The Difference Between MRI and MRA? A Complete Guide to Brain MRA Exams, Costs, and MRS

MRI and MRA … The names are similar, but you might be wondering what the difference is?
When the hospital asks, “Should I get an MRI or an MRA?”, I get a little confused for a moment.

Today, we'll cover the differences between MRI and MRA, brain MRA tests, MRA test costs, and even the easily confusing MRS.

Differences between MRI and MRA 

MRI is Magnetic Resonance Imaging It's an abbreviation for .
Simply put, magnetic resonance imaging, or internal organs of the body It is an examination that takes very detailed pictures.

It is mainly used to view organ structures such as the brain, spine, knees, liver, and heart.

 

MRA stands for Magnetic Resonance Angiography, That is, magnetic resonance angiography.

It works on the same principle as MRI, but it is specialized in viewing blood vessels more clearly.

So what is the difference between MRI and MRA? 👉 MRI focuses on the entire organ, MRA focuses on blood vessels!

It's easier to divide it like this~

 

 

What is a brain MRA scan?

What many people are searching for is Brain MRA Yes.

Brain MRA is a test that checks the condition of cerebral blood vessels. cerebral aneurysm me cerebral vascular stenosis It is effective in early detection of the same disease.
It is especially recommended for those with a family history, those who frequently experience headaches or dizziness, or those who have experienced sudden blurred vision.

 

MRI may not be able to show the inside of blood vessels well. It comes out much clearer when viewed with MRA.
so Cerebrovascular examination In many cases, brain MRA is more suitable than brain MRI.

 

 

Are you curious about the cost of MRA testing?  

When it comes to inspection, the cost is the most concerning thing, haha.
The cost of an MRA test varies depending on the hospital, equipment, and insurance coverage, but is usually between 300,000 and 600,000 won.

 
It may be more expensive if taken together with a brain MRI, but it may be a little cheaper if it is included in a health checkup package.

 

Especially for those in high-risk groups (high blood pressure, diabetes, family history, etc.), it is much more beneficial to invest in early diagnosis.

Because if a cerebrovascular disease occurs, the treatment cost can exceed tens of millions of won.

 

 

Organize even MRS!  

if MRS Have you ever heard of the word?
This is Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy are you.

If MRI/MRA is for looking at structures and blood vessels, MRS analyzes the chemical composition inside the brain.
For example, whether the tumor is malignant or benign, You can find out how much brain function is damaged.

 

To summarize 👇

• MRI = Organ Structure
• MRA = Vascular
• MRS = Brain Chemical Composition

 

All three of these are the same 'magnetic resonance' technology, but the perspectives are different.

 

Do I really need to get an MRA?  

hypertension, hyperlipidemia Those who have it, smoking Those who have been doing it for a long time, in the family cerebrovascular disease If there is a patient…

 

I recommend getting a brain MRA scan at least once.
Don't ignore frequent headaches or temporary loss of vision.

 

Of course, not everyone has to do it.
However, if you are very anxious about what if there is a problem with the cerebral blood vessels, you can feel much more at ease if you get a brain MRA test to confirm it.

 

 

In summary  

Today, we learned about the differences between MRI and MRA, brain MRA examination, MRA examination cost, and MRS.
MRI for organ structures, MRA for blood vessels, and MRS for chemical components! If you differentiate between them, you won't be confused.

 

If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure or a family history, we recommend that you consider an MRA test.
Because early diagnosis is the most certain way of prevention~

 

 

 

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