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Everything You Should Know About Getting a Brain Scan

Published on: January 5, 2025 | PocketHealth
Brain scan

Brain scans help your healthcare team locate, identify, diagnose and monitor the treatment of many diseases, injuries and neurological conditions. There are several different types of imaging tests for brains. This article will examine brain CT scans, MRI scans and PET scans, exploring what they are, how to prepare for one and how to access and understand your results.

Most patients get their results after a brain scan at their follow-up appointment. PocketHealth gives you fast, secure access to your imaging records and reports, often as soon as they’re released by the radiologist. Caregivers and loved ones can also access your results, so everyone can be fully informed and prepared to meet with your health care team.

 

Early access to your brain scans and reports

 

What is a brain scan?

A brain scan is an internal imaging test that captures detailed images of the condition, function and/or structure of the brain. There are several types of brain scans, and each neuroimaging technique provides your doctor with different information. Thus, the type of brain scan you have will depend on the questions your doctor is trying to answer.

The most common types of brain scans are:

 

What does a brain scan detect?

Brain scans are used to identify and monitor the treatment of several brain illnesses and diseases. You might be sent for a brain scan to investigate, identify or monitor the treatment of conditions including:

  • Bleeding: Signs of intracranial bleeding or damage to blood vessels.
  • Epilepsy: Scans can pinpoint the cause and/or location of seizure, and identify if surgery is an option.
  • Growths: Cysts and tumors can interfere with brain function. Not all growths are cancerous.
  • Hydrocephalus: Abnormal enlargement of brain cavities due to a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Multiple sclerosis: MS causes tiny lesions in brain and spine tissue.
  • Stroke: Blockages in blood flow to the brain which might be due to blood clots or fat deposits (ischemic stroke) or burst blood vessels (hemorrhagic stroke).
  • Trauma: Injuries can cause spot damage and might need to be monitored. Concussions fall into this category.

You also might have a brain scan to guide a needle during a brain biopsy.

 

Brain CT scan

A computed tomography (CT) scan uses multiple low-dose X-rays to create cross-sectional brain images. CT scans provide excellent visibility into the skeletal structure of the brain. Some CT scans require the use of a contrast agent, which improves the clarity of the images.

During a CT scan, you lie on a table that threads into a circular machine that rotates around you taking numerous X-rays from several different angles. Those X-rays are then digitally compiled into detailed 3D images.

How to prepare for a brain CT scan

X-rays are non-invasive procedures, so special preparation isn’t often necessary.

  • If your CT scan involves a contrast agent, a blood test may be performed beforehand.
  • You might be asked to moderate your food intake the day before or the day of your CT scan.
  • Be sure to read the instructions on your requisition carefully and ask the clinic if you have any questions. Always inform the imaging clinic of any medications you are taking when your scan is booked.

 

Brain MRI scan

Magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves and very powerful magnets to capture images of your brain. The magnets momentarily disrupt your body’s protons, and the radio waves bring them back into alignment. The MRI scanner measures the energy released during realignment and uses the measurements to create clear images of your soft tissue. MRIs can be used to examine both brain structure and function.

During an MRI you lie on a table which slides into the cylindrical MRI machine. The machine will make loud clunking noises, but the technician will be able to communicate with you through headphones. Some MRIs also involve the use of a contrast agent.

How to prepare for a brain MRI scan

MRIs are also non-invasive scans, but there are steps you can take to properly prepare, including:

  • Inform your doctor and the clinic if you have claustrophobia, so you can discuss options to help you relax.
  • Remove all metal from your person. Let the imaging clinic know if you have internal metal you cannot remove (e.g. joints or a pacemaker).
  • Read the instructions thoroughly and ask for clarification if needed. Always inform the clinic of any regular medications you are taking.

 

Early access to your MRI images and reports

 

Brain PET scan

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses an internal radioactive tracer to illuminate and assess the function of the brain. The glucose-based radiotracer collects in cells that require energy and emits positrons. The PET scanner tracks the radiotracer as it moves through your brain and compiles the positrons it emits into detailed images.

The radiotracer is administered before the scan, usually by IV. Once it is absorbed, you’ll lie on an exam table which will move through a donut-shaped scanner array. You’ll have to remain very still during the procedure, and the technician may ask you to hold your breath.

How to prepare for a brain PET scan

Because of the radiotracer, PET scans sometimes require a little more preparation.

  • Inform the clinic if you have diabetes or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco for 24 hours before your scan.
  • Do not perform strenuous exercise the day before your scan.
  • Don’t eat or drink anything for 4-6 hours before your PET scan.
  • Ask about post-scan protocols. You’ll want to drink lots of water and will need to wait 24 hours before breastfeeding after the exam.

 

Getting your results

If you require a brain scan, it’s understandable to want access to your results as soon as possible. Let’s look at how to access and understand your results.

How long does it take to get my brain scan results?

A radiologist reviews and interprets your brain scan results, preparing both images and a detailed report, which are then sent to your referring physician. Your doctor will discuss these results with you during a follow-up appointment. This process can often take several days to over a week, depending on the availability of both the radiologist and your doctor.

With PocketHealth, you get secure, early access to your brain scan images and reports. The MyCare Navigator feature also generates a list of personalized questions based on your report, enabling you to feel informed and prepared for your follow-up discussion with your doctor.

 

Understanding my results

Your doctor will officially explain the findings in your brain scan report, but this next section will discuss some general brain scan findings for each type of test.

 

Normal vs abnormal results on a brain scan

Brain scans help your medical team distinguish different kinds of abnormalities, many of which are benign and nothing to worry about. This section will examine what some of the findings look like and mean.

Possible findings on a brain CT scan

Compiled from X-rays, brain CT scan images will appear in shades of black, grey and white. The denser the tissue, the lighter the color. Your skull will appear white, while fluids like blood or cerebrospinal fluid will look black. Abnormalities will often present as the opposite: light spots in areas that should be dark or dark areas in places that should be like. Among abnormalities, brain CT scans reveal:

  • Bleeding (intracranial hemorrhages)
  • Evidence of strokes
  • Signs of brain atrophy
  • Tumors

Possible findings on a brain MRI

MRI images appear in shades of gray and white against a dark background. MRIs can distinguish between cortical brain tissue (grey matter) and subcortical brain tissue (white matter), to discern where issues arise, including:

  • Degenerative disorders like MS, which will present as pale lesions
  • Developmental abnormalities, such as enlarged brain cavities.
  • Inflammation, which will present as white spots
  • Tumors, which usually look like paler blobs amidst darker tissue

Possible findings on a brain PET scan

PET images are very colorful, full of blues, greens, reds, yellows and more. Areas of high cell activity show up in warmer colors like yellow and orange. PET scans track function, and can identify and track the treatment and/or spread of conditions including:

  • Areas of reduced blood flow, which will look darker than expected
  • Cancer, which usually present as unusually bright, warm-colored spots
  • Dementia (including Alzheimer’s), in which dark spots will appear in areas that should be brightly colored
  • Epilepsy, which presents as large bright areas full of high metabolic activity
  • Parkinson’s disease, in which the brain looks darker than expected overall, with fewer brightly colored areas

Pocket Health’s Report Reader can provide clear definitions of complex medical terms in your imaging reports, so you’ll be able to understand your report and feel more informed about your health.

 

Frequently asked questions

Here are some of the most pressing questions people have about brain scans.

Are there any risks to brain scans?

Brain scans are considered non-invasive, but some involve exposure to radiation. CT scans are compiled from X-rays which use low dose radiation. PET scans involve a higher amount of radiation, as the radiotracer is inserted into the body. MRIs do not use radiation at all. However, the danger of missing the development of dangerous illnesses if you don’t have a brain scan is usually a greater risk than exposure to radiation.

Does your whole body go in the machine for a brain scan?

Only your head and shoulder region will generally go into the machine for a brain scan. The exam bed will move in and out of the scanner, and you’ll need to lie very still during the procedure.

Can brain scans diagnose mental illness?

Currently, brain scans cannot diagnose mental illness, though CT scans can capture some of the signs of damage left by schizophrenia.

 

Take control of your brain health with PocketHealth

Brain scans provide detailed insight into the structure and function of your brain. They help doctors diagnose serious illnesses and monitor treatment. Dave signed up with PocketHealth so he could examine his CT and MRI results at his own pace. Read more of Dave’s story here.

With PocketHealth, you can have peace of mind knowing that all your brain imaging is in one secure, easily accessible location.

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