Head Imaging

Head Imaging

The most common methods employed for Head Imaging are Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) also including Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) and Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV), and Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan).

MR imaging is performed for the detection and diagnosis of several health problems. These include brain tumors, brain development abnormalities, aneurysms and other vascular anomalies, inner ear and eye disorders, trauma, stroke, pituitary gland disease, multiple sclerosis and other certain chronic affections of the nervous system. MRIs are also commonly used to detect possible causes of headache in situations where there are no apparent causes. Also, MRI is commonly employed for the detection and study of abnormalities in patients suffering from dementia.

Head Imaging through CT scans is commonly employed to detect bleeding, skull fractures and brain injury in patients who have suffered head injury, bleeding caused by aneurysms that may have ruptured or may be leaking in the case of patients experiencing sudden unexplained headache, blood clots or brain hemorrhage after stroke symptoms set in. Stroke, brain tumors, skull malformation or diseases or brain cavity enlargement in hydrocephalic patients may also be detected using CT technology.

Health care professionals may perform Head Imaging through CT scans in the case of patients who have suffered facial trauma in order to plan facial reconstruction through surgery. In such situations the physicians will evaluate the extent of the damage to the soft tissue and bone structure with the aid of the scan. Also, the procedure may be employed for the diagnosis of temporal bone disease which may affect the patient’s hearing or to detect inflammation in the paranasal sinuses. Head Imaging may also be used for the planning of radiation therapy for patients suffering from brain cancer, for the assessment of artery or vein malformation or of aneurysms, or to aid during brain biopsy as a method of visualization and guiding the passage of the needle used to retrieve the tissue samples.

Head Imaging Description

CT scanning is a non-invasive method of imaging which combines computer technology with x-ray equipment, and produces detailed images of the organs and tissue inside the organism. The images are cross-sectioned and may be printed out or studied on a computer monitor. This Head Imaging procedure provides images of greater detail and clarity than traditional x-rays. Tumors, injuries, stroke and other brain diseases may be easily observed and studied in the resulting photographs.

The CT technology is similar to the x-ray imaging techniques. It relies on the various degrees in which the different tissues absorb the radiation. However, while x-ray imaging consists of a small radiation burst directed at the patient’s body resulting in an image of the bones (white), tissues (grey) and empty spaces (black), the CT technology employs a large number of radiation beams and detectors which rotate around the patient’s body. The radiation is absorbed by the different body parts in various degrees, and the detectors record the amounts absorbed throughout the body. This large amount of information is processed and the computer creates cross section images of the body in two dimensions. The computer then assembles the images into a complex three-dimensional representation of the patient’s body.

In certain situations, the CT techniques can be improved by using contrast agents. These may enhance the visibility in certain portions of the body, or may be used to emphasize tissues or blood vessels in the resulting image.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is also a non-invasive Head Imaging technique that relies on radio frequency pulses, a powerful magnetic field and a computerized system to produce detailed images of the internal structures of the organism. These images may be examined on a monitor or printed out. Unlike X-ray examinations and CT scans, this technology does not employ radiation. Due to the technology involved, Head Imaging through magnetic resonance is the most sensitive imaging procedure available at the moment and also provides the easiest way to discern between normal and diseased tissue.

Head Imaging Related Medication

Head Imaging techniques do not typically involve simultaneous medication treatment. However, in certain situations, administration of contrast agents may prove to be necessary for better observation of the tissues. As such, the supervising health care professional may direct administration of a radiopaque agent that will cause the target blood vessels or tissues to become more easily viewable in the resulting images. This is a fairly common procedure as part of the CT scanning process, while magnetic resonance Head Imaging does not generally require administration of additional contrast agents. This is because while CT technology is based on radiation, MRIs are taken with the aid of magnetic fields and radio frequency impulses. Contrast agents are substances that absorb radiation, causing the tissues to appear brighter in the resulting images.

The most common contrast agents used during CT Head Imaging procedures are based on Iodine, a substance with excellent x-ray absorption capabilities. However, its use is limited by several contraindications – for example, patients that are suffering from infections or from asthma may not be administered Iodine-based compounds. Also, these substances may not be used in patients that are known or suspected to be allergic to Iodine or to similar substances. Patients that need to receive Iodine based contrast agents prior to undergoing CT Head Imaging will be required to consume additional quantities of liquids both before and after the procedure, in order to avoid dehydration. The supervising health care professional will provide the patient will all the details – unfortunately we are not able to offer more detailed information as these specifications may vary greatly from one case to another.

In some situations, the supervising health care specialist may prescribe other medication. In such cases it is best that you ask him or her about the reasons you have been prescribed the medication treatment. Also, you should make sure that you have the correct medication dosage and administration schedule to be employed, and that you understand the intake guidelines. If you have any additional questions or if you are not sure about what you should do, it is strongly recommended that you ask the supervising physician for further advice.