MRI of the Temporal Bones Without and With Contrast
MRI of the temporal bones, including the inner ear and nearby structures, performed both without and with intravenous contrast.
["This imaging test evaluates the inner ear, nearby nerves, and temporal-bone structures for abnormalities such as inflammation, tumors, or infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36836-5
- Short code
- Deprecated Temporal bones MRI W+WO contr
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Temporal bones MRI W+WO contr
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mri
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A temporal bone MRI uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of the structures beside and within the inner ear. It is often performed both without and with intravenous contrast so that tissues can be compared and abnormal areas are easier to identify.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be used to evaluate unexplained hearing loss, dizziness, ringing in the ears, facial nerve symptoms, or suspected tumors of the inner ear or nearby nerves. It can also help assess infection, inflammation, congenital abnormalities, and the effects of prior surgery.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a table inside an MRI scanner while images are taken. If contrast is needed, it is usually given through an intravenous line in your arm; the scan may include images before and after the contrast is administered.
How do I prepare for the test?
Tell the imaging team if you have a pacemaker, other implanted electronic device, metal fragments in your body, or a history of kidney disease. Follow the facility's instructions about eating, drinking, medications, and contrast allergy precautions, and bring any relevant hearing or imaging records.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate inner-ear tumors such as vestibular schwannoma, inflammatory or infectious conditions, nerve abnormalities, or changes in the bony structures of the temporal bone. The results are interpreted together with hearing tests, symptoms, and other imaging or clinical findings. The radiologist's report explains which structures appear abnormal and whether further evaluation is recommended.
Short name
Temporal Bone MRI
Frequently asked questions
Is a temporal bone MRI the same as a routine head MRI?
Why are some images taken with and without contrast?
Does the test involve radiation?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy