Neurological diseases can be detected through brain MRI scans

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is an imaging method that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain. Thanks to its ability to clearly distinguish soft tissue structures, MRI images assist doctors in diagnosing many different diseases.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Hoang Thinh, Center for Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi, said brain MRI is currently one of the imaging diagnostic methods that helps diagnose central nervous diseases with high accuracy. MRI images help doctors evaluate in detail brain parenchyma, nerves, blood vessels and nearby structures.

Stroke

For ischemic strokes, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), an MRI technique, can detect damage minutes to hours after the blood vessel is blocked. This helps doctors early identify areas of the brain that are anemic and provide appropriate treatment. MRI can also be used to evaluate sequelae after a stroke and monitor the patient’s recovery process.

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MRI is an important method in diagnosing brain tumors. This technique allows determining the location, size, spread of the tumor as well as the relationship with surrounding structures. Thanks to high resolution, MRI images can show small lesions that are difficult to detect with CT, and also assist in distinguishing between primary tumors, metastatic tumors, and some pseudotumor lesions.

Cerebrovascular disease

According to Dr. Thinh, using MRI combined with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can detect cerebral artery stenosis, arteriovenous malformations, brain aneurysms or other circulatory abnormalities. These are factors that, if not detected and treated promptly, can cause stroke or brain hemorrhage.

Multiple sclerosis

MRI is also an important tool in diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. On MRI images, demyelinating lesions are often clearly shown, helping doctors diagnose the disease at an early stage and monitor treatment response.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Magnetic resonance imaging can identify brain atrophy, change the volume of some functional areas, and rule out other structural causes of cognitive decline.

Dr. Thinh said that brain MRI is also valuable in detecting central nervous system infections such as encephalitis, meningitis, brain abscess, congenital abnormalities of the brain, epilepsy…

The doctor chooses the diagnostic technique based on clinical symptoms, the patient’s condition and the doctor’s investigation goals. Brain MRI is often prescribed when the patient has symptoms such as prolonged unexplained headaches, persistent dizziness, seizures, memory loss, movement disorders, suspected stroke, brain tumor or other neurological diseases that require in-depth evaluation.