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Brain MR Angiography (MRA) - Benefits and Risks

Benefits

  • MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation.
  • Detailed images of blood vessels and blood flow are obtained without having to insert a catheter into the blood vessels, so that there is no risk of damaging a major blood vessel.
  • The MR angiography procedure itself may be shorter than a traditional catheter angiogram and requires no recovery period.
  • MR angiography is less costly than catheter angiography.
  • MR angiography can provide high-quality images of many blood vessels

Risks

  • The MRI examination poses almost no risk to the average patient when appropriate safety guidelines are followed.
  • If sedation is used, there are risks of excessive sedation. The technologist or nurse monitors your vital signs to minimize this risk.
  • Although the strong magnetic field is not harmful in itself, implanted medical devices that contain metal may malfunction or cause problems during an MRI exam.