Tag: MRI

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Everything You Need to Know About CT Scans

A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, is a type of imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is also known as a CAT scan, which stands for computed axial tomography. A CT scan with contrast is a type of CT scan that uses a contrast material, such as iodine or barium, to help highlight certain areas of the body.

Preparing for a CT Scan

Before having a CT scan, you should discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor. You may need to stop taking certain medications before the test. You may also need to fast for a few hours before the test. Depending on the type of CT scan you are having, you may need to drink a contrast material or have an injection of contrast material.

What Happens During the Test?

During the test, you will lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner. The scanner will take X-ray images from different angles. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are taken. The test usually takes 10-30 minutes.

How Long Does it Take to Get Results?

The results of a CT scan are usually available within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.

What Does a CT Scan Show?

A CT scan can show a variety of things, including tumors, blood clots, bone fractures, and other abnormalities. It can also be used to guide a biopsy needle to a specific area.

Are CT Scans Safe?

CT scans are generally safe, but they do involve exposure to radiation. The amount of radiation used is small, but it can increase your risk of cancer. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of the test with you before the test.

Can I Have a CT Scan if I’m Pregnant?

If you are pregnant, you should discuss the risks and benefits of having a CT scan with your doctor. In some cases, a CT scan may be necessary, but in other cases, an ultrasound or MRI may be a better option.

References

  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Computed tomography (CT) scan. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ct-scan/about/pac-20384902
  • American College of Radiology. (2020). CT scans. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/Patients/Why-Choose-Radiation-Therapy/CT-Scans
  • U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). CT scan. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ctscan.html

Keywords: CT scan, CAT scan, contrast material, X-rays, imaging test, radiation, pregnancy, MRI, ultrasound.

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Everything You Need to Know About Brain MRIs

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A brain MRI

is a type of MRI that is used to create detailed images of the brain and surrounding structures. It is a non-invasive procedure that is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions that affect the brain.

A brain MRI with contrast

is a type of MRI that uses a contrast dye to create more detailed images of the brain. The contrast dye helps to highlight certain areas of the brain and can help to diagnose certain conditions.

A head MRI

is a type of MRI that is used to create detailed images of the head and neck. It is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions that affect the head and neck, such as tumors, infections, and blood vessel problems.

A brain MRI can show a variety of things, including tumors, infections, blood vessel problems, and other abnormalities. It can also be used to monitor the progression of certain conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.

A neurologist may order an MRI of the brain to diagnose or monitor a variety of conditions that affect the brain. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure that can provide detailed images of the brain.

A brain MRI is typically performed by a radiologist or a technologist. The radiologist will interpret the images and provide a report to the neurologist.

A brain MRI works by using a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain. The magnet creates a strong magnetic field that causes the hydrogen atoms in the body to align. Radio waves are then used to knock the atoms out of alignment, which creates a signal that is detected by the MRI machine and used to create detailed images of the brain.

In order to prepare for a brain MRI, you should wear comfortable clothing and remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, watches, and piercings. You may also be asked to drink a contrast dye prior to the procedure.

During a brain MRI, you will be asked to lie still on a table while the MRI machine takes pictures of your brain. The procedure is painless and typically takes 30-60 minutes.

No, your whole body does not go into the machine for a brain MRI. The MRI machine is a large tube that you will lie in while the pictures are taken.

A brain MRI typically takes 30-60 minutes. The exact time will depend on the type of MRI being performed.

You should know the results of the test within a few days. The radiologist will interpret the images and provide a report to the neurologist, who will then discuss the results with you.

References

  • American Academy of Neurology. (2020). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Retrieved from https://www.aan.com/patients/diagnostic-tests/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri/
  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mri/about/pac-20384717
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2020). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging-MRI-Fact-Sheet

Keywords: brain MRI, head MRI, MRI, contrast dye, neurologist

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Everything You Need to Know About Arthrography

An arthrogram

is an imaging test that uses contrast dye and X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to evaluate the joints in the body. It is used to diagnose joint problems such as tears, arthritis, and other joint diseases. Healthcare providers use arthrography to diagnose and treat joint problems.

During an arthrogram, a healthcare provider injects a contrast dye into the joint. This dye helps to make the joint more visible on the imaging test. The healthcare provider then uses X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to take images of the joint. There are two types of arthrography: direct and indirect. Direct arthrography involves injecting the contrast dye directly into the joint, while indirect arthrography involves injecting the contrast dye into the surrounding tissue.

Before an arthrogram, you should tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, any allergies you have, and any medical conditions you have. You should also let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. During the procedure, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove any jewelry or metal objects. You may also be asked to lie on a table and stay still during the procedure.

The healthcare provider will use X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI to take images of the joint. X-ray is used to take images of bones, while ultrasound is used to take images of soft tissues. MRI is used to take images of both bones and soft tissues. The healthcare provider may also use a needle to inject the contrast dye into the joint.

An arthrogram is usually not painful, but you may feel some pressure or discomfort when the contrast dye is injected. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness or swelling in the joint. You should also avoid strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure.

The results of the test will usually be available within a few days. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean. If any further treatment is needed, your healthcare provider will discuss this with you.

If you have any questions about arthrography, you should ask your healthcare provider. They can answer any questions you may have about the procedure, the risks, and the results.

References

  • American College of Radiology. (2020). Arthrography. Retrieved from https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Imaging-Procedures/Arthrography
  • Mayo Clinic. (2020). Arthrogram. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/arthrogram/about/pac-20384790
  • RadiologyInfo. (2020). Arthrography. Retrieved from https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=arthrography

Keywords: arthrogram, imaging test, contrast dye, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, direct arthrography, indirect arthrography, joint problems, diagnosis, treatment, results.