A temporal bone MRI can sound terrifying, but it works like any other MRI! In fact, it is one of the quickest MRIs, reducing how long you meed to spend in the MRI scanner for your doctor to better understand your internal auditory canal. The MRI uses magnetic resonance imaging to provide a clear image of your inner ear and surrounding structures, helping your doctor to diagnose or rule out several conditions.
Finding out what happens during the MRI and what preparation is required can be tricky, but it doesn’t need to be! We are here with a detailed guide that shows you what to expect, the benefits, and risks of the temporal bone MRI.
How Do Temporal Bone MRIs Work?
A temporal bone MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses radio waves and a magnetic field to take detailed images of your body, focusing on the temporal bone. You can expect detailed images of the side and base of your skill, including your inner and middle ear.
For a temporal bone MRI, you will be placed in an MRI scanner, which uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take images inside your body. These images are displayed on a computer screen, allowing your doctor to see what is going on internally. As part of the scan, you will lay on a bed in the scanner as it takes images of your temporal bone. Temporal bone imaging takes roughly fifteen minutes, but it can take longer depending on how many images are needed. You do not usually need any contrast agents for a temporal bone MRI, and the entire procedure is painless.
Learn more about getting an MRI scan at Mermaid Beach Radiology clinic.
Why Might You Need A Temporal Bone MRI?
A temporal bone MRI might be reccomended for several reasons, helping your doctor to diagnose various conditions. Your doctor will usually explain to you beforehand why they are recommending a temporal bone MRI, so we suggest speaking to them directly if you don’t know why you are having this scan.
Typically, a temporal bone MRI is recommended to diagnose:
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Hearing loss
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Tumours like endolymphatic sac tumours, glomus tumours, facial nerve schwannomas, and lipomas
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Trauma from a fall, vehicle collision, or assault
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Facial nerve issues, like traumatic damage, Bell’s palsy, or inflammation
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Cholesteatoma
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Vestibular schwannoma in your inner auditory canal or cerebellopontine angle
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When you are invited or recommended to book a temporal bone MRI, it is likely to diagnose one of the conditions listed above. You might also be recommended to have one to help create a treatment plan and assess the extent of your condition, with an MRI providing a clear image for your doctor to better understand the issue.
How To Prepare For A Temporal Bone MRI?
You can prepare for a temporal bone MRI like you do with any other MRI procedure. You will be allowed to eat and drink as normal before the scan. You will also be allowed to take your medication as normal.
For some temporal bone MRIs, a contrast dye might be used to help make the vessels more visible during the scan. This will be administered through an IV through a vein before the scan begins. This can feel a little uncomfortable, but you should not experience any pain. If a contrast dye is recommended, you must let your doctor know beforehand if you have had any allergic reactions in the past.
You might need medication that will be taken before the scan to ensure your safety. You might also be recommended medication if you have claustrophobia or are anxious about the scan. A mild sedative might be prescribed, which should be taken before the scan. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the scan if a sedative is provided.
When you arrive for your temporal bone MRI, we will ask you a series of questions to ensure this is a suitable treatment for you. You will be asked if you are pregnant and if you have any metal, like pacemakers or plates, in your body. Metal in an MRI machine can be dangerous, but we are often still able to scan you.
You will be asked to remove all jewellery, piercings, and any metal. We provide lockers for your items and clothing but recommend coming with as few valuables as possible. Prior to the MRI, you will also be given a hospital gown to change into.
What To Expect From A Temporal Bone MRI
During The Scan
Once you are changed into your gown and all metal is removed, you will be asked to lie back on an exam table directly outside the MRI scanner. You will likely be asked to lie on your back, but the technician might tell you otherwise or reposition you if they need to take an image from a particular angle.
The table will slide into the MRI scanner, and the scan will begin. The machine will take images of your temporal bone, sending them to the computer for your doctor to analyse. This will take around fifteen to twenty minutes, but some scans can take longer.
An MRI machine is very loud, with humming and clunking sounds, but this is normal. To help with the noise of the scanner, earphones or headphones will be provided. We can also speak to you through a microphone and speaker in the machine, reassuring you if you become anxious or giving you any instructions. You must stay still during the exam, as movement can leave us with blurry and unreadable images.
After The Scan
After the scan, most patients are free to leave without any aftercare. There are not any side effects from a temporal bone MRI, and you can likely return to work or school after it. You are also free to drive after the scan unless you have taken a mild sedative to help with anxiety. In these cases, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
After your scan, we will analyse the images to diagnose you or identify any concerns. We will either invite you back for a follow-up or provide you with results over the phone. Once you have your results, a treatment plan or further testing can be ordered. We try to give everyone their results as quickly as possible, but you might wait up to two weeks during busy periods. We will provide you with an estimated time frame after the scan and any updates necessary.
What Are The Benefits Of A Temporal Bone MRI?
A temporal bone MRI has many benefits, which make it a worthwhile scan to have, especially if your doctor recommends one. We have listed the main benefits below for you to see why you should have one today:
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An MRI evaluates the normal structures of the temporal bone and skull base
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An MRI helps to detect abnormalities, like masses in the internal auditory canal, abnormal cranial nerve calibre, and fluid-filled spaces
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An MRI helps to diagnose diseases, helping you get the treatment you need
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An MRI can be used to analyse improvements after an operation, ensuring the treatment has been successful
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An MRI does not use any radiation, making it a safe option for most patients
What Are The Risks Of A Temporal Bone MRI?
While MRIs are considered safe, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of, which we have listed below for you.
- MRIs are not recommended for women during the first trimester of pregnancy unless the need outweighs the potential risks
- MRIs can be dangerous for anyone with metal in their body, but they can sometimes be performed
- MRIs can cause anxiety, especially if you suffer from anxiety or claustrophobia
- MRIs can cause some discomfort, especially if an IV is used
Book Your Temporal Bone MRI With Mermaid Beach Radiology
A temporal bone MRI can seem like a daunting experience, but it is over quickly, and you will get the diagnosis you need to start treatment. The pain-free scan is suitable for most patients without taking up too much of your time. Book your temporal bone MRI with us to get first-class treatment and fast results!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Eat And Drink Before A Temporal Bone MRI?
Yes, you can eat and drink as normal before your MRI. You can also eat and drink as normal after the scan too, ensuring you can maintain a normal daily routine while having the scan you need.
Do I Need Contrast Dye For A Temporal Bone MRI?
You don’t often need contrast dye for a temporal bone MRI, but in some cases, it’s recommended. Your doctor will let you know beforehand if contrast dye is needed and aks whether you have had any reactions previously that could impact your ability to have the dye.
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