MRI scans
are frequently used to evaluate the internal structures of the brain and nearby structures. Orbit MRIs are used to discover tumors, infection and chronic diseases that affect the structures in and around the orbits.
Orbit MRIs are nearly always done as a with and without contrast exam. That is, first the MRI is done without the dye injection and then images are taken after the dye has been administered by IV. Below are a few common conditions that Orbit MRIs can evaluate.
Tumor - Tumors can be primary (from the eye) or secondary (from other sites, eg melanoma). These typically present with eye pain, double vision, or are picked up during an eye exam.
Infection - Orbit infections present with eye pain, double vision, watery eyes and swelling of the tissues around the eyes. Some inflammatory conditions affect the eye itself whereas others may affect the lacrimal gland (makes tears) or the fat that surrounds the eyeball. Orbit MRIs are also very good at evaluating the nearby bones for infection (called osteomyelitis).
Optic Neuropathy - The optic nerve carries light signals from the retina (back of the eye) to the brain. Think of it as a cable filled with signals. If this is damaged or deteriorates, an Orbit MRI can pick up changes to the nerve. Damage to the optic nerve can appear as either thickening or thinning of the nerve.
Other conditions - Orbit MRIs can pick up papilledema (swelling head of the optic nerve), enlarged eye muscles (seen in thryoid conditions), infection or tumors of the lacrimal gland and enlargement of vessels that supply and drain the eye area.
An MRI of the Orbits will also partially evaluate:
Sinuses
An Orbit MRI will include parts of the sinuses. Though not used to primarily look for sinus disease, an MRI can see thickening of the sinus tissue (mucosa) or fluid in the sinuses.
Bones
Parts of the skull are included in an Orbit MRI and can detect bone tumors, infection and large fractures. It can also detect bleeds in the space between the skull and brain (aka epidural and subdural bleeds).
Brain matter
The white and gray matter of the brain are also partially seen. MRI can detect tumors, infection, bleeds, stroke and congenital defects. The pituitary gland and upper brainstem are also evaluated.
Your Orbit MRI Scan
An Orbit MRI generally takes about 30-45 minutes or so to complete. If you are going for one, wear loose comfortable clothing and remember to remove all metal (jewelry, phones, rings, etc) before going into the MRI scan room. This test is nearly always done with IV MRI contrast.
If you're insured, you may need to have your test authorized (approved) by your insurance company first. If you're uninsured and need to look up prices and buy an MRI scan of the orbit, you can use our website to look up MRI scan costs and then purchase with your credit card.
Have you had an Orbit MRI scan? What was it like? Please leave your comments below.