Brain MRI Quick Reference Guide for Patients
MRI has long been the modality of choice for almost all non-traumatic brain imaging. This includes imaging of congenital abnormalities, cancer, white matter disease, vascular malformations, and infectious disease. MRI has essentially replaced CT for evaluation of all non-acute, non-traumatic brain imaging because of MRI's superior soft tissue contrast. CT is still used as initial imaging in the work up of acute stroke and trauma, since it is more sensitive for blood. In the evaluation of a stroke, MRI frequently follows because of its ability to detect hyper-acute stroke, not possible with CT.
- Without Contrast: headaches, memory loss, and organic brain syndrome or dementia. With and
- With Contrast: history of cancer, weakness, loss of sensations, dizziness, vertigo, elevated prolactin, abnormal discharge from the breast, hearing loss, facial pain or numbness, and changes in vision
MRI of the Brain, done by Guilford Radiology, 2010
Patient Preparation
For the MRI exam, if claustrophobia or anxiety is a problem, your referring physician may wish to prescribe a mild sedative to be given prior to the study. No other pre-visit preparation is necessary. You will need to remove all jewelry, hairclips, pony-tails and bobby pins. In addition, you will need to remove all clothing containing metal. This would include bras with metal enclosures and jeans with metal zippers and buttons. You will be provided a gown and a secure locker in which valuables can be placed.
CPT Codes
- 70551 Without Contrast
- 70552 With Contrast
- 70553 Without and With Contrast
**Please use 70553 for any pituitaries (sellas), and internal auditory canals (IAC’s).**
Weight Limit
Our MRI equipment has a weight limit of 440 pounds.
Did your doctor order this exam?
Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns about your procedure, feel free to call us at 203-453-5123 or contact us online.
