MRI TEMPORAL BONES

An MRI of the Temporal Bones is a type of imaging specialized to focus on the inner and middle ear, as well as nearby nerves, blood vessels and soft tissues. This scan has high resolution which is useful to diagnose issues involving hearing loss, vertigo, disorders of the facial nerve and infections of the ear. 

What is an MRI of Temporal Bone Scan? 

MRI utilizes powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inner ear, cochlea, semicircular canals and surrounding nerves. It is particularly useful for evaluating soft tissues and nerves which are poorly seen on CT scans. 

MRI techniques typically consist of: 

• T1 and T2 weighted images 
• 3D high resolution (CISS, FIESTA) 
• Fat suppression 
• Post contrast for suspected tumours, inflammation, infection 
• Cross-sectional images constitute all axial and coronal planes to provide all aspect views. 

• Assess hearing loss or imbalance 
• Detect acoustic neuroma or meningioma tumours 
• Identify damage to vestibular nerve or cochlear nerve 
• Evaluate recurrent ear infections 
• Investigate abnormalities in the facial nerve 
• Diagnose multiple sclerosis affecting the brainstem or cranial nerves 

When and Who Needs an MRI Scan of Temporal Bone? 

Indications: 

• Hearing loss – sudden or progressive 
• Symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, or imbalance 
• Suspected Acoustic Neuroma or vestibular Schwannoma 
• Facial nerve palsy (Bell’s palsy and other causes) 
• Chronic Otitis Media or Mastoiditis 
• Evaluation of congenitally malformed ears 

Benefits of a Temporal Bone MRI Test

• Excellent visualization of soft tissues and nerves. 
• Non-invasive and painless. 
• No exposure to radiation. 
• Highly accurate for pathologies related to the inner ear. 

Conditions Diagnosed with an MRI of Temporal Bone Radiology Scan

Condition Description 

• Acoustic Neuroma Benign tumour on the auditory/balance nerve. 
• Labyrinthitis Inflammation of the inner ear structures. 
• Cholesteatoma Skin growth behind the ear drum. 
• Multiple Sclerosis Disease of the cranial nerves with myelin loss. 
• Vestibular Neuritis Inflammation of vestibular nerve. 
• Temporal bone fracture Best seen on CT but complications seen on MRI. 
• Facial nerve schwannoma Tumour of the facial nerve. 

• No special diet or fasting required. 
• Take off all hearing devices and metallic accessories.  
• Bring all prior imaging and reports.  
• Inform about pregnancy, allergies, implants, or having a child. 

Pre-requisites for a Temporal Bone MRI Scan 

• A prescription from a physician is required. 
• Renal function check (creatinine) if contrast material is used 
• Any implants, surgeries, or foreign metal in the body disclosed 

Best Time to Perform an MRI Temporal Bone Radiology Test 

• Sudden hearing loss 
• Persistent cases of vertigo, dizziness, or weakness on one side of the face  
• Preoperative or postoperative periods of ear surgeries 
• Surveillance for tumours 

Eligibility for an MRI Temporal Bone Scan 

• Most patients can undergo this procedure 
• Patients with certain types of implanted pacemakers and other devices may not be screened 
• Drastic ventilation should be taken for claustrophobic patients (open MRI or sedation is an option) 

What Happens During an MRI Scan of Temporal Bones Procedure 

• Position yourself on the scanning table 
• A head coil is placed over your head 
• The MRI machine takes the table inside it 
• Do not move for 30-45 minutes 
• If required, the contrast may be injected into a vein in the arm 

Caution During the Temporal Bones MRI Test 

• Remain motionless to avoid blurry images 
• If you feel anxiety or discomfort, notify the staff as soon as possible  
• Do not forget to disclose metallic foreign body implants and ear implants