masses
• Stroke-related changes
• Multiple sclerosis lesions
• Brain inflammation
• Certain infections
• Structural abnormalities
• Changes related to neurodegenerative disorders
• Abnormalities involving the pituitary gland

MRI findings are interpreted along with symptoms, clinical examination, and other medical information.

MRI Head after Head Injury

MRI may be recommended in selected patients after a head injury, particularly when there are persistent neurological symptoms or when detailed evaluation of brain tissue is needed.

It can help assess:

• Brain tissue abnormalities
• Certain traumatic brain injuries
• Bleeding or blood products in appropriate sequences
• Brain swelling
• Structural changes
• Injury-related complications

MRI Head With or Without Contrast

Contrast may be considered for:

• Evaluation of suspected brain tumours
• Assessment of inflammation
• Selected infections
• Evaluation of certain blood vessel or tissue abnormalities
• Post-treatment or postoperative assessment

The decision to use contrast depends on the clinical question and the patient's medical history.

How Is MRI Head Performed?

The procedure generally involves the following steps:

• The patient may be asked to remove jewellery, watches, and other metal objects.
• The patient lies on the MRI table.
• The head is positioned inside a specialised head coil.
• The table moves into the MRI scanner.
• The patient needs to remain still during image acquisition.
• Several images are obtained using different MRI sequences.
• The examination may take around 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the protocol and whether contrast is required.

Benefits of MRI Head Test

• Provides detailed images of brain tissue
• Helps evaluate neurological symptoms
• Useful for detecting certain brain abnormalities
• Helps assess suspected brain tumours
• Supports evaluation of stroke-related changes
• Helps identify inflammation and selected infections
• Provides detailed soft tissue imaging
• Does not use ionising radiation
• Provides images in multiple planes
• Can be performed with specialised imaging sequences
• Supports treatment and follow-up planning

Who May Need MRI Head?

MRI head may be recommended for people experiencing:

• Persistent headaches
• Recurrent seizures
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Unexplained weakness or numbness
• Changes in vision
• Speech or memory changes
• Suspected neurological disorders
• Persistent symptoms after head injury
• Abnormal findings on previous tests