NMR skull/brain

With an NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) we image the skull and brain by means of a magnetic field and radio waves. This is how we obtain 3D images of the inside of the skull: disc images in three dimensions. No X-rays are used in an NMR examination. The examination can be considered harmless.

Course of the examination

An NMR examination of the skull and brain takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and is not painful.

  • Because of the strength of the magnet, you may not approach the device with metal objects (coins, needles, jewelry, keys ...) or with magnetic cards (bank card, health insurance card, parking card ...). You can leave your belongings in the changing room.
  • In the examination room you will be installed as comfortably as possible on the examination table. Your head lies in a kind of helmet, with a mirror on it, through which you can look outside the tunnel.
  • At the start of the examination, you'll slide slowly on your back into the magnetic tunnel, which is open at the front and the back. This tunnel is very well lit and ventilated.
  • The medical team is outside the examination room. You can see them clearly through a window and through a camera. Through an intercom system they can hear you. During the examination you can always contact them with a button.
  • During the examination you'll regularly hear knocking sounds.
  • You will be given headphones to protect you from these sounds and to listen to music.
  • You must not move at all 
  • When a contrast fluid is injected, you will feel a prick similar to a blood draw. The radiologist will determine if contrast must be administered.

The physician radiologist makes an initial interpretation of the images during the examination. After the final interpretation, he/she sends a report to the physician who requested the examination. Only this doctor can discuss the results with you.

An NMR examination is only possible by appointment. Please always bring your identity card and the request from your doctor.

You must register in advance at the registration desk in the central entrance hall.

NMR toestel

Preparation

Remove all metal objects and jewelry before starting the examination and leave them in the changing room. 

For this examination, you must first carefully fill out a complete questionnaire .

Important things to report for an NMR examination:

  • that you have a pacemaker or an artificial valve of the heart.
  • that you have undergone a major surgery.
  • that you have had surgery on the eye or brain.
  • that you are pregnant.

In all these cases, please notify the doctor or radiology nurse before the examination starts.

This examination is only possible by appointment. Please always bring your identity card, your doctor's prescription and any previous radiological examinations.

Aftercare

No specific aftercare is required.