Recently we had a patient arrive at the Aventura Center. She came in from the Bahamas and was picked up by our complimentary transportation at the Miami International Airport. She was brought to the Miami/Aventura center for a MRA of the brain.

MRA stands for Magnetic Resonance Angiography. It is an MRI technique that specifically evaluates vessels such as arteries. Brain MRAs evaluate the vessels of the brain to look for aneurysms, vascular malformations such as AVMs, narrowing and blockage of the vessels of the brain, among others.

Brain MRAs are typically ordered for many different symptoms to exclude an aneurysm or vascular malformation, or search for a source of bleed. They are also used during the evaluation of stroke to detect blockages and narrowing of the arteries that feed the brain. Below are a few common diagnoses that brain MRAs can pick up.

Aneurysm - Aneurysms are ballooning of vessels that risk rupturing. If blood leaks from the aneurysm patients describe the headache as a thunderclap and sharp/shooting pains. Patients can also have stroke-like symptoms with weakness, slurred speech and confusion. MRAs can detect most aneurysms though if the aneurysm is small or has collapsed, it may not be identified by this study.

Stroke - Also known as a "brain attack", stroke refers to a blocked artery that deprives a part of the brain of blood (and therefore oxygen). This part of the brain loses it function and patients present with weakness, slurred speech, difficulty walking and on occasion, headaches. MRAs evaluate the extent of atherosclerosis and can detect any significant blockages.

AVM - AVM stands for arteriovenous malformation. This is essentially a nest of abnormal vessels which grows in the brain. The vessels of AVMs are like "varicose veins" with thin walls but are subjected to high pressure blood flow, so risk rupture, much like an aneurysm. They can also act like tumors in that if large enough they compress nearby brain tissue. AVMs can also form aneurysms in or near them. Patients will experience headaches, stroke-like symptoms or seizures.

This particular patient had stroke like symptoms but had been stabilized at the hospital in the Bahamas and released. Her Neurologist ordered an MRA to be done as soon as possible. She was fit in the same evening and results of her study were called in to her neurologist that evening.

An MRA of the brain can evaluate:

Internal Carotid Arteries

The carotid vessels arise from the aorta in the chest and travel up the neck along both sides. The vessel splits in the neck with the "internal" segments feeding roughly the front 2/3 of brain tissue.

Basilar Artery

The basilar artery is made up by two vertebral arteries which arise from vessels in the chest and travel up along both sides of the neck near the spine. This vessel feeds the brain stem and approximately the back 1/3 of the brain.

Circle of Willis

This refers to the group of vessels that are at the base of the skull that feed the brain. These vessels are formed by branches of the internal carotids and the basilar artery. FYI brain MRA scans call also be called MRA COW (Circle of Willis).

Brain matter

The white and gray matter of the brain are partially seen. Parts of the pituitary gland, optic nerves and upper brain stem are also evaluated.

If your doctor orders a Brain MRA Scan: Here is what to expect.

A brain MRA generally takes about 20 minutes or so to complete. If you are going for one, wear loose comfortable clothing and remember to remove all metal (jewelry, phones, rings, etc) before going into the MRI scan room. This test is occasionally done with IV Contrast.

If you are using your insurance, you may need to have the exam pre-authorized (approved) by your insurance company first. If you're uninsured we offer discounted rates. You may call our scheduling department at 305-692-2222 to request a rate and to schedule an appointment.

Our locations are in Aventura which is in the northern part of Miami. We are located only 15 minutes away from Fort Lauderdale Airport and 30 minutes away from Miami Airport. We see patients from all areas of Miami, North Miami, Aventura, South Miami, Coral Gables, Homestead, Doral, Miami Lakes, Hialeah, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, and all other areas of South Florida. We offer Complimentary Transportation to and from our centers.

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