Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI is a medical imaging technique used for different medical cases. It creates images of the inside of your body using electromagnets, radio signals, and a computer.
This test diagnoses you or determines how well you’ve reacted to therapy. Unlike CT scans and X-rays, MRIs do not involve harmful ionizing radiation.
MRI is a necessary procedure performed in a lot of medical cases, so it’s crucial to know how it works. Do you want to learn more about this procedure? Read on to learn how an MRI exam works.
Why Doctors Use MRI
A full body MRI scan can help diagnose various illnesses and injuries throughout the body. It can examine different regions, including veins, bones, joints, internal organs, and tissues, making it useful for orthopedic doctors as it can also examine the neurological system.
Risks of MRI
An MRI is not advised on a pregnant woman during the first trimester unless necessary. The baby’s organs are only starting to develop during the first trimester. A pregnant woman must also not get contrast dye.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to contrast dye in the past, you shouldn’t use it. This rule also adheres to people with kidney illnesses.
This test is also not available to people with metal inside their bodies. These metal implants could be clips, pacemakers, defibrillators, metal coils, and others.
How to Prepare for an MRI
Understand the MRI’s purpose. Asking your doctor these questions is a good starting point:
- Why do I need an MRI exam?
- Is an MRI the best way to check my health?
- What effect will the results have on my treatment?
- What are the possible risks?
- Are the benefits of this test worth the risks to me?
Let your doctor know if you’ve had recent surgeries or liver and kidney problems. Inform them of your allergies or asthma, tattoos, and if you’re pregnant.
What to Expect
An MRI machine looks like a long tube with holes on both ends. This tube has magnets all around it. You lie down on a table that slides into it completely.
During MRI
The MRI machine provides a strong magnetic field inside your body. The signals from the MRI go into a computer, which creates a series of images. Each image depicts a narrow section of your body.
You may hear a loud tapping or thumping sound. This sound is the equipment that generates electricity to take images within your body.
You may also experience twitching. It happens because the MRI triggers your body’s nerves.
How long the MRI scan would last depends on what body part is getting scanned.
After MRI
If you weren’t sedated or given any medication, you can continue your normal activities right after the scan.
If sedated, you’ll stay at the imaging center until you’re completely awake. You might also need someone to help you get home.
MRI Results
A doctor trained to interpret MRIs analyzes your MRI results. Your doctor will then explain what the results mean and what you should do next.
What You Need to Know About an MRI Exam
We hope this guide helped you better understand how an MRI exam works. MRI preparation is a crucial first step to every medical procedure.
MRIs can disclose the most dangerous diseases like aneurysms, tumors, brain traumas, and more. It can even detect abnormalities, infections, and even cancers.
If you want to learn more about MRI and its counterparts, check out the rest of our articles for more tips and guides.
