Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) provides detailed images of brain and spine disorders.
What is magnetic resonance spectroscopy?
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive diagnostic test for measuring biochemical changes in the brain, especially the presence of tumors. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identifies the location of a tumor, MR spectroscopy compares the chemical composition of normal brain tissue with abnormal tumor tissue. This test can also be used to detect tissue changes in stroke and epilepsy.
How does an MRS test work?
An MRS test is conducted on the same machine as conventional MRI. Spectroscopy is a series of tests that are added to the MRI scan of your brain or spine to measure the chemical metabolism of a suspected tumor.
How should I prepare for an MRS test?
- Avoid caffeinated beverages
- Wear comfortable clothes since you will be lying still for about 30 minutes
- Avoid wearing jewelry and metal, and remove credit cards
What happens during an MRS test?
You will lie on a moveable bed with your head cradled on a headrest and your arms at your sides. You may be given an injection of contrast dye into your arm or through an IV to enhance the images. When you are comfortable, the table will slowly move into the magnetic field. You will hear a thumping sound for several minutes at a time. This is the sound of the pictures being taken. It is important that you relax and lie as still as possible. Any movement during this time will blur the picture. An MRS test may take slightly longer than a conventional MRI.
What are the risks of an MRS test?
- Contrast material that contains gadolinium may be used in this test. But for most people, the benefit of its use in this test outweighs the risk. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or are pregnant.
- If you breastfeed and are concerned about whether the dye used in this test is safe, talk to your doctor. Most experts believe that very little dye passes into breast milk and even less is passed on to the baby. But if you are concerned, you can stop breastfeeding for up to 24 hours after the test. During this time, you can give your baby breast milk that you stored before the test. Don't use the breast milk you pump in the 24 hours after the test. Throw it out.
Advanced neuroradiology care for the most complex cases
MaineHealth Neurosurgery Scarborough provides the highest quality care for people with neurological disorders. We are nationally-recognized for care of complex conditions such as stroke, brain cancer, epilepsy and brain/spine trauma.
