Clinique Pasteur Tunis
ENT MRI: face, petrous bones and parotid glands
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ENT MRI: face, petrous bones and parotid glands

ENT and face MRI in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

MRI of the face and ENT region in Tunis: sinuses, orbits, inner ear (petrous bones), hearing nerves and parotid salivary glands.

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What is it?

This page covers MRI scans of the head outside the brain, most often requested by an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist: - MRI of the face examines the sinuses, nasal cavities, orbits, jaw and soft tissues of the face; - MRI of the petrous bones examines the inner ear and the nerves of hearing and balance, housed in the petrous part of the temporal bone; - MRI of the parotid glands examines the salivary glands located in front of the ears. MRI shows soft tissues, nerves and fluids very well, whereas a CT scan mainly shows bone: the two tests are often complementary. An injection of contrast agent (gadolinium) is common, especially to study a mass or the hearing nerves.

When is it indicated?

Hearing loss on one side, tinnitus, dizziness

MRI of the petrous bones checks the hearing nerve, in particular to look for a small benign tumour (acoustic neuroma).

Lump or swelling of a parotid gland

It indicates the likely nature of the lump and its relationship with the facial nerve, before any surgery.

Complicated sinusitis, polyp or mass in the nasal cavities

It distinguishes simple inflammation from a lesion that needs specific care.

Facial palsy, pain or abnormality of the orbit

It examines the path of the facial nerves and the contents of the orbit.

Preparation

1Remove jewellery, watch, piercings, hair clips, bank cards and any metal object before entering the scanner room
2Tell us in advance about any pacemaker or defibrillator, implant (cochlear implant, neurostimulator, pump), surgical clip, heart valve, prosthesis or metal fragment: some are MRI-compatible, others are not
3Tell us about a cochlear implant or hearing aid (to be removed before the examination)
4Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be
5Let us know if you are afraid of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia): the team will support you and your doctor can prescribe a mild sedative
6If an injection is planned, tell us about any kidney disease, allergy or past reaction to a contrast agent; a recent blood test (creatinine) may be requested
7Bring your referral, previous imaging (MRI, CT scan, ultrasound) and any relevant reports

Procedure

1

You change in a cubicle and put your metal objects in a locker

2

You lie on your back, with your head in a helmet-shaped coil

3

You may be asked not to swallow during certain series of images

4

If an injection is needed, the contrast agent (gadolinium) is given through a small drip in your arm during the examination

5

The scanner makes loud, repetitive noises while the images are being taken: headphones or earplugs are provided

6

You stay in contact with the team through a microphone and a call bell that you hold in your hand

7

After the examination, you can return to your usual activities straight away

Duration

About 20 to 40 minutes depending on the area examined

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

No X-rays: MRI does not use ionising radiation
Not possible with a pacemaker, defibrillator or implant that is not MRI-compatible, or with a metal foreign body in the eye
Allergic reaction to gadolinium: rare, and usually mild (redness, itching)
In case of severe kidney failure, the gadolinium injection is avoided or adjusted by the doctor
During pregnancy, MRI is only performed if it is really useful, and usually without an injection
You may feel enclosed inside the tunnel; the examination can be stopped at any time

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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Radiology centre direct line+216 36 402 036Clinic switchboard+216 36 402 000

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