The role of magnetic resonance imaging in traumatic brain injury

The article was made by Specialist Doctor II Do Thi Ngoc Hieu - Head of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging is an advanced imaging technique that provides detailed and clear images of cranial abnormalities such as brain tumors or traumatic brain injury.

In traumatic brain injury, the imaging technique usually indicated first is computed tomography - CT scan, because this is the available means in most medical facilities. This technique is quick to perform, can be used in severe cases, with means of emergency resuscitation and monitoring. Computerized tomography scans well detect hematomas, intracranial, fractures, fractures in the head and face, sinus, eye socket... or convenient in multi-trauma investigation. A CT scan can scan the whole body and examine the blood vessels.
However, computed tomography CT scan uses X-rays, so it can be detrimental to pregnant women and children. Therefore, in these two subjects, the indication for magnetic resonance imaging in traumatic brain injury may be preferred.
In addition, in some cases, computed tomography images do not fully explain the patient's clinical symptoms, for example, in diffuse axonal injury due to stretching, tearing of the fibers. small nerve. And magnetic resonance is the right choice to give detailed results, helping doctors accurately diagnose the disease. This cranial magnetic resonance imaging technique can show hemorrhages as small as a few millimeters that cannot be seen by computed tomography.
Magnetic resonance imaging is also indicated in cases where it is necessary to distinguish traumatic brain injury or other neurological diseases such as stroke causing falls; evaluation of subacute and chronic brain injury due to trauma. Combined with computed tomography in assessing damage to the optic nerve, eye socket, brain stem

Traumatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has high accuracy in diagnosing neurofibromatosis in trauma (diffuse axonal damage) as well as in detecting hemorrhages, hematomas, and non-occurring cortical contusions. haemorrhage, posterior fossa lesions. In addition, MRI can well assess post-traumatic sequelae.

The person conducting magnetic resonance imaging of traumatic brain injury needs to change and wear a hospital gown before taking the scan, to avoid potentially harmful items when entering the room with high magnetic fields or causing fake images to make the doctor The doctor could not read the image of the lesion.
In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging requires the use of a contrast agent. If the patient has a history of asthma, allergies to drugs, foods or the environment; If you have severe kidney disease, you may be pregnant... you need to notify your medical staff and the doctor who appoints to perform magnetic resonance imaging.
Metal and electronic devices are not allowed in the studio. Electronic devices or metal in the body can be damaged or pose a danger to the patient when exposed to high magnetic fields, so it is necessary to notify the medical staff and fill out the pre-scan checklist if any. , especially defibrillators, pacemakers, cochlear implants, brain aneurysm clips, metal foreign bodies (shrapnel) in the head.

Vinmec International General Hospital put into use the magnetic resonance imaging machine 3.0 Tesla Silent technology. Magnetic resonance imaging machine 3.0 Tesla with Silent technology of GE Healthcare (USA).
Silent technology is especially beneficial for patients who are children, the elderly, weak health patients and patients undergoing surgery. Limiting noise, creating comfort and reducing stress for customers during the shooting process, helping to capture better quality images and shorten the shooting time. Magnetic resonance imaging technology is the technology applied in the most popular and safest imaging method today because of its accuracy, non-invasiveness and no use of X-rays. Customers can go directly to the system. Vinmec Health System nationwide to visit or contact the hotline HERE for support.
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