MRI Scan - Paranasal Sinus Test

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagining) scan is used to obtain detailed pictures of the paranasal sinuses in order to identify the issues pertaining to them. Paranasal sinuses are the four air cavities in the skull around the nasal cavity. The sinuses play a crucial role in air circulation. The issues that could plague these sinuses include cancer and sinusitis (inflammation of sinus due to accumulation of fluid). Your doctor might recommend a MRI due to abnormal nasal drainage, loss of smell, unexplained headaches and sinus pain, identification of tumor, cancer or nasal polyps (non-cancerous growth within the sinuses), repeated nose bleeds or injuries in the sinus area.

The MRI scan employs powerful magnets and radio waves to obtain images of the inside of the body including body parts and to identify strokes and cancerous growth. The scan subjects the hydrogen proton in the water molecules, which constitute most of our body, to strong magnetic and radio waves and produces images corresponding to density of water. Hence, it does NOT use radiation and is completely painless.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imagining) scan is used to obtain detailed pictures of the paranasal sinuses in order to identify the issues pertaining to them. Paranasal sinuses are the four air cavities in the skull around the nasal cavity. The sinuses play a crucial role in air circulation. The issues that could plague these sinuses include cancer and sinusitis (inflammation of sinus due to accumulation of fluid). Your doctor might recommend a MRI due to abnormal nasal drainage, loss of smell, unexplained headaches and sinus pain, identification of tumor, cancer or nasal polyps (non-cancerous growth within the sinuses), repeated nose bleeds or injuries in the sinus area.

The MRI scan employs powerful magnets and radio waves to obtain images of the inside of the body including body parts and to identify strokes and cancerous growth. The scan subjects the hydrogen proton in the water molecules, which constitute most of our body, to strong magnetic and radio waves and produces images corresponding to density of water. Hence, it does NOT use radiation and is completely painless.

Abnormal images indicate:

• cancer or tumor
• nasal polyps
• acute or chronic sinusitis
• osteomyelitis (infection in bones of the sinuses)
• orbital cellulitis (infection in tissues surrounding the eye)

You will lie on a table that can be moved into the MRI Scanner. Sometimes you will be administered a dye for clarity in images. Straps might be used to hold you. Your facial region or sometimes your entire body will be inside the scanner. You will hear a thumping sound caused due to the machine during the scan for which you can ask for headphones through an intercom which is present. You will be required to stay still. It is normal to experience a twitching sensation as the scan stimulates nerves.