MRI BRAIN WITH CONTRAST
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
What Makes Cadabams Diagnostics Different
- 3T High-Field MRI for razor-sharp images
- Priority slots in the morning, evening, and weekend
- Same-day radiology reports in most cases
- Dedicated patient-care team to guide you at every step
Quick Facts About MRI Brain with Contrast
Fact | Detail |
---|---|
Scan time | 25–40 minutes |
Contrast agent | Gadolinium-based |
Radiation | Zero |
Fasting | 4 hours for solids, 2 hours for clear fluids |
Report time | 6–24 hours |
List of Parameters
- Tumor detection and characterization (size, margins, type)
- Inflammation or infection (meningitis, encephalitis)
- Blood–brain barrier integrity (leaks indicate pathology)
- Vascular abnormalities (aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations)
Why This Test
Detecting Brain Tumors
Contrast highlights enhancing masses and distinguishes benign vs malignant.
Evaluating Multiple Sclerosis
Shows new or active plaques that guide therapy adjustments.
Post-Stroke Assessment
Checks for delayed hemorrhage or blood–brain barrier breakdown.
Investigating Chronic Headaches or Seizures
Rules out structural causes when routine tests are normal.
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- High-resolution soft-tissue imaging without radiation
- Non-invasive—no incisions or hospital stay
- Early and accurate diagnosis, leading to faster treatment
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Brain with Contrast
Illness | How Contrast Helps |
---|---|
Brain tumors | Defines size, type, and spread |
Multiple sclerosis plaques | Distinguishes active vs old lesions |
Infections (encephalitis, abscess) | Shows ring enhancement |
Vascular malformations | Reveals abnormal blood vessels |
Preparing for test
Fasting and Medication Instructions
- Solid food: Stop 4 hours before scan
- Clear fluids: Allowed until 2 hours prior
- Routine meds: Take with a sip of water unless advised otherwise
Metal Implant Screening
Fill out a safety questionnaire about pacemakers, clips, or orthopedic rods.
What to Wear and Bring
- Metal-free clothing (gown provided if needed)
- ID, doctor’s prescription, and prior scans
(CD or film)
Pre-requisites
- Recent kidney function test (creatinine/eGFR) within 4 weeks
- Allergy history documentation
- Pregnancy screening for women of child-bearing age (urine β-hCG)
Best Time to Take the MRI Brain with Contrast
- Morning slots for easier fasting compliance
- Avoid late evenings if you’re claustrophobic (fatigue worsens anxiety)
- Acute symptoms? We reserve same-day emergency slots
Eligibility
- Adults ≥18 years
- Pediatric patients with sedation support
- Elderly if eGFR >30 and no severe co-morbidities
Procedure for Taking an MRI Brain with Contrast
- Check-in & paperwork (10 min)
- IV line insertion in arm for contrast (5 min)
- Positioning on table with head coil (5 min)
- Pre-contrast sequences (10 min)
- Gadolinium injection followed by post-contrast sequences (10 min)
- Quick review for image quality; IV removed (5 min)
Total time: 25–40 minutes. Loud knocking is normal; earplugs & music provided.
Caution Before Taking the Test
- Inform staff about claustrophobia; mild oral sedation available
- Pregnancy: Tell tech if you might be pregnant
- Breastfeeding: You may resume after 24 hours or pump-and-dump once
- Contrast allergy: Pre-medication protocol if history is mild
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
Finding/Observation on MRI | Possible Description in Report | General Interpretation/Significance |
---|---|---|
No enhancement | Normal brain tissue | Low probability of active tumor or lesion |
Focal nodular enhancement | Small bright spot | Could be small tumor or active MS plaque |
Ring enhancement | Bright ring around dark center | Classic for abscess or high-grade tumor |
Leptomeningeal enhancement | Thin bright lining | Suggests meningitis or metastatic spread |
Vascular blush | Diffuse enhancement | May indicate inflammation or vascular malformation |
No Evidence of Acute Infarct or Hemorrhage | No restricted diffusion to suggest acute infarct. No susceptibility artifact to indicate acute hemorrhage. | No signs of recent stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) on specialized sequences; contrast helps with detecting other abnormalities. |
Risks & Limitations
Possible Side Effects of Contrast Dye
- <1% may feel mild nausea or headache
- <0.01% risk of severe allergic reaction
Contraindications
- GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m² (severe kidney disease)
- Prior anaphylaxis to gadolinium
- Pregnancy (relative—discuss with doctor)
Limitations in Image Clarity
- Metal implants may distort images
- Patient movement can blur details
- Very small lesions (<2 mm) can still be missed
FAQs
Is MRI brain with contrast safe?
Yes. Serious reactions are <0.01%. Our team is ACLS-certified, and emergency drugs are on hand.
How long does the scan take?
25–40 minutes including set-up.
When will I get my results?
Most reports are ready within 6–24 hours. Critical findings are called to your doctor same day.
Can I drive after the test?
Yes, unless you took oral sedation for claustrophobia.
What if I’m allergic to contrast?
Inform us beforehand. We use premedication or switch to non-contrast protocols.
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
Yes. Upload or bring your doctor’s prescription for scheduling.