MRI Scan - Temporal Lobe Test

A Magnetic Resonance Scan (MRI Scan) is a painless, non-invasive procedure that involves using magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the inner parts of the brain. This test effectively captures any anomalies or damages in the brain, such as lesions in the temporal lobe, and its interior parts. Depending on the reports of this test, the doctor advises further steps to control or mitigate abnormalities, if any. Sometimes a dye or contrast material is given through an intravenous (IV) line.

If the MRI requires oral or an IV, it’s advisable to fast. Otherwise, normal food can be taken before the scan. It’s advisable to listen to your physician’s advice. Remove any metallic object you are wearing such as earrings and other metallic accessories before the scan and inform about any pregnancy or embedded metallic devices in your body. Also inform the radiologist about any allergies and whether you have any disorder like sickle cell disease, which prevents using contrast material. It would be also helpful to disclose any fears of closed spaces.

An MRI of the temporal lobe may reveal abnormalities such as: Lesions in the temporal lobe. Temporal lobe epilepsy.

You’ll be required to lie still for maybe a half hour or more on the bed attached to the machine. You need to lie motionless when being slid under the cylindrical machine with the magnet. A device aka “coil” maybe wrapped around your head. The radiologist may use dye and proceed towards more scans. Depending on the area to be scanned, it takes from 15 minutes to well over an hour for a complete scan.