From WebMD website, this is interesting, as we have just discussed MRI test
recommended for Kathy:
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Test Name -- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) of the Brain and Spinal Cord
Other names
Magnetic resonance scan of the brain and
spinal cord.
For a full description of this test, See
chapter 3.
Purpose
To scan the brain for the presence
of stroke, tumors, bleeding, abnormal blood
vessels, infectious and inflammatory conditions, seizures, and disorders
characterized by abnormal accumulation of iron.
To look for changes in brain
structure associated with degenerative brain diseases
(eg, Huntington's disease).
To detect tumors, blood vessel
abnormalities, herniated disks, degenerative diseases of the spinal column
or spinal cord, multiple sclerosis, traumatic injury, infectious and
inflammatory diseases, and other problems of the spinal cord.
A recent variant of MRI
technology called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measures specific
brain chemicals and may be used in the diagnosis of stroke,
tumors, and multiple sclerosis.
To assess oxygen levels and blood
flow to the brain.
Interpretation
The doctor studies the views of your brain
and spinal cord on a monitor or on film for
abnormalities.
The next step
Treatment according to diagnosis; for some
abnormalities (eg, changes in the bones of the skull), a subsequent CT scan
may provide additional diagnostic information.
Based on The Yale University School of
Medicine Patient's Guide to Medical Tests by Barry L. Zaret M.D., Senior
Editor, Copyright (c) 1997 by Yale University School of Medicine and
G. S. Sharpe Communications, Inc. Published under license from Houghton
Mifflin Co.
Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 81/70/55
Oxford, Ohio
http://www.newcountry.nu/pd/members/camilla/one.htm
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also, on PDWebring at http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/genugten/flinterm.htm
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