Magnetic resonance imaging, brain, functional MRI; including test selection and administration of repetitive body part movement and/or visual stimulation, not requiring physician or psychologist administration
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Brain
Summary
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to measure and map brain activity. By detecting changes in blood flow, fMRI helps localize brain functions. This specific type involves tasks like repetitive body part movement or visual stimulation, without the need for a physician or psychologist to directly administer these tasks.
Purpose
fMRI is used to assess brain function and is particularly useful for:
- Diagnosing neurological conditions.
- Pre-surgical brain mapping.
- Research into brain function.
The goal is to precisely understand which parts of the brain are responsible for various functions, enhancing treatment and surgical planning.
Indications
- Symptoms like unexplained headaches, seizures, or stroke.
- Pre-operative planning for conditions like epilepsy or tumors.
- Research purposes in psychology or neuroscience.
Preparation
- No special fasting required.
- Patients should wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal.
- Removal of all metal objects, as MRI uses a strong magnetic field.
Procedure Description
- The patient lies on an MRI table that slides into the MRI machine.
- The procedure starts with standard MRI scans of the brain.
- The patient performs specific tasks (e.g., moving a hand or looking at visual stimuli) as instructed, which activates different brain areas.
- The machine records changes in blood flow, highlighting active brain regions.
- The patient needs to stay as still as possible to ensure clear images.
Duration
The procedure typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
Setting
fMRI is generally performed in a hospital's radiology or imaging department.
Personnel
- Radiologic Technologist
- MRI technician to operate the MRI machine.
Risks and Complications
- Very low risk, as it is a non-invasive procedure.
- Rare cases of contrast agent reactions if used.
- Potential discomfort from lying still.
Benefits
- Helps in precise brain mapping.
- Aids in better treatment planning for neurological conditions.
- Non-invasive with no exposure to ionizing radiation.
Recovery
- No significant recovery time required; patients can resume normal activities immediately.
- Follow-up appointments depend on the purpose of the fMRI and any findings.
Alternatives
- Electroencephalography (EEG): records electrical activity in the brain.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) scans for structural imaging, though less detailed in functional mapping.
Each alternative has its benefits, with fMRI offering superior spatial resolution for brain activity.
Patient Experience
- Some may feel claustrophobic inside the MRI machine.
- Noise from the machine can be loud; earplugs or headphones are usually provided.
- No pain is involved, though lying still for a long period can be uncomfortable for some.
This markdown guide provides a comprehensive yet straightforward overview of the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) procedure focused on brain activity.