Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain (cranial MRI)
Brain MRI in Casablanca
Brain MRI, also called cranial MRI, provides detailed images of the brain, the cerebellum, the brainstem and the membranes that surround them, without X-rays. It is used to investigate many neurological symptoms and to monitor a known condition. Depending on the prescription, it can be extended to the spinal cord in the neck (brain and cervical spine MRI) or follow a special protocol called the hydrops protocol, designed for the inner ear in cases of Ménière's disease.
Duration, report and equipment
Duration
Brain MRI usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, and 30 to 45 minutes when it includes the cervical spine.
Report turnaround
Report within 48 hours. In an emergency, during opening hours, the report is handed over immediately.
Equipment
GE SIGNA Prime 1.5 T
When is this exam needed?
- Unusual or persistent headaches, or headaches accompanied by other signs.
- Epileptic seizure or unexplained loss of consciousness.
- Suspected multiple sclerosis or its follow-up, often with examination of the cervical spinal cord.
- Problems with memory, speech, balance or vision.
- Assessment or monitoring of a tumor, an infection or the after-effects of a stroke.
- Vertigo and hearing loss suggesting Ménière's disease (hydrops protocol).
How the exam is done
You lie on your back with your head in a coil that surrounds it like an open-work helmet. Cushions limit movement and you are given hearing protection. The sequences follow one another, each lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes; stay still and breathe normally. If an injection is planned, it is given through a vein in the arm, often toward the end, and a few sequences are then repeated. For a brain and cervical spine MRI, the coil also covers the back of the neck.
The hydrops protocol takes place in two stages. The gadolinium is first injected into a vein, then the images of the inner ear are taken during a second pass in the MRI machine, 1 hour 30 minutes after the injection, to give the contrast agent time to spread there. In between, you do not need to stay lying down.
Preparation
- Remove your makeup and avoid hair styling products, which may contain metallic pigments.
- Leave hearing aids, removable dentures, glasses and metal objects in the changing room.
- For a hydrops protocol, allow about 1 hour 30 minutes between the injection and the second pass in the MRI machine.
- If you have claustrophobia, tell us in advance: premedication can be discussed with your doctor.
Fasting
No fasting is needed, even if an injection is planned.
Contrast injection
A gadolinium injection is not systematic: it is decided according to the indication, for example a tumor, an infection, a multiple sclerosis flare-up or a hydrops protocol. It is given through a small catheter placed in a vein in the arm.
Contraindications and precautions
- Pacemaker, defibrillator or brain neurostimulator: depending on MRI compatibility and the device settings.
- Programmable shunt valve (hydrocephalus): its setting must be checked after the MRI.
- Cochlear implant, older aneurysm clip, implanted pump or metal fragment in the eye.
- Insulin pump or glucose sensor (such as FreeStyle Libre): to be removed before the exam. Bring what you need to replace it or put it back afterwards.
- Current or possible pregnancy: please tell us. MRI is performed only if it is necessary, preferably after the first trimester, and without gadolinium unless absolutely necessary.
- Breastfeeding: please tell us. It is generally not necessary to stop breastfeeding after a gadolinium injection.
- Tattoos and permanent makeup, which can warm up slightly.
- Severe kidney failure, before any gadolinium injection.
Documents to bring
- Prescription stating the indication
- Previous brain MRIs and CT scans, with their reports
- Letter from the neurologist or the ENT specialist, if there is one
- Recent kidney function test if an injection is planned
- List of your medications
- Insurance or mutual insurance fund card
Price and insurance coverage
The price of a brain MRI varies with the area examined (brain only, or brain and cervical spine) and the gadolinium injection, which is decided according to the indication.
The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. You submit the coverage request to your insurer or fund yourself. For AtlantaSanad and Sanlam, the center takes care of it.
No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Does a brain MRI show the blood vessels of the brain?
It mainly shows the brain tissue. To study the arteries or veins precisely, the doctor prescribes a brain MR angiography, which adds a few minutes within the same session. If your prescription mentions both, these exams are done one after the other.
What does a brain and cervical spine MRI involve?
It examines the brain and the spinal cord in the neck in the same session. This is common in multiple sclerosis, where lesions can occur in both regions. The coil covers the head and the back of the neck, and the exam is a little longer.
What is the hydrops protocol?
It is a technique used when the doctor suspects Ménière's disease, with vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus. After the injection, there is a wait for the gadolinium to enter the inner ear before special sequences are taken. They can show abnormal swelling of the inner ear fluid, called hydrops.
Can I drive after the exam?
Yes, if you have not received any sedative medication. The MRI itself affects neither alertness nor vision. However, if your doctor prescribed an anti-anxiety medication to help you get through the exam, arrange for someone to take you home.
Brain MRI in Casablanca: how much does it cost?
The price of a brain MRI varies with the area examined (brain only, or brain and cervical spine) and the gadolinium injection, which is decided according to the indication. The center accepts coverage from insurance companies and the main mutual insurance funds. No prices are shown on this site: Kenza gives you the exact price on WhatsApp, along with the coverage procedure for your situation.