Questions & Answers

What does an MRI do?

You have probably heard about people who have an "MRI" or CAT scan. There is a basic difference between the two tests because an MRI utilizes magnetic forces to create a picture of the brain which is then analyzed by a radiologist to identify a brain tumor or abnormality. An MRI is different from a CAT scan since a CAT scan uses radiation, something which an MRI does not. Because an MRI uses magnetic forces only, and not radiation, it is free of any side effects provided you have no metal or electronic instruments in your body. It is for this reason when you apply for an appointment through Brainscans.com, that we ask you to confirm that you do not have metal pieces or electronic items in your body. Using an MRI is a non-invasive way to obtain a picture of your brain. The actual time of the test will take approximately three to five minutes and will require you to lie down on a table which will then pass you through an MRI unit. Some of the units used by some of the radiologists are open and thus, if you are claustrophobic you may want to select those units. Other closed units are also available.

What happens after the test?

After the test, the radiologist will review your brainscan and determine whether your brain is normal or suffers from any abnormalities. The report of the radiologist will be sent by fax or e-mail to your primary care physician within seven days or, if you prefer that a copy of your brainscan be sent to you, Brainscans.com will arrange for the e-mailing of a digital image of your brain for an additional charge of $25.00 or a "hard copy" of the brainscan images for $30.00.

Q. What about insurance reimbursement?

A. Brainscans, LLC is paid directly by you via either a Master Card or Visa charge prior to the scan and at the time you make the appointment. If you fail to appear for the appointment you will still be charged. Brainscans, LLC does not accept insurance assignment and does not represent or warrant any availability of insurance reimbursement for any particular claim.

Q. How accurate is a brain scan?

A. The type of brain scan you will receive is known as a T2 type of brain scan. It can detect abnormalities of the brain the size of 5 mm (3/16") and larger. A T2 scan will provide about 20 slices of the brain. In the event an abnormality is detected, you should consult with your personal physician and consider a more detailed scan of the brain. Not every abnormality means you have a tumor or are in danger of death. But it does mean you should consult a physician and consider a more thorough examination. This means that if you receive a negative scan, you have no current brain abnormality. While this provides a good baseline, it does not guarantee that you will never have a brain tumor or abnormality. Thus, you should consider having a brain scan on a regular basis.

Q. What is an MRI?

A. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic procedure that uses a powerful magnet, radiofrequency waves and computer imaging to produce pictures of internal organs and structures. It provides an image of your body's normal tissues and an abnormalities within them. These images are created by a magnetic field - no radiation is used during an MRI. It is a safe and painless procedure.MRI allows doctors to see inside the body from any angle with great clarity and accuracy. MRI provides a wealth of information about the state of one's health more quickly and more economically than physical examinations performed by a physician and laboratory tests.

Q. How do I prepare for an MRI?

A. Because MRI scanning uses a strong magnetic field, we ask that you wear clothing with no metal fasteners, snaps or zippers. In addition, you may not bring any metal objects into the scanning room. This includes keys, coins, credit cards with magnetic strips, hair clips, removable dentures, braces, eyeglasses, hearing aids, watches and jewelry. Many cosmetics and toiletries contain metallic powders that will interfere with accurate scanning. Do not wear any makeup or use any hair styling products the day of the scan.

Q. Can all people be scanned?

A. There are some people who may not be scanned. If you have a cardiac pacemaker, neurostimulator, aneurysm clip(s), a metallic foreign body in your eye(s) or an ear implant, you cannot be scanned. Also, you must inform the radiologist and technologist at the time of the exam if you are pregnant, have ever worked at grinding or cutting metal or have any type of surgical implant, IUD, joint replacement or heart valve replacement.

Q. What should I expect during the exam?

A. You recline on a padded table that smoothly moves in and out of the magnet. The opening into the magnet is very large, allows plenty of room and can comfortably accommodate heavy set patients. The room is brightly lit and the magnet is open at both ends. To achieve optimal results it is necessary for you to remain as motionless as possible. Intermittently during the exam you will hear sounds from the scanning equipment as is makes adjustments.A family member or friend can sit with you in the scanning room during your test or you can listen to music on a cassette tape or CD, if you wish. You will be able to speak to the technologist during the exam using an intercom system.

Q. How long will the scan take?

A. Due to the fact that the MRI scan is a T2 weighted image only, the exam should take approximately six to seven minutes.

Q. Can I obtain the MRI films?

A. Yes, for a $30 film-processing fee the films can be mailed to you or your primary care physician.

Q. What if an abnormality is found on my MRI?

A. If your scan is abnormal, we advise consultation by your doctor. Sometimes a more extensive MRI study with and without Gadolinium contrast will be required. Many of the abnormalities which can be detected will be of little consequence and are not tumors, aneurysms, etc. Most do not require surgery. In addition, not all brain tumors need surgery as soon as they are detected. Some never grow and should be followed with scans done at a later time. Surgery or other treatment is recommended only in tumors having a certain set of MRI characteristics or those in which a change is detected over time.

Q. MRI scans usually cost over $1000. How can you offer one for only $169?

A. Brainscans.Com and its participating radiologists are doing this as a public service. In addition, the MRI we offer is a screening exam comprising only T2 weighted sequences in axial reconstructions. This is very sensitive for the detection of any abnormality but only requires 3 to 5 minutes of scanning time and the radiologist can interpret it quickly: "normal" or "abnormal". In contrast, a routine diagnostic MRI (which can cost as much as $1500) requires multiple sequences (T1, T2, FLARE, etc) with axial, sagittal and , sometimes, coronal reconstructions. In addition, series are done with and without the intervenously administered paramagnetic contrast agent, Gadolinium-DPTA. This will show abnormal blood vessels in a tumor, for example. A routine diagnostic MRI can take between 45 minutes and 1 hour of scanning time and more time for the radiologist to interpret each of the images.

Q. How often can I get an MRI?

A. As often as you like. No radiation is used. If your MRI shows a benign brain tumor, doctors usually recommend an MRI every three months for the first year and annually thereafter to see if there is any growth or other changes suggesting growth or malignant degeneration. However, if your MRI is normal, there is no reason to get an MRI any more often than once a year - the same time period recommended for "annual" physicals.

Q. Can I get an MRI of my whole body?

A. Yes you can. However, at the present time we have only established a price for screening MRI scans of the brain. Since a much larger volume is being scanned, an MRI of the body would require many more slices than an MRI of only the head. This would mean more time in the scanner, more complex images for the radiologist to review and, therefore, more cost.Brainscans.Com can arrange a body scan for you through a private negotiated arrangement with the individual MRI centers. Please contact us by email (info@brainscans.com) or by telephone (1-800-448-3262) if you are interested in a body scan.