When your doctor tells you to have an MRI scan, you may feel a little scared and nervous. 'What is this? Will it hurt? Do I have to go inside a big machine?' You may have a lot of questions coming to your mind. But don't be afraid. MRI is a very important, painless test that can help diagnose many diseases. Today, we'll talk about everything in a very simple way.
Simply put, what is MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a painless test that uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create very clear images of the organs and other parts of your body.
The most important thing here is that an MRI scan does not use any X-rays (radiation) , making it safer than a CT scan.
Because it does not use X-rays, doctors often recommend MRI scans for those who need frequent scans, especially those monitoring brain-related conditions.
There are two types of MRI machines - Open and Closed.
If you are someone who may have claustrophobia, this is important to be aware of.
- Open MRI: This machine has two magnets on top and bottom. The space you have to lie on is open on both sides, so you don't feel cramped. This is great for people who are afraid of cramped spaces. However, the images taken with this machine may not be as clear as with other types of machines.
- Closed MRI: This is the most common type. It looks like a round tube. You are sent inside this to be scanned. It is a bit narrow, so some people may feel a little uncomfortable or scared when they are inside. However, this machine can take the best quality, clearest images.
If you have a fear of cramped spaces, tell your doctor in advance. If necessary, they can give you sedatives to keep you calm.
What is an MRI scan with contrast?
For some MRI scans, you will need to have a special liquid (contrast material) injected into a vein in your arm. This liquid contains a rare metal called gadolinium.
When this fluid enters the body, it changes the magnetic properties of the surrounding tissues, making the images clearer. It's like looking at a black-and-white photo in color, making certain things stand out more clearly.
| Things that are better seen with contrast fluid | |
|---|---|
| Tumors | To identify different types of lumps in the body. |
| Inflammation | Check for swelling or inflammation anywhere on the body. |
| Infection | To see how different infectious conditions have spread. |
| Blood supply and blood vessels | To see how blood is supplied to specific organs and the condition of blood vessels. |
These contrast fluids are generally safe. Although side effects can occur, serious conditions are rare.
What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
Many people get these two scans confused. Let's look at some of the main differences between the two.
| Feature | MRI scan | CT scan |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Uses strong magnets and radio waves. | X-rays and a computer are used. |
| It is best to | Brain, spinal cord, nerves, muscles, ligaments, etc.To view soft tissue. | For cases such as fractures, internal bleeding, and accidents. |
| X-rays (Radiation) | No. (Safer) | Yes. (Small amount) |
| Time spent | Takes longer (30-50 minutes or more). | Very quick (a few minutes). |
| Limitations | Not suitable for people with metal devices in their bodies (e.g. pacemaker). | There are few such restrictions. |
What can be seen with an MRI scan?
An MRI can clearly see even the smallest details of the body. For example:
- Your brain and the nervous tissue around it
- Organs in the chest and abdomen (such as the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas)
- Breast tissue
- Spine and spinal cord
- Organs of the pelvic cavity (such as the bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate gland)
- Blood vessels
- Lymph nodes
When is an MRI needed?
A doctor may recommend an MRI to diagnose various diseases or monitor the progress of treatment.
For problems related to the brain and spinal cord
- Brain aneurysms
- Tumors in the brain or spinal cord
- Damage to the brain or spinal cord due to accidents
- Pinched nerve
- Neurological diseases such as `Multiple Sclerosis (MS)`
- Stroke
For heart-related problems (Cardiac MRI)
- To check the function of the heart's chambers, valves, and blood vessels
- To see the damage to the heart after a heart attack
- To check for congenital heart conditions
For other organs of the body
- To identify lumps in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis
- Conditions such as liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Intestinal diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Blood vessel abnormalities
For bones and joints
- Bone infections (osteomyelitis)
- Bone lumps
- Problems with the discs between the vertebrae of the spine
- Joint damage due to accidents
Is an MRI scan safe?
Yes, an MRI scan is generally a very safe test.
But there are a few things to be careful about:
- Metal devices: Although the strong magnet in the MRI machine is not harmful to you, it can affect some metal devices inside your body. For example, a pacemaker may malfunction or become dislodged.
- Allergy to contrast fluid: Some people may have an allergic reaction to contrast fluid. However, these are usually minor and serious conditions are very rare.
- Pregnancy: Contrast fluid is not usually given to pregnant women because it is still uncertain how it will affect the baby.
Who should not have an MRI scan?
If you have any of the following conditions, you may not be able to have an MRI scan. Therefore, you should definitely tell your doctor and the technician performing the MRI about this.
Some modern devices are designed to be MRI-safe, but unless there is a guarantee, it's not worth taking the risk.
- Old-style pacemakers
- Some cochlear implants
- Some types of clips used for brain blood vessels (Aneurysm clips)
- Nerve stimulators
- Implanted drug pumps
How do you prepare for an MRI?
This is the part you need to pay the most attention to.
Things to tell the doctor or technician before the scan:
- If you have any metal implants in your body (e.g. artificial joints).
- If you have an electronic device such as a pacemaker or nerve stimulator.
- If you have metal fragments (e.g. bullet fragments) lodged inside your body from a previous accident.
- If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant.
- If you have difficulty sleeping on your side for 30-60 minutes at a time.
- If you have claustrophobia .
Things you cannot bring into the scanning room:
You need to remove all of these items before scanning, as they can be attracted to the machine's magnet, heat up, endanger you, or affect the quality of the images.
- All jewelry, watches
- Credit cards, hearing aids
- Metal hooks, hairpins, zippers in underwear
- Removable dentures
- Pen, purse, eyeglasses
- Body piercings
- Mobile phones, electronic devices
What happens during an MRI scan?
The scan usually takes between 30 and 50 minutes.
1. First, you will be asked to wear a special garment given to you by the hospital.
2. You will then be placed on a bed connected to the MRI machine. This bed will then be moved into the machine.
3. The machine makes a little noise when it's working. It makes a clicking or tapping sound. This is normal. They will give you earplugs or headphones to protect your ears.
4. To get the best pictures, it is very important to remain still until the scan is complete.
5. It is normal for the part of the body being scanned to feel a little warm.
6. The technical officer is always watching you. You can talk to him. Also, you will have a 'call button' on your hand. If you feel any discomfort, press it.
What happens after the scan?
If you are not given a sedative, you do not need to rest after the scan. You can go straight home and do your usual activities. However, if you are given a sedative, you will need to wait a while for the effects of the medication to wear off. Also, someone will need to come to take you home.
A radiologist will examine your images, prepare a report, and send it to your doctor. The doctor will then explain the information in the report to you.
Take-Home Message
- An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves, not X-rays, which are harmful to the body. Therefore, it is very safe.
- MRI is best suited for examining soft tissues such as the brain, muscles, nerves, and internal organs.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any metal or electronic devices (such as a pacemaker) you have implanted in your body, about pregnancy, and about any fear of getting stuck.
- Although the scan is a little noisy, it is painless. The most important thing is to stay still.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the MRI scan, talk to your doctor about it openly. They are there to help you.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment