Brain Checkup

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Health checkups Brain checkups

Features

• State-of-the-art 3.0 Tesla MRI system (manufactured by Siemens of Germany)
• Examination and result report are completed in 1 to 2 hours on the same day (Quick Course only).
• Comprehensive diagnosis by a neurosurgeon and explanation of results (approximately 20 to 30 minutes)
• Dual checkup by two physicians
• Facility accredited by the Japanese Society for Brain Checkups (Our clinic has cleared the criteria for “high level brain check” set by the Japanese Society for Brain Docs to improve the quality of brain checks, and became an accredited facility in April, 2009.)

What is a Brain Checkup?

Brain Checkup is to detect unexplained brain and cerebrovascular diseases or their risk factors by various examinations such as MRI, and to prevent the onset or progression of such diseases.

What is MRI and MRA?

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a radiation-free imaging device that uses a large magnet and radio waves. The radio waves used in the examination are the same as those used in radio and television, and have no effect on the human body. It can take cross-sectional images of the inside of the body in all directions, vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, and is very useful in the diagnosis of diseases. MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) is a method of imaging blood vessels using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technology. MRA safely and painlessly visualizes cerebral blood vessels without the use of contrast media, and can detect cerebral aneurysms, stenosis of cerebral blood vessels, and other conditions.

Various Brain Checkup Courses

We offer three types of brain docks: “Standard Course,” “Quick Course” and “Dementia Checkup Course.”

Standard Course

The Standard Course examines for hidden diseases in the brain, such as cerebral aneurysms that cause subarachnoid hemorrhage, narrowing of arteries that cause cerebral infarction, and early detection of brain tumors, and examines risk factors for stroke, such as hypercholesterolemia and diabetes, in detail.

Quick Course

In the Quick Course, hidden lesions (cerebral aneurysm, cerebral artery stenosis, hidden stroke, small brain tumor) that may be present in the brain are thoroughly examined by MRI, and the results are explained on the same day.

～For example, the following are examples of what the brain scan revealed

[Brain tumor] Extremely small brain tumor found during the brain doc. round shape on MRI and present in the brain tissue.

[Hidden cerebral infarcts] Multiple small hidden cerebral infarcts are found in the bilateral basal ganglia.

[Unruptured cerebral aneurysm] A cerebral aneurysm discovered by chance during a brain scan. When it ruptures, it causes subarachnoid hemorrhage. It does not produce any symptoms until it ruptures.

Dementia Checkup Course

Dementia cannot be cured, but there are methods and medications that can prevent it from getting worse. However, these must be started while it is still mild. Therefore, we have established the Dementia Checkup Course as a new brain checkup, which not only examines brain atrophy with MRI, but also performs cerebral blood flow SPECT. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, there may be no brain atrophy. Even in such cases, SPECT may detect abnormalities. In addition, the specialist will perform a cognitive function test and explain the results.

What should I be aware of when undergoing the test?

Although there is usually no effect on the human body, strong magnets and radio waves are used. The following people may not be able to undergo the test, so please inform us in advance.