Neuro magnetic resonance imaging
This type of MRI helps diagnose neurological conditions with detailed images of the brain, spine, head and neck. Atlantic Health offers advanced MRI techniques for clearer answers and care planning.
Neuro MRI
Neuro magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), available through Atlantic Health, uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to produce photographs and films of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI provides information that cannot be obtained from an x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.
During an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is positioned inside a strong magnetic field. The MRI can detect changes in the normal structure and characteristics of organs or other tissues caused by trauma, infection, inflammation or tumors. Information from an MRI scan can be saved for further study. In some cases, a dye may be used during the MRI scan to enhance the pictures of certain structures.
The contrast material may help evaluate blood flow, detect some types of tumors and locate areas of inflammation.
Neurological conditions an MRI can diagnose
Advanced MRI techniques
The most powerful MRI of its kind, featuring a wide bore for improved patient comfort, as well as faster operating speeds and greater image quality than standard MRI technology
Diffusion imaging
Diagnoses acute infarct (stroke) by measuring cell swelling, an early abnormality in stroke
Functional MRI (FMRI)
Enables neurosurgeons to plan surgical procedures that minimize the risk of damage to critical brain function by determining the normal functions controlled by the targeted brain area
Perfusion imaging
Measures brain blood flow and helps in the diagnosis of a variety of low-grade tumors that do not appear on conventional MRIs
Spectroscopy
Measures the level of certain metabolites (chemicals) in the brain to differentiate among a variety of brain conditions
Tensor diffusion imaging
Provides detailed images of areas of the brain that can be affected by tumors or related swelling or by diseases directly affecting areas of the brain
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
MRA uses non-invasive MRI to detect problems of the arteries and veins, such as an aneurysm, blockage of a blood vessel (by fatty deposits or a blood clot), or a torn inner lining of a blood vessel (dissection). An MRA may be performed on the neck and brain to check for plaque buildup that could lead to stroke or aneurysms.