What is a head injury?
A head injury can occur if you bump your head or receive a hard blow to the head. An object that penetrates your head or having a stroke can also cause a traumatic brain injury.
Head injuries can cause temporary symptoms of brain damage or long-term (even permanent) complications. MRIs can help your doctor determine the type and severity of head injury you may have.
What are the symptoms of a head injury?
If you or a loved one experience a head injury, you might notice the following signs or symptoms:
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Headaches
- Pupil dilation
- Seizures
- Nausea or vomiting
- Problems with speech
- Sleeping problems or fatigue
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Ringing in the ears
- Weakness or loss of coordination
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
See your doctor at the first sign of a head injury.
What is an open MRI for a head injury?
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, procedure uses a magnetic field and radio waves to develop detailed images of tissues within your body.
For a head injury, the Medical Imaging Center of North Jersey uses a state-of-the-art AIRIS™ premium open MRI imaging system made by Hitachi, to achieve better precision and accuracy without the confines of a small, tube-like device.
What happens during an MRI procedure?
Prior to undergoing a head injury MRI, your provider might inject a special contrast medium into a vein in your hand or arm to make tissues in the brain stand out more. During the procedure, you relax on a comfortable exam table while an MRI machine creates images of your head and brain. The procedure might last about 10-15 minutes or an hour in some cases.
What should I expect after an MRI for a head injury?
After undergoing an MRI, there’s no downtime, so you can resume everyday activities right away. Your radiologist interprets the results and shares them with you and your doctor. Your head injury treatment depends on the type and severity of the injury you have. It might include:
- Rest
- Routine monitoring
- Avoiding physical and mental stimulation
- Immediate emergency care
- Medications
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery
A reliable MRI is crucial for properly treating a head injury. If you have a traumatic brain injury and your doctor recommends you undergo an MRI, call the Medical Imaging Center of North Jersey, or book an appointment online today.
