Brain MRI - What It Is, Purpose, Procedure & Results

3/14/24, 8:35 AM Brain MRI: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure & Results
Brain MRI
A brain (head) MRI scan is a painless test that produces very clear images
of the structures inside of your head — mainly, your brain. Healthcare
providers use brain MRIs to evaluate, diagnose and monitor several
different medical conditions that affect your brain or other structures in
your head.
Contents Overview Test Details Results and Follow-Up
Overview
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Healthcare providers order brain MRIs for several different reasons, including to help diagnose new
neurological conditions or to monitor existing conditions.
What is a brain MRI?

A brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, also called a head MRI, is
a painless procedure that produces very clear images of the structures
inside of your head — mainly, your brain. MRI uses a large magnet, radio
waves and a computer to produce these detailed images. It doesn’t use
radiation.
Currently, MRI is the most sensitive imaging test of your head (particularly,
your brain), as compared to other imaging techniques, such as CT
(computed tomography) scans or X-rays.
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What is a brain MRI with contrast?

Some brain MRI exams use an injection of contrast material. The contrast
agent is often gadolinium, which is a rare earth metal. When this substance
is present in your body, it alters the magnetic properties of nearby water
molecules, which enhances the quality of the images. This improves the
sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic images.
Contrast material enhances the visibility of the following:
Tumors.
Inflammation.
Certain organs’ blood supply.
Blood vessels.
The contrast can also help diagnose multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia
and infection.
If your brain MRI requires a contrast material, your healthcare provider will
insert an intravenous catheter (IV line) into a vein in your hand or arm.
They’ll use this IV to inject the contrast material.
Contrast materials are safe intravenous (IV) drugs. Side effects, ranging
from mild to severe, do occur, but severe reactions are very rare.
What is the difference between a head MRI

and a brain MRI?
A head MRI and a brain MRI are the same procedure. They both provide
images of the inside of your head. While healthcare providers most often
use head and brain MRIs to assess your brain, these imaging procedures Ad
provide images of other structures in your head, too, such as facial bones,
blood vessels and nerves.
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What does a brain MRI show?

A brain or head MRI shows the structures inside of your head, including:
Your brain.
Blood vessels that connect to your brain.
Your skull and facial bones.
Structures in your inner ear.
Your eyes and their supporting tissues, such as your optic nerves.
Other nerves (large nerves in your head, called cranial nerves).
Surrounding soft tissues and skull-based structures, such as fat, bones,

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More specifically, a brain or head MRI can show if there are any
abnormalities in your brain or the surrounding tissues, including, but not
limited to:
Inflammation and swelling.
Structural issues.
Abnormal growths or masses.
Fluid leaks.
Hemorrhage (bleeding inside your brain).
White matter disease.
Why would a neurologist order an MRI of the

brain?
Neurologists and other healthcare providers order brain MRIs for several
different reasons, including helping diagnose new neurological conditions
based on certain symptoms or to monitor existing conditions.
Some of the conditions a brain MRI can help diagnose or monitor include:
A blood clot in your brain.
Brain aneurysm.
Brain hemorrhage.
Brain infections (encephalitis).
Brain damage associated with epilepsy.

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Brain tumors and cysts.
Certain chronic neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis

(MS).
Dementia.
Hydrocephalus.
Pituitary gland issues, such as a pituitary adenoma.
Stroke.
Issues with brain development or structure, such as Chiari

malformation, and malformations of cortical development. (The term
“cortical” refers to the outer layer of your cerebrum.)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Your healthcare provider may also order an MRI of your head if you have
any combination of the following signs and symptoms:
Migraines and/or chronic headaches.
Seizures.
Vertigo and frequent episodes of severe dizziness.
Hearing loss with an unexplainable cause.
Vision issues not explained by an eye exam.
Hormonal imbalances related to your hypothalamus and/or pituitary

gland.
Significant changes to your thinking and behavior
Extreme weakness and fatigue.

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Healthcare providers also use brain and head MRI scans before surgeries
involving your head to better prepare for the surgery. They also use these
scans to ensure that healing from the surgery is going well. Any significant
injuries involving your head also prompt healthcare providers to order brain
MRI scans to check for injuries, bleeding and swelling.
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Who performs a brain MRI?

A radiologist or a radiology technologist will perform your brain (head) MRI.
A radiologist is a medical doctor who performs and interprets imaging tests
to diagnose conditions. A radiology technologist is a healthcare provider
who’s specially trained and certified to perform an MRI scan.
Test Details
How does a brain MRI work? Ad
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) works by passing an electric current

through coiled wires to create a temporary magnetic field in your body — in
this case, your head. A transmitter/receiver in the machine then sends and
receives radio waves. The computer then uses these signals to make digital
images of the structures inside of your head, including your brain.
How do I prepare for a brain MRI?

Guidelines about eating and drinking before a brain MRI vary based on the
reason for your MRI. Eat and take your medications as usual unless your
healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner uses strong magnets and
radio wave signals that can cause heating or possible movement of some
metal objects in your head and/or body. This could result in health and
safety issues. It could also cause some implanted electronic medical
devices to malfunction.
If you have metal-containing objects or implanted medical devices in your

body, your healthcare provider needs to know about them before your brain
MRI. Certain implanted objects may require additional scheduling
arrangements and special instructions. Other items don’t require special
instructions but may require an X-ray to check on the exact location of the
object before your exam.
It’s important to tell your healthcare provider and MRI technologist if you
have any of the following:
Cardiac pacemaker.
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Middle ear prostheses.
Cochlear implant.
A clip used for brain aneurysms.
Vagal nerve stimulator.
Metal fragments in your head or within your eyeball.
In addition, tell your healthcare provider if you:
Are pregnant.
Aren’t able to lie on your back for 30 to 60 minutes.
Have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed or narrow spaces).
Leave all jewelry and other accessories at home or remove them before
your brain MRI. Metal and electronic items aren’t allowed in the exam room
because they can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit, cause
burns or become harmful projectiles. These items include:
Jewelry, watches, credit cards and hearing aids — all of which can be
damaged.
Pins, metal hair accessories, underwire bras and metal zippers, which
can distort MRI images.
Removable dental work, such as dentures.
Pens, pocketknives and eyeglasses.
Body piercings.
Cell phones, electronic watches and tracking devices.
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What should I expect during a brain MRI?
Most brain MRI exams are painless, but some people find it uncomfortable
to remain still for 30 minutes or longer. Others may experience anxiety due
to the closed-in space while in the MRI machine. The machine can also be
noisy.
The general steps of a brain MRI scan and what to expect include:
You’ll change into a hospital gown for the MRI scan.
You’ll lie face up for most exams on the MRI scanning bed.
Once you’re lying on the table, the technologist will position a special
helmet-like device called a head coil around your head. Some head coils
have a mirror attached to them that allows you to see outside of the
scanning machine or a small screen that allows you to watch television.
This can help prevent feelings of claustrophobia.
The technologist will then slide you and the scanning bed into the MRI
machine.
As the MRI scan begins, you’ll hear the equipment making a variety of
loud knocking and clicking sounds while it’s taking the images. Each
series of sounds may last for several minutes. You’ll be given earplugs
or headphones to wear to protect your hearing before the procedure
begins. You may also be able to listen to music through the
headphones.
It’s important to be very still during the exam to ensure the best quality
of images.
It’s normal for the area of your body being imaged to feel slightly warm.
If it bothers you, tell the radiologist or technologist. Ad
The MRI technologist will be able to see you and can talk with you at all
times. An intercom system allows two-way communication while you’re
inside the scanner. You’ll also have a call button in your hand that you
can push to let the technologist know if you’re having any problems or
concerns.
In some cases, your MRI may require contrast. If this applies to you, your
healthcare provider will give you an IV injection of contrast material before
you undergo the MRI. The IV needle may cause some discomfort but this
won’t last long. You may have some bruising afterward. Some people
experience a temporary metallic taste in their mouth after the contrast
injection.
If you have claustrophobia, your healthcare provider may recommend a

sedative drug so you feel more relaxed during the exam, or even anesthesia.
Does your whole body go into the machine

for a brain MRI?
In most cases, your whole body won’t go into the MRI machine tunnel if
you’re only getting a head or brain MRI.
How long does a brain MRI take?

A brain MRI can take about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. It may take
longer if you’re getting a brain MRI with contrast.
Your healthcare provider will be able to give you a more exact time range
based on the specific reason for your scan.
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Results and Follow-Up

When should I know the results of the test?
After your MRI scan, a radiologist will analyze the images. The radiologist
will send a signed report to your primary healthcare provider, who will share
the results with you. The report is usually ready for your healthcare provider
within one or two days.
You may need a follow-up exam. If so, your healthcare provider will explain
why.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a very useful and generally safe
imaging test that healthcare providers use for a variety of reasons. If you
need a brain MRI scan and are worried about the exam or have questions
about it, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. They’re available to
answer your questions and support you.
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Medically Reviewed
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/09/2022.

Learn more about our editorial process.
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3/14/24, 8:35 AM Brain MRI: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure & Results

Contents Overview Test Details Results and Follow-Up

What is a brain MRI?

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical

What is a brain MRI with contrast?

Contrast material enhances the visibility of the following:

Certain organs’ blood supply.

What is the difference between a head MRI

What does a brain MRI show?

Blood vessels that connect to your brain.

Your skull and facial bones.

Structures in your inner ear.

Other nerves (large nerves in your head, called cranial nerves).

Surrounding soft tissues and skull-based structures, such as fat, bones,

Inflammation and swelling.

Abnormal growths or masses.

Hemorrhage (bleeding inside your brain).

White matter disease.

Why would a neurologist order an MRI of the

A blood clot in your brain.

Brain infections (encephalitis).

Brain damage associated with epilepsy.

Certain chronic neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis

Pituitary gland issues, such as a pituitary adenoma.

Issues with brain development or structure, such as Chiari

Traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Migraines and/or chronic headaches.

Vertigo and frequent episodes of severe dizziness.

Hearing loss with an unexplainable cause.

Vision issues not explained by an eye exam.

Hormonal imbalances related to your hypothalamus and/or pituitary

Significant changes to your thinking and behavior

Extreme weakness and fatigue.

Who performs a brain MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) works by passing an electric current

How do I prepare for a brain MRI?

If you have metal-containing objects or implanted medical devices in your

Middle ear prostheses.

A clip used for brain aneurysms.

Vagal nerve stimulator.

Metal fragments in your head or within your eyeball.

In addition, tell your healthcare provider if you:

Aren’t able to lie on your back for 30 to 60 minutes.

Have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed or narrow spaces).

Removable dental work, such as dentures.

Pens, pocketknives and eyeglasses.

Cell phones, electronic watches and tracking devices.

You’ll change into a hospital gown for the MRI scan.

If you have claustrophobia, your healthcare provider may recommend a

Does your whole body go into the machine

How long does a brain MRI take?

Care at Cleveland Clinic

Neurology Care for Adults

Neurology Care for Children

Results and Follow-Up

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/09/2022.

Actions Blog, News & Apps

About Cleveland Clinic Site Information & Policies

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