neuroimaging & Interventional Radiology - Patient Information Brochures

Patient information Brochures

CT scan

Q1. What Is CT Scan

  • CT scan means Computed Tomography scan
  • This type of scanning usesX-rays to obtain information from various parts of our body like Brain, Chest, Abdomen, Spine etc. CTscan gives more information in comparison with the Xrays.
  • Sometimes a contrast (“Dye”) will be injected to get further information.
  • CT scan is very fast and entire brain scan can be done within seconds.
  • CT scan is widely available and is less costlier than MRI.
  • CT scan is associated with radiation induced risks. These risks are carefully weighed by the doctor before prescribing for a CT scan.

Q2. When is a CT brain required?

  • Primary choice of investigation in case of emergencies like
  • Accidents
  • Infections
  • Epilepsy
  • Stroke
  • Bleed
  • Tumors

Q3. When CT scan should not be done

  • If you are pregnant or if there is a chance of becoming pregnant CT scan should be done with caution.
  • If you had any history of allergic reactions there is an increased risk to contrast (“Dye”)
  • If you have kidney failure then contrast is better avoided.
  • Other diseases like Increased BP, Diabetes, Thyroid diseases etc also is associated with minor risks.
  • Kindly inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions.

     Q4: What are the other types of CT Brain

  • Multi Slice CT: Faster than single slice CT. NIMHANS has 3 sixteen slice CT machines which are sixteen times faster.
  • Reconstructed CT: The information obtained can be seen in 3Dimensions
  • CT Angiography: Study of vessels which supply blood to the brain
  • CTV enography:  Study of vessels which drain blood from the brain
  • CT Perfusion: Study of capillaries which supply blood to the brain
  • High resolution CT: Thin section study for better visualization of small structures  like ear, eyes etc

Q 5: How do you prepare for a CT Scan

  •   Can I take food prior to scan?

If only a Plain CT is done, then there is no need for fasting.

If contrast is required the you have to be fasting for minimum six hours prior to the scan. Fasting means not taking any solid, liquid, milk, milk based food and fruits. Plain water can be taken up to one hour before the scan.

Regular medicines should be taken with sip of plain water only. Medicines for diabetes should be taken after consulting your doctor only.

  •   Is any blood investigation required prior to scan?

Some patients might require kidney function test prior to scan. Your doctor will advise if necessary.

  •   Do I have to remove jewellery and clothes before scan?

All metallic objects like earrings, chains, pendants, nose rings, hairpins, clips, coins etc must be removed before scanning. For CT chest, Abdomen, spine etc you will have to change into a hospital dress after removing all clothing including the inner clothing.

  •   Can I come alone for the scan

It is advisable to bring your relative and friend when you come for scan

MRI Scan

  •  MRI scan means Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan
  •  Strength of the scanning machine is expressed in Tesla(T) like1T,3T

etc. NIMHANS has two 3T, one 1.5T and one 0.2T machine.

  •  This type of scanning does not use X-rays and hence MRI scan is not associated with any radiation induced risks and can be done in small children and in pregnant women.
  •  MRI scan gives more information in comparison with the CT Scan or

X-rays.

  •  MRI scan is the best technique currently available to assess the brain function.
  •  MRI scan can may take 30 minutes to one hour
  •  Sometimes a contrast (“Dye”) will be injected to get further

information

  •  MRI machine is not widely available and are costlier

When is an MRI Scan required?

  • Tumours
  • Epilepsy
  • Stroke
  • Infections
  • Demyelination
  • Dementia
  • Vascular abnormalities
  • Congenital diseases
  • Spinalcord injuries and disc degeneration
  • A typical mental illness

When MRI scan should not be done?

  • MRI scan is usually not done inpatients withCardiac pacemakers and metallic implants.
  • If you are pregnant MRI scan with contrast is usually avoided.
  • If you had any history of allergic reactions there is an

Increased risk to contrast (“Dye”)

  • If you have kidney failure then contrast is better avoided.
  • Other diseases like Increased BP, Diabetes, Thyroid diseases etc also are associated with minor risks.
  • Kindly inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions.

What are the types of MRI Scan?

  • MR Angiography : Study of vessels which supply blood to the brain
  • MR Venography: Study of vessels which drain blood from the brain
  • MR Perfusion: Study of capillaries which supply blood to the brain
  • Functional MRI: Study of brain function while you perform some task like moving hand or watching movie or naming objects.
  • High resolution MR: Thin section study for better visualization of small structures like nerves, canals etc.
  • MR Spectroscopy: Chemical analysis using MRI.
  • Diffusion MRI: Study of cellular water movement
  • MRF low analysis: Study of bulk flow of CSF and Blood

How do you prepare for MRI Scan?

  • Can I take food prior to scan?

There is no need for fasting before an MRI scan

Only if MRI is done under anesthesia then you have to be fasting for minimum six hours prior to the scan. Fasting means not taking any solid, liquid, milk, milk based food and fruits. Plain water can be taken up to one hour before the scan.

Regular medicines should be taken with sip of plain water only. Medicines for diabetes should be taken after consulting your doctor only.

  • Is any blood investigation required prior to scan?

Some patients might require routine blood tests and kidney function test prior to scan. Your doctor will advise if necessary.

  • Do I have to remove jewellery and clothes before scan?

All metallic objects like earrings, chains, pendants, nose rings, hairpins, clips, coins, keys etc must be removed before scanning.  You will have to change into a hospital dress after removing all clothing including the inner clothing before the scan

Mobile phones, memory card, ATM cards, Credit cards etc will be dysfunctional if it is taken inside the scan room. Hence all these have to be removed before entering MRI section and you will be scanned thoroughly prior to entering the MRI scan room.

  • Should I be accompanied by someone.

It is advisable to bring your relative and friend when you come for scan

DSA Scan

  •  DSA scan means Digital Subtraction Angiography scan
  •  This type of scanning uses X- rays to obtain information from vessels in various parts of our body like Brain, Chest, Abdomen, Spine etc.
  •  This is a procedure which requires a catheter insertion into the vessels. A contrast (“Dye”) is always injected for the study.
  •  DSA scan helps in treating conditions which causes bleed or stroke. This type of treatment is performed in the interventional radiology using DSA. NIMHANS has 2 DSA machines.
  •  DSA scan is associated with radiation induced risks. These risks are carefully weighed by the doctor before prescribing for a CTscan.
  •  DSA procedure is also associated with other risks for stroke and local pain and hematoma. Your doctor will explain to you in detail all the risks and the procedure will be done only after obtaining your consent.

When DSA scan should not be don
e?

  • If you are pregnant or if there is a chance of becoming pregnant DSA scan should be done with caution.
  • If you had any history of allergic reactions there is an increased risk to contrast(“Dye”)
  • If you have kidney failure then contrast is better avoided.
  • Other diseases like Increased BP, Diabetes,Thyroid diseases etc also is associated with minor risks.
  • Kindly inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions

What are the types of interventional procedures in DSA?

  •  Aneurysm Coiling: Aneurysm is a balloon like dilatation of arteries which can bleed and lead to death. This can be prevented by closing it with coils.
  •  AVM embolization: Abnormal communication between arteries and veins can result in stroke or bleed. This is occluded using liquid embolic agents
  •  Fistula occlusion: Wide connection between artery and vein can also be closed using coils, balloons or liquid embolic agents.
  •  Tumour embolization: Blood supply to tumors with very heavy blood flow can be reduced by injecting particles or liquid embolic agents.
  •  Stenting: Narrowing or occlusion of arteries or vein scan be treated by stenting
  • Vertebroplasty: Bone fractures and vascular tumours can be treated by injecting bone cement
  •  Intervention for chronic pain: Nerve root injection and joint injections using drugs can be used to reduce pain

How do you prepare for a DSA Scan?

  • Can I take food prior to scan?

All patients undergoing DSA have to be fasting form minimum six hours prior to the scan. Fasting means not taking any solid, liquid, milk, milk based food and fruits. Plain water can be taken up to one hour before the scan.

Regular medicines should be taken with sip of plain water only. Medicines for diabetes should be taken after consulting your doctor only.

  • Is any blood investigation required prior to scan?

All patients will require kidney function test and other blood tests prior to scan. Your doctor will advise you to get these done

  • Do I have to remove jewellery and clothes before scan?

All metallic objects like earrings, chains, pendants, nose rings, hairpins, clips, coins etc must be removed before scanning. You will have to change into a hospital dress after removing all clothing including the inner clothing.

  • Can I come alone for the scan

You will be admitted and your close relative has to accompany you for the scan.

  • Is there any other preparation required?

You will have to shave the lower abdomen, genital area and upper thighs before scan

USG Scan

  • USG study in our department is only restricted to Neurovascular and Peripheral nerve Imaging . Other types of scan are not done currently
  • USG scan means Ultra sonogrpahy scan
  • This type of scanning does not use X- rays and hence USG scan is not associated with any radiation induced risks and can be done in small children and in pregnant women.
  • USG scan gives more information in comparison with the Xrays.
  • USG scan is the best technique currently available to assess the diseases of abdomen
  • USG scan may take 15- 20 minutes
  • USG machine is widely available and is relatively in expensive.

When is an USG Scan required?

  • Pain abdomen
  • Liver disorders
  • Kidney disorders
  • Pancreatic disorders
  • Bladder disorders
  • Uterine and prostate disorders
  • Congenital diseases
  • Diagnosis of fluid collection and its guided drainage anywhere in the body
  • Doppler USG for vascular disorders like stenosisor occlusion

What are the types of USG Scan?

  • Doppler study arteries: Study of vessels which supply blood
  • Doppler study Vein: Study of vessels which drain blood
  • USG Abdomen: Study of solid organs in abdomen
  • USG Pelvis: Study of bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate etc
  • High resolution USG: Thin section study for better visualization of small structures like nerves, muscles etc.
  • Antenatal USG: Study of pregnant uterus and fetus is not done at our institute

How do you prepare for USG Scan?

  • Can I take food prior to scan?

It is better to be fasting for minimum six hours prior to the scan. Fasting means not taking any solid, liquid, milk, milk based food and fruits.

Plenty of Plain water should be taken.

Regular medicines should be taken with plain water only. Medicines for diabetes should be taken after consulting your doctor only.

Fasting is not required for Doppler studies of upper and lower limbs and also for antenatal scans beyond 3 months

  • Is any blood investigation required prior to scan?

No blood investigations are required.

  • Do I have to remove jewels and clothes before scan?

No.

  • Should I be accompanied by someone.

No

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