MRI Brain+angiogram

Difference Between Standard Brain MRI and Added Angiography

• Brain MRI alone: shows tissue—tumours, swelling, bleeds.
• MRI + Angiography (MRA): adds a detailed map of arteries and veins.

How Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) Maps Vessels

MRA uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create 3D pictures of blood flow. Contrast dye is sometimes injected to sharpen vessel outlines, revealing blockages, bulges (aneurysms) or tangled vessels (AVMs).

• Intracranial artery diameter
• Aneurysm size & neck morphology
• Stenosis percentage (narrowing)
• Venous sinus patency (clot detection)

1. Detect unruptured aneurysms before they bleed.
2. Evaluate arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
3. Plan neurosurgery or interventional coiling/stenting.
4. Monitor known vessel disease after treatment.
5. Investigate “mini-stroke” (TIA) symptoms.

• Zero radiation—safe for children and repeated follow-ups.
• 3T high-resolution—pinpoints 1 mm lesions.
• Single-session imaging—brain and vessels in 25–30 minutes.
• Same-day reports—soft copy emailed; hard copy ready in 2 hours.

• Fasting: 4 hours if contrast is planned; plain MRA does not require fasting.
• Medications: take your regular pills with a sip of water.
• Kidney function blood test: required within 30 days for contrast studies.
• Pregnancy check: urine test for women of child-bearing age.
• Best slot: elective morning appointments minimise waiting.

• Age: 5 years and above (paediatric coil available).
• Weight limit: up to 150 kg on our wide-bore table.
• Implant safety: screening form covers pacemakers, stents, joint screws, IUDs.

1. Arrival & registration: 15 minutes early.
2. Safety checklist: remove jewellery, cards, hearing aids.
3. Positioning: lie head-first; cushions stabilise the head.
4. Scan: 15 minutes for non-contrast, 25 minutes with contrast.
5. Contrast injection: IV line in arm; may feel cool sensation for 10 seconds.
6. Comfort measures: music, fan, emergency squeeze ball.
7. Post-scan: light refreshments; observation for 10 minutes (if contrast used).

• Disclose all implants—even dental crowns.
• Inform about kidney disease—we may adjust contrast dose.
• Anxious? Oral sedation (5 mg Diazepam) can be taken 30 min prior; bring an escort if sedated.

• Contrast allergy: rare, but we screen kidney function first.
• Claustrophobia: our wide-bore 3T scanner and music headsets help; light sedation is available.
• Metallic implants: pacemakers, cochlear implants, or older aneurysm clips may be contraindicated.