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Do you have an MRI appointment later this week or next month? Sure, your doctor can guide you through the process and make you understand the technicalities of MRI scanning.
However, before the appointment, knowing the fundamental theory of MRI can prevent unnecessary worries and anxiety. Plus, when you go through the scan, you’re less likely to fret during the whole time because you’re prepared about what you’re going through.
Besides, having some knowledge about MRI can also help you determine if you need one or not. So, here’s a short session to discuss the helpful pointers you must know about MRI scanning. We’ll include the types of MRI scans and a quick analysis of whether the process is safe or not.
What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
MRI is a medical and painless procedure for your brain. During an MRI, you lay down on a table that slides in a tunnel-like machine. That machine lets out radio waves and magnetic fields that your radiologist uses to perform a detailed test of your body. After a thorough scan, the radio waves produce pictures of your tissues and organs.
You may confuse an MRI scan with a CT scan. However, the fundamental difference between the two procedures is that CT scans use harmful and intense radiation while MRIs don’t.
Why Do You Need An MRI?
So, what’s the use of MRI scanning? Magnetic Resonance Imaging assists your doctor in evaluating the health and performance of your organs and nervous system. MRIs offer extensive and detailed images to help your doctor identify where the problem may lie.
Types Of MRI Scans
There are several types of MRI scans for detailed analysis of every tissue or organ. However, the four primary types are as follows:
1. MRI Of Your Brain
MRI scanning of your brain and the skeletal system helps your doctor look for brain injuries, tumors, cancer, eye problems, and damaged blood vessels.
2. MRI Of Breasts
An MRI of the breast is a strategic way to detect breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer can avoid complications due to delayed identification.
3. MRI Of Your Heart
An MRI of your heart can detect cardiac issues, including unhealthy heart chambers or the consequences of heart attacks. Your doctor can also assess if there’s any inflammation or blockage in the blood vessels around your heart.
4. MRI Of Your Bones
MRI scans of bones and joints detect joint abnormalities and highlight existing bone infections. In addition, MRI scanning also helps your doctor look for arthritis and disk issues in your spine.
Risks And Safety Procedures For MRI Scanning
MRIs are painless and non-invasive. The only issue is that the MRI machines are pretty loud. So, for your convenience, sometimes, your radiologist can offer you headphones to block out that unpleasant buzzing.
In addition, MRI scans are safe for everyone except for a few situations. Before your MRI scanning, you must inform your radiologist if you’re pregnant or have any metal inside you, like a pacemaker, metal joint prostheses, or cardiac defibrillator. You must also ask your radiologist if your tattoos or piercings can affect your MRI or not.
In addition, if you are allergic to specific medication or iodine or have asthma, you must inform your radiologist right away. These conditions may have a significant impact on your MRI scanning.
Moreover, before your MRI scan, you will need to remove every metal-based item and keep it away from you. Be it your jewelry, any pins, or screws. They must all remain away from the magnetic fields.
Potential Side Effects Of MRI Scanning
Although side effects of MRI are pretty rare, the most you may feel is sight dizziness, headache, and nausea. You may also feel a slight twinge of discomfort at the point of injection or an allergic reaction to the metal. You can always inform your doctor about these side effects, and they’ll prescribe medication to cure them away.
In addition, if you’re claustrophobic and not a fan of tight or covered spaces, then going through an MRI scan can make you agitated. However, deep breathing helps tremendously.
Final Thoughts
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a medical term that sounds heavy and scary to speak. However, this painless procedure is quick and safe- albeit a little noisy. Knowledge truly helps wash away uncertainty and unnecessary fears. So, feel free to find out more about MRI scans here and clear your doubts even more.
Taking precautions is still better. So, reading several MRI guides and crash courses can help you familiarize yourself with the process and the things it involves.
MRIs are essential because they assist your doctor in recognizing the health issues you might be going through. That way, you can get the necessary treatment immediately and have better chances of curing your illness away.
FAQ’s
What is the purpose of a magnetic resonance imaging scan?
Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spinal cord.
Imaging of the brain and spinal cord is most commonly performed using MRI. Often, a cerebral aneurysm is diagnosed with this procedure. Inner ear disorders can also be diagnosed with this procedure.
What is the duration of an MRI scan?
There is no discomfort during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which can last between 15 and 90 minutes depending on the size of the area being scanned and the number of images being taken.
How should I dress for an MRI?
Metallic microfibers should not be worn in clothing or undergarments. MRI-safe clothing should be made of 100% cotton
