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Brain scans produce detailed images of the brain. They can be used to help doctors detect and diagnose conditions, such as tumours, causes of a stroke or vascular dementia.
The two most common types of brain scans are:• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scans)• Computerised Tomography (CT scans)
From your brain MRI scan, doctors can understand whether you’ve had a stroke or have vascular dementia, or both. It may also be used to investigate whether you have any other conditions, such as cancer.
An MRI will be used to investigate why you’re experiencing symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns, you should talk to your doctor.
You usually won't need to prepare for a brain MRI scan, but as it involves magnets you will need to remove anything that contains metal, including jewellery and hairpins.Before the scan, you may be injected with a dye called contrast, through an a cannula which is placed into a vein in the arm. This allows the MRI scanner to see your brain in detail.
During a brain MRI scan:
The scan may last between 15 and 90 minutes, depending on how many images of the brain are needed.
An MRI scan is painless and safe. You may wish to tell the technician doing the scan if you have a fear of confined spaces, so that they can try to make you as comfortable as possible.
You may not be able to have an MRI scan if you have a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator, but this will have been discussed with you beforehand. You will need to sign a checklist before you have it done to ensure it is safe for you to have the scan.
A CT scan uses X-rays to produce images, unlike an MRI scan which uses magnetic fields and radio waves.
A CT scan can detect conditions of the brain, like stroke and vascular dementia. The images produced by a CT scan provide detailed information about brain tissue and brain structures.
During a CT scan,
It's important to keep as still as possible during the scan, so that the images come out clear. CT scans are quicker than MRI scans, usually lasting about 10 minutes.