Why patient should do the examination? (value of test).
MRI protocol that became essential in the diagnosis of acute cerebrovascular stroke and differentiates between ischemic and hemorrhagic types using specific MRI sequences. It can diagnose infarctions as early as possible within few minutes of vascular occlusion.It helps to assess the affected vascular territory in case of ischemic stroke and help in patient selection for medical thrombolysis or therapeutic catheter intervention with thrombus retrieval.
Who benefits from getting tested?
Patients presented with sudden unexplained neurological deficits particularly those with risk factors as elderly patients, hypertension, diabetes or cardiac diseases. The value of the test is even greater when the patient present within what is called the therapeutic window.
Are there any contraindications to the examination?
Patients with mechanically/magnetically activated devices as cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implants.Patients with metallic foreign body in the eye.Pregnant women in the first trimester (benefits versus risk to be assessed).Ferromagnetic surgical clips or prosthesis.
What other tests should be done with this examination?
Your physician may request contrast MR perfusion study of the brain in some cases where the decision of treatment strategy needs further discussion.Your physician may request CT scan to exclude hemorrhagic strokes yet SWI MRI sequences can accurately detect cerebral hematomas.
Examination preparations
No specific preparations needed.In case of patient irritability some patients might need sedation under medical supervision.In case of additional perfusion test that patient need to have a kidney function test beforehand.
A brief description of the examination procedure
Full MRI brain stroke protocol can be done in 15 minutes while the patient is lying comfortably on MRI table.
Where I can get tested?
The examination is done on one of our highly advanced MRI machines available in Alfa scan branches.Emergency service (24/7) is available in Mohandseen branch.
Are there any aftercare or precautions to be done?
No after care or precautions needed.In case of adding contrast perfusion study adequate hydration is advised to help to wash out the injected IV contrast material out of your body except if you are on fluid balance for renal or cardiac condition you may consult your physician and in case of lactating mothers it is advised to escape lactation for 24 hrs after the contrast injection.
