how is a brain scan performed and is it uncomfortable?

Answer 1

A powerful magnet generates a magnetic field roughly 10,000 times stronger than the Earth's. A very small percentage of hydrogen atoms within the body will align with this field. Radio wave pulses are broadcast towards the aligned hydrogen atoms in tissues of interest, returning a signal of their own. The slight differences of those signals from different tissues enables MRI to tell the difference between various organs, and potentially, provide contrast between benign and malignant tissue.
Any imaging angle, or "slice", can be projected, and then stored in a computer or printed on film. MRI can easily be performed through clothing and bones. However, certain types of metal in or around the area of interest can cause significant errors in the reconstructed images. These errors are called artifacts.
How the Test Will Feel
There is no pain. The magnetic field and radio waves are not felt. Some people experience a claustrophobic feeling from being inside the scanner. The table may be hard or cold, but you can request a blanket or pillow.
The machine produces loud thumping and humming noises during normal operation. Ear plugs are usually given to the patient to reduce the noise. A technologist observes the patient during the entire procedure and may be spoken to through an intercom in the scanner. Some MRI scanners are equipped with televisions and special headphones to help the examination time pass.
Excessive movement can blur MRI images and cause errors in the image. If the patient has difficulty lying still or is very anxious, they may be given medicine to relax them (a sedative), by mouth or through a vein. There is no recovery, unless sedation was necessary. After an MRI scan, you can resume normal diet, activity, and medications.
Please see the web pages for more details on Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Answer 2

This is not my area of nursing but I can tell you that brain scans use MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

It is quite complicated how they work because it is at the atomic level, even confuses me, but that is not your question.

How is it performed and is it uncomfortable. You are placed in a cylindrical object. If you are a little claustraphobic, some patients can find this a bit disturbing. Also if you have a problem lying still in one position without moving for a few minutes such as patients with some spinal problems.

Apart from that you feel nothing. There are no x rays or any other radioactive invasion. It is very safe.

MRI has enabled the medical professional to diagnose many conditions with relative ease, that previous to the mid 1980's could prove very difficult to diagnose.

Hope that helps

EDIT:- I see some answers refer to CAT scans. For a brain scan, especially in the case of suspected tumour, a MRI scan will be used. MRI is the best modality in this case and many others. CAT scan is more related to x rays, but with the use of computers, can look at thin slices of tissue. Very complicated but I just assume in your case it will be an MRI scan. You won't feel anything, just surprise that such an amazing medical devise can make so many weird noises.

Answer 3

Brain scans today are a piece of cake, you just lie still while it all goes on around you, years ago when I had a brain scan due to migraine the scan was performed by normal X-ray which was performed at many different angles

Answer 4

I've had one before and it's not the least bit uncomfortable. you lie on a bed and they strap your head firmly in place so you can't move at all. You're then passed though the scanner which is like a big metal ring. The only thing is, it is very noisy. It reminded me of a pneumatic drill and I'd been given ear plugs to wear. It's all over in no time though. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

They use an up to date system of cat scan which is a sort of x ray that can reproduce a picture or series of pictures in the computer. It does not hurt but you may have to lie still for some time. Incidental the cat scan was invented in Hayes in Middx just in case you wanted to know

Answer 6

I don't know about a cat scan but an mri scan doesn't hurt a bit. You hear some banging noises and at one point you have some dye injected into a vein but you don't feel it.

Answer 7

You lie on your back, and go into a big round, tunnel like machine. It's not uncomfortable and you won't feel a thing. You might want to shut your eyes though, cos it spins around while you're in there. Just the machine, not you!

Answer 8

Agree it doesn't hurt at all you simply lie down on a very narrow bed - bit like a wide drain pipe - and either the bed goes through a hole in the machine or the machine passes over you.

They did it to me but didn't find anything!

Answer 9

a brain scan is done with a CAT scan machine......it does all the work, you just lie there and relax. doesn't hurt at all ! Is it ordered with or without contrast?
with contrast - IV dye injected - will need IV prior to scan
without contrast - no IV

Answer 10

Other than cases of claustrophobia, the only instances of reported discomfort were where metallic-based tattoo inks were used in conjunction with MRI: the fluctuating magnetic field caused heating of the tattooed areas [eye liner].
Technicians are trained to be aware of this circumstance.