Magnetic resonance image (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of your head. In many cases an MRI provides information that cannot be obtained from an x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan.

For this test, you are positioned in the MRI scanner to detect changes in the normal structure and characteristics of your head. The MRI can also detect tissue damage or disease, such as infection, inflammation, or a tumor. Information from an MRI scan can be saved and stored on a computer for further study.