The MRI diagnostic machine will be used with utmost care and integrity at an Inner Ear and MRI Brain services-accredited diagnostic centre, affiliated with NABL and NABH, assuring patients of the best care possible. A special MRI test can help the doctor get detailed images of the inner ear and brain that allow them to determine the source of the neurological and ear problems associated with hearing loss, dizziness/vertigo, tinnitus, and more.

About MRI Brain with Inner Ear

MRI Brain with inner ear is a special type of MRI, which is used to evaluate the brain, ear, and ear canals. It provides a great deal of visual information about various structures associated with hearing and balance (cochlea, vestibular apparatus, and nerves of the inner ear to the brain). The diagnostic test is advised in cases of sudden or persistent hearing loss, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus, problems with balance, or suspected problems with the auditory or vestibular system.

What is MRI Brain with Inner Ear?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI Brain with Inner Ear utilizes a powerful magnetic field as well as radiofrequency pulses to create high-resolution images of the inner ear structures, inner ear canals, brain, and cerebellopontine angles, without exposure to ionizing radiation. Specific thin section imaging sequences are useful to assess the nerves of hearing and balance (8th nerve), cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. The exam can be done without or with an injection of a substance into the bloodstream (intravenous contrast) to provide extra information if something is suspected to be wrong.

Common Reasons for MRI Brain with Inner Ear

• Hearing Loss: Evaluation of unexplained hearing loss or Sudden hearing loss.
• Persistent Tinnitus: Assessments made for tinnitus (ringing or other auditory noises) that lasts for a longer period of time and may occur with other symptoms.
• Neurological and/or structural evaluation for recurrent dizziness or vertigo (vertigo).
• Assessment of brain and/or vestibular dysfunction, such as: Dizziness, unsteadiness, and instability of gait.
• Diagnoses for Acoustic Neuroma (vestibular schwannoma or other hearing & balance nerve lesions).
• Facial Nerve Symptoms: Exploration of some of the abnormalities of the facial nerve pathway.
• Inner Ear Abnormality: If an abnormal condition of the ear is suspected, including the cochlea, the vestibule, and the semicircular canals.
• Neurological symptoms: In addition to other neurological symptoms, there are symptoms of hearing or balance.
• Follow-up imaging: Evaluation of some abnormalities or changes that have been noted before or changes that develop after treatment.

Conditions Evaluated

Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma)

MRI may be helpful in detecting and evaluating vestibular schwannomas (most of the time these are benign tumours that grow on the nerve that helps to maintain balance and hearing). It gives information on their relationship with nearby structures and their size and location.

Internal Auditory Canal Abnormalities

Examination, in detail, of the inner ear canals and nerves in the inner ear canals is done during the exam period. It can be used for identifying selected masses, structural abnormalities, and other changes in these pathways.

Inner Ear Structural Abnormalities

This may be helpful to evaluate structural abnormalities of the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals, selected for assessment, which may help with hearing or balance symptoms.

Cerebellopontine Angle Lesions

The cerebellopontine angle (CPA) is a region between the cerebellum and pons near the brainstem. It contains important structures, including the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves. MRI can be useful to detect masses and other abnormalities in this area.

Brain and Brainstem Abnormalities

The exam can assess the brain and brainstem for certain regions of structural, inflammatory, vascular, or other neurologic problems that can affect hearing or balance/dizziness problems.

Auditory and Vestibular Nerve Abnormalities

MRI can help provide a good image of the nerves that provide balance and hearing functions. It could aid in recognizing certain nerve-related abnormalities that are more likely to be identified and require additional clinical appraisal.

Post-Treatment Assessment

If clinically indicated, then MR scans may be carried out after known lesions of the inner ear, internal auditory canals, or the adjacent areas of the brain.

Why Choose Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy?

Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy is an NABL- and NABH-accredited diagnostic centre, with an all-in-one offer of advanced facilities in 3 different departments of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Pathology. Modern MRI technology, trained radiology professionals, appropriate imaging protocols, and a patient-focused approach support our imaging services. Appropriate diagnostic imaging techniques are being used, and safety and patient care procedures are being observed.

Book Your MRI Brain with Inner Ear

You have an MRI Brain with Inner Ear appointment scheduled; your doctor/ENT specialist has given you these suggestions. If applicable, bring your prescription, results from your previous MRIs/CTs, hearing assessment, etc. Let MRI staff know if your patient has implanted devices in place, such as a pacemaker, metal implants, surgical clips, or any other devices in their body prior to the examination.