Double vision
Double vision, also called diplopia, is when the same object is seen as two images. It can be constant or come and go. It can disappear when one eye is covered, or persist even with one eye open, depending on the cause.
New-onset double vision should be taken seriously as it may be due to eye-related, neurological or vascular causes. In some cases, urgent assessment is needed, especially if the double vision comes on suddenly along with other symptoms.
MRI of the brain can be part of the investigation when the brain, nerves or structures around the nerve pathways of the eyes need to be examined.
When might a brain MRI be appropriate?
Brain MRI may be indicated when double vision is new, unexplained, or occurs along with other neurological symptoms. This may include headaches, dizziness, balance problems, numbness, weakness, eye movement problems, or other vision problems.
In some cases, the examination may need to be supplemented with an ophthalmological assessment, neurological examination or blood tests. The right path depends on the pattern of symptoms and how quickly they have arisen.
- Newly developed double vision
- Headache
- Eye movement pain
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
The development of symptoms is important
An important part of the assessment is whether the symptoms are new, whether they are recurring, whether they are getting stronger over time, or whether they occur together with other neurological problems. Such information helps the doctor decide whether imaging is warranted and which examination is most appropriate.
What can a brain MRI show?
Brain MRI can show structural changes in the brain and surrounding tissues. This may include signs of previous or current vascular involvement, inflammatory changes, changes suspected of being a tumor, fluid changes, effects after injury, or other findings that need to be assessed further.
Not all findings indicate serious illness. Some changes are benign, some are age-related, and others need to be followed up or supplemented with other examinations. Therefore, the radiological report and the review with a specialist are an important part of the whole.
MRI does not replace all other diagnostics
Some conditions are better assessed with other methods, such as blood tests, neurological examination, eye examination, acute CT scan or other targeted tests. Therefore, MRI brain should be seen as part of a medical assessment, not as a stand-alone guarantee.
Other possible causes
Double vision can be caused by refractive errors, eye muscles, thyroid disease, diabetes affecting nerves, inflammation, trauma, or neurological conditions. Not all causes are visible on MRI.
It is therefore important to describe whether the double vision disappears when one eye is covered, whether it varies during the day, and whether there are other symptoms. This information helps the doctor choose the right examination.
The right path depends on the big picture
It is often the combination of symptoms, time course, age, previous illnesses, medications and findings during clinical examination that determines the next step. MRI can provide important imaging information, but the results always need to be put into context.
When should you seek immediate medical attention?
Certain neurological symptoms should be assessed urgently and should not wait for a scheduled private MRI scan. This applies in particular to sudden weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, acute confusion, sudden severe headache, seizures, impaired consciousness or rapid deterioration of general condition.
If you experience such symptoms, you should contact emergency care immediately. A planned brain MRI via Prevcare is intended for non-urgent situations where you want to have your brain examined with an MRI and have the results assessed by a radiologist.
Planned examination for non-acute complaints
Contact emergency care for stroke symptoms, seizures, impaired consciousness, sudden severe headache, or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms. Do not wait for a private MRI appointment for acute symptoms.
Price and booking
You can find the current price and book directly on the MRI brain page . The examination can be booked privately without a referral via Prevcare.
The examination includes imaging with an MRI camera, radiological examination, written report and review with a specialist. If the results show findings that need to be followed up, Prevcare can help you further with a referral if necessary.
When the whole picture needs to be examined more broadly
If the question does not only concern the brain but you want to examine several parts of the body preventively, a whole-body MRI may be an alternative. However, in cases of clear symptoms from the brain, a targeted brain MRI is often more relevant.
