MRI Scan - Inner Ear and Contrast Test

An MRI contrast of the inner ear is often carried out to provide your doctor with a clear picture of
your inner ear and to determine if you do indeed have an infection in the same location. The inner
ear is a vital part of your body and as such, it is susceptible like other parts of your body to infections
and can get inflamed for a variety of reasons, from cold to dental issues. But you could also develop
a full-blown infection of the inner ear which can lead to mastoiditis. This is why you need to consult
with your doctor especially if experience the following symptoms,
Recurring ear ache
Redness
Fever
Headache
Pain and discomfort
Drainage from the inner ear
If any of the above sound familiar, then it is vital that you seek out your doctor for some immediate
relief.

Your doctor would first assess your current condition, review your medical history and after ruling out some of the other causative factors, he would order for an MRI scan of the inner ear (contrast). You are required to inform your doctor regarding any medication you may be taking at the moment to help relieve some of the stress and pain. Your doctor should be able to make an accurate diagnosis, once the images are rendered. He may also order for additional tests and even a culture test, post this in order to be able to provide you with an effective course of treatment.

It is vita that you get yourself tested at the earliest as an inner ear infection can lead to serious health complications and it can also result in impaired hearing. This test is mainly used as an early diagnostic tool to find out if you have an infection in your inner ear and to provide you with an effective treatment for the same.

The lab technician will ask you to disrobe and put on the hospital gown after which he would ask you to lie down in the MRI machine. The process should not take more than a few minutes as the MRI uses powerful magnets to render a detailed and clear picture of your inner ear. The results should be available in a few hours post which your doctor would prescribe other tests to confirm his diagnosis and to devise an effective course of treatment. He may also order a blood workup as well as s culture test to determine the most effective form of treatment for your current condition.