Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Head

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Head

Results

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to take pictures of the head.

The radiologist may tell you some of the results of the MRI right after the test. Full results are sent to your doctor or specialist in 1 to 2 days.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head

Normal:	All structures of the head—the brain, its vessels, spaces, nerves, and surrounding structures—are normal.
	No abnormal growths, such as tumors, in or around the brain are present.
	No bleeding, abnormal blood vessels (AV malformations), abnormal pockets of fluid, blockage in the flow of blood, or bulges in the blood vessels (aneurysm) are present.
	No signs of infection or inflammatory disease, such as encephalitis or meningitis, are present.
Abnormal:	Tumors in the brain or in areas outside the brain, such as an acoustic neuroma, are present.
	Bleeding or swelling (edema) in or around the brain is present.
	Areas of infection or inflammatory disease, such as encephalitis or meningitis, are present.
	Abnormal areas in the brain may mean that certain diseases, such as Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease, are present.
	Bulges or weak areas (aneurysms) or abnormal blood vessels (such as an AV malformation) are present.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: December 30, 2008
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Paul D. Traughber, MD - Radiology
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