- Strengths
- Contrast usually not needed when screening for non-focal symptoms (i.e headache, ataxia, syncope, dementia, dizziness) or for acute stroke detection.
- Limitations
- IV contrast usually needed for neoplasm, meningitis and helpful in staging acuity of demyelinating disease.
- Contraindications
- 1) Standard MR questionaire as to contraindicated implanted devices, surgery, etc.; 2) Gadolinium will be dose-adjusted dependent upon creatinine clearance. It will not be given with CrCl <30 due to risk of NSF.
- CPT Code
- 70551
- Exact format for order to be authorized
- MRI brain; No IV gadolinium
- Patient Preparation
- None.
