Are you experiencing persistent headaches that just won’t go away? Has your doctor mentioned the possibility of a brain MRI? If so, you’re far from alone. Did you know that roughly 1 in 6 adults in the US experience migraine or severe headache over a three-month period? Women tend to be affected more than men, and the prevalence typically decreases with age.
Or perhaps you’re among the nearly 3 million U.S. adults living with epilepsy, a condition that often requires brain imaging for proper diagnosis and management. For many people with neurological symptoms, getting a brain MRI is a key step toward answers and relief.
We understand that the prospect of getting a brain MRI might feel overwhelming or even a bit scary. That’s completely normal, and we’re here to walk you through the entire process. At University Medical Imaging in Sacramento, we see patients with concerns just like yours every day, and we’re committed to making your experience as comfortable as possible.
Common Reasons for Brain MRI Referrals
Your doctor might recommend a brain MRI if you’re experiencing specific symptoms that warrant a closer look at what’s happening inside your brain. Let’s talk about some of these conditions and their symptoms:
Migraines and Severe Headaches
When headaches are severe, persistent, or changing in pattern, your doctor might order a brain MRI to rule out underlying causes. Symptoms that might prompt this include:
- Headaches that wake you from sleep
- “The worst headache of your life”
- Headaches accompanied by confusion, fever, or stiff neck
- Pain that worsens with coughing or movement
Epilepsy and Seizures
For the millions of Americans living with epilepsy, brain MRIs are often essential for diagnosis and treatment planning. Healthcare costs for epilepsy are in the billions, and unfortunately, many people with epilepsy struggle to get the medical care they need. Symptoms that might indicate seizures include:
- Episodes of confusion or staring
- Uncontrollable jerking movements
- Loss of consciousness
- Temporary fear or anxiety
- Strange sensations or unexplained feelings
Stroke or TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Consider these sobering statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- In 2022, 1 in 6 deaths (17.5%) from cardiovascular disease was due to stroke
- Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke
- Every 3 minutes and 11 seconds, someone dies of stroke in this country
- The good news: death rates from stroke have been decreasing, from 41.1 per 100,000 in 2021 to 39.5 per 100,000 in 2022
If you’ve experienced symptoms like:
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side
- Confusion or trouble speaking
- Vision problems
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Severe headache without known cause
These could be signs of a stroke or TIA, and a brain MRI can help assess the damage and guide treatment. Quick action is critical — the sooner a stroke is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of recovery.
Memory and Cognitive Changes
Memory loss becomes more common as people age, but it’s important to understand that it’s not a normal part of aging. According to Harvard Health, about 40% of people over 65 have age-related memory impairment. But when should you be concerned?
Are you experiencing:
- Increasing forgetfulness beyond typical aging
- Difficulty finding words
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Trouble with complex tasks you used to handle easily
- Changes in personality or judgment
These symptoms might prompt your doctor to order a brain MRI to look for causes like early dementia, tumors, or other conditions affecting brain function. Early diagnosis through imaging can help identify treatable causes of memory loss and allow for more effective interventions.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis affects more people than previously thought. According to a 2019 prevalence study funded by the National MS Society, almost 1 million people in the United States have received a diagnosis of MS. This is more than twice the estimate from previous studies.
MS symptoms can vary widely but often include:
- Numbness or weakness in limbs
- Electric-shock sensations with certain neck movements
- Tremor or lack of coordination
- Vision problems
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
A brain MRI is essential for diagnosing MS and monitoring its progression. In fact, MRI technology has revolutionized MS diagnosis and treatment, allowing doctors to identify the disease earlier and track how well treatments are working.
The Process of Getting a Brain MRI
Step 1: Consult with Your Doctor
Your journey begins with a conversation with your healthcare provider. Be honest about your symptoms—how long you’ve had them, how severe they are, and how they’re affecting your daily life. This information helps your doctor determine if a brain MRI is the right next step.
Step 2: Obtain a Referral
If your doctor decides a brain MRI would be helpful, they’ll provide a referral to an imaging center like University Medical Imaging in Sacramento. This referral is your ticket to scheduling the scan and is usually required by insurance companies.
Step 3: Schedule Your Appointment
Give us a call with your referral information, and our friendly staff will help find a time that works for you. We understand that waiting can be stressful when you’re concerned about your health, so we strive to schedule appointments promptly.
Step 4: Verify Insurance Coverage
Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider about coverage for brain MRI scans. Most insurance plans cover medically necessary imaging, but you may need pre-authorization. Our office staff can help guide you through this process if you’re unsure where to start.
Step 5: Prepare for Your Brain MRI
We want your experience to be as smooth as possible, so here are some simple ways to prepare:
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or snaps
- Leave jewelry at home
- Let us know about any implants, pacemakers, or metal in your body
- Inform us if you’re pregnant or might be pregnant
- Consider avoiding caffeine, which can make it harder to lie still
- If you’re claustrophobic, talk to your doctor beforehand about options to help you feel more comfortable
Step 6: Complete Your Brain MRI
On the day of your appointment, arrive at University Medical Imaging about 15-30 minutes early to complete paperwork. Our technologists will explain everything that’s going to happen and answer any questions you might have. The actual brain MRI procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes, during which you’ll need to lie still while the machine captures detailed images of your brain.
Managing Anxiety During Your Brain MRI
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about getting a brain MRI. Here are some strategies our patients have found helpful:
- Request headphones to listen to music or a podcast during the scan
- Practice deep breathing techniques or meditation before and during the procedure
- Ask about the possibility of a mild sedative if your anxiety is severe (requires physician approval)
- Bring a supportive friend or family member to accompany you to your appointment
- Remember that our technologists are experienced in helping anxious patients and will be in constant communication with you throughout the scan
After Your Brain MRI
Following your scan, a radiologist will carefully analyze the images and send a detailed report to your referring physician, typically within 1-3 business days. Your doctor will then discuss the results and any necessary next steps with you. We understand that waiting for results can be stressful, and we work diligently to provide prompt, accurate interpretations.
Schedule Your Brain MRI in Sacramento
If you need a brain MRI, University Medical Imaging provides state-of-the-art technology with a patient-centered approach. Our experienced team is committed to making your brain MRI experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Remember, getting a brain MRI is an important step in understanding and addressing your health concerns. You deserve answers and appropriate care for your symptoms. With proper preparation and the right imaging center, the process can be smooth and straightforward.
To schedule your brain MRI or learn more about our services, contact University Medical Imaging in Sacramento today.
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