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A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging scan that uses magnetic and radio waves to produce detailed images of the internal structures of the body, including bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. An MRI scanner looks like a large tube with a table placed in the centre. The patient is placed at the table and slides in for imaging.
Pre-procedure: Metal objects, ornaments, and jewellery are removed before the procedure. If any medical devices are attached, you should inform your radiologist. You will be instructed to change into a medical gown, placed on the table, and will be positioned based on the part of your body that goes inside the tube, either your head or feet.
Procedure: During the procedure, the table slides into the tube, and the machine will generate energy to take images of your body. The entire procedure usually takes around 30 - 60 minutes.
Your medical health provider will provide you with instructions and guidelines regarding preparing for an MRI scan. Depending on the area to be scanned, your medical healthcare provider may restrict you from eating for up to 4 hours before an MRI scan or may ask you to drink water. If you own any metal objects or ornaments, including hearing aids, purses, underwire bras, and dentures, you will be asked to remove them, as they interfere with the magnets present in the machine. It is crucial to let your medical healthcare provider know if your medical devices or implants are fixed inside, such as pacemakers, prostheses, or stents. If your medical provider suggests you undergo a contrast MRI, a dye will be administered intravenously.
MRI scans aid in the diagnosis of different conditions and disorders of the body. An MRI scan is also used as a response assessment scan in patients to check their current condition after receiving the necessary treatment. MRI scans are generally used in individuals with:
Certain brain-related ailments, such as brain aneurysms, injuries, strokes, and brain tumours.
Spinal cord-related ailments, such as pinched nerves, inflammation, and deformity conditions.
Heart-related conditions, such as coronary artery diseases, blocked blood vessels, structural abnormalities in the heart, and so on.
Bone and joint-related conditions, such as serious fractures, infections, arthritis, and cancers like osteosarcoma.
For gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary-related ailments, such as hepatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), pancreatitis, cancers, and enlarged prostate.
Breast-related conditions, such as breast cancer and breast implant ruptures.
The parameters considered for time duration are based on the part of the body that has to be scanned, and the number of images needed. Generally, MRI scans usually take 30 to 60 minutes. Brain MRI scans may take 12–20 minutes, whereas breast MRIs should take at least 45 minutes to assess the breasts and surrounding tissues. Knee and lumbar spine MRIs may take around 15–20 minutes.
An MRI scan is a non-invasive, painless, and safe diagnostic imaging scan. The magnetic fields present in MRI machines are not harmful to patients but may interfere with medical implants, leading to malfunctioning and distortion of images. Most of the MRI scans employed in hospitals are compatible with metal implants, however, it has to be verified if the device is MRI-safe. In the case of contrast MRI scans, the administration of dye may cause mild discomfort or allergic reactions. Your medical provider will inform you of possible risks that may arise and will provide timely interventions, should any side effects manifest.
Yes. During your MRI procedure, you will be able to communicate with your MRI technologist using an intercom system present in the MRI machine, or by other methods of communication. Some MRI procedure rooms have a speaker and a microphone fixed to the ceiling to play music to reduce discomfort and anxiety during the procedure. Moreover, MRI scans make a tapping or thumping sound to capture images within the body, and therefore, an MRI-friendly earbud or headset will be provided to you that is designed to muffle or reduce the sound during the procedure. Your medical healthcare provider will guide you with instructions on using gadgets to communicate before the procedure.
While MRI scans are procedures that are painless and safe, very few risks pertain to individuals who are undergoing the procedure. Possible complications may include the following:
You may experience a burn-like feeling, which is uncommon and temporary for individuals with tattoos.
Certain medical devices or implants, such as neurostimulators, prosthetic devices, and hearing aids, will be contraindicated during the procedure. These devices may be affected by the magnetic field, potentially causing discomfort, heating, or movement of the implant. However, MRI-friendly medical devices are available and in use.
In gadolinium MRI scans, administration of gadolinium dye may cause allergic reactions or discomfort. In cases of kidney disorders, such as CKD, patients may experience difficulty filtering out contrast dyes. Moreover, side effects like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and contrast-induced neuropathy may arise.
A sensation of twitching may come up due to stimulation of nerves caused by rapid switching of magnetic fields during an MRI procedure.
In case you have claustrophobia, your healthcare provider may administer sedatives or anxiolytics to minimise anxiety or panic during the procedure. Open MRI scans provide a more ideal environment for patients with claustrophobia, although image resolutions are lower compared to closed MRI for proper analysis. You can share your concerns with your medical healthcare provider, who will address them and ensure your health and safety.
In case you have claustrophobia, your healthcare provider may administer sedatives or anxiolytics to minimise anxiety or panic during the procedure. Open MRI scans provide a more ideal environment for patients with claustrophobia, although image resolutions are lower compared to closed MRI for proper analysis. You can share your concerns with your medical healthcare provider, who will address them and ensure your health and safety.