All You Need to Know About an MRI Scan | Nirogi Lanka

When your doctor suggests an MRI scan, is it natural to feel a bit anxious or overwhelmed? It is completely normal to have questions like, "Am I going into a huge machine? Will it hurt? Is it safe?" At Nirogi Lanka, we want to clear up all your concerns about MRI and ultrasound scans. By the time you finish reading this, you will have a clear understanding of what to expect during an MRI.

In simple terms, what is an MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. In short, it is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to create highly detailed images of the organs and tissues inside your body.

You might wonder, "Isn't this the same as a CT scan?" While both tests allow doctors to look inside your body, there are significant differences between them.

• CT Scan: This technology uses X-rays. CT scans are often used for detecting bone fractures, tumors, and emergency assessments because they are fast (taking about 10 minutes) and cost-effective. However, CT scans involve exposure to radiation.

• MRI Scan: MRI provides much higher resolution and more detailed images than a CT scan, especially for soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and ligaments. Most importantly, an MRI does not use X-rays or any harmful ionizing radiation, making it a very safe procedure. However, it can take longer, sometimes up to an hour.

How does the MRI machine work?

Imagine the MRI machine as a large, high-powered magnet. When you lie inside, the magnetic field aligns the protons in the water molecules of your body. The machine then emits radio waves that disrupt this alignment. When the radio waves are turned off, the protons return to their original state, emitting specific signals. A computer captures these signals and converts them into clear, detailed images of the area being examined.

MRI with and without Contrast

Sometimes, before your MRI, a special contrast dye (often gadolinium) is injected into your vein. This helps your doctor differentiate clearly between healthy and abnormal tissues, such as tumors. You might experience a slight metallic taste in your mouth during the injection.

Not every MRI requires contrast dye. It is often omitted for patients with specific kidney conditions or those who are pregnant to avoid potential complications.

What conditions can an MRI detect?

An MRI is a vital tool for diagnosing injuries, identifying diseases, and monitoring how your body responds to ongoing treatments across various areas of the body.

What are the risks of an MRI?

While an MRI is generally very safe, there are important safety considerations.

Metal Implants and MRI

This is the most critical safety factor. Because the MRI machine is a powerful magnet, the presence of metal in or on your body can pose a serious danger.

If you have any of the following, you must inform your doctor and the MRI staff before your scan:

• Pacemaker or ICD devices
• Clips used for brain aneurysms
• Artificial heart valves
• Cochlear implants
• Shrapnel, bullets, or other metallic fragments in your body
• Artificial joints, pins, or screws
• Dental fillings or braces – these generally do not cause issues, but it is important to inform us.
• Body piercings

While many modern pacemakers and implants are designed to be MRI-compatible, older versions may be damaged by the magnetic field. Therefore, for your safety, it is vital that you do not withhold any information and inform us of all implants.

Pregnancy and MRI

We typically avoid performing an MRI during the first trimesterof pregnancy unless absolutely medically necessary, as this is a critical period for fetal organ development. Later in pregnancy, scans can be performed based on your doctor's recommendation. If you are a breastfeeding mother and receive a contrast agent, a tiny amount may pass into your breast milk. While there is no evidence that this is harmful, if you are concerned, you may choose to pump and discard your breast milk for 24 hours following the scan. Please discuss this with your physician at Nirogi Lanka.

How to Prepare for Your MRI?

Preparing for your MRI requires a few simple steps on your part.

Important information to share with your doctor before the scan:

• Any health conditions, such as kidney or liver disease.
• Whether you are pregnant or think you might be.
• Any allergies, especially to contrast dyes.
• Any metallic implants in your body (as mentioned above).
• If you suffer from claustrophobia (fear of small, enclosed spaces). In such cases, we may offer sedation or utilize an Open MRI machine.
• Any tattoos, as some inks contain metallic components that can be affected during the scan.

On the day of your scan…

Metal objects are strictly prohibited inside the MRI room. Please ensure you leave these items behind or remove them before your scan:

• Jewelry, watches, and earrings
• Underwire bras
• Hairpins, purses, and coins
• Credit cards (the magnetic field can erase data)
• Mobile phones
• Eyeglasses and dentures

You will typically be provided with a hospital gown to wear during the procedure.

What Happens During and After the Scan?

You will be asked to lie on a table that slowly slides into the MRI machine. Straps may be used to help you remain still. During the scan, the technologist will monitor you from a separate room.

You will hear loud tapping or banging noises while the machine is operating; this is simply the sound of the machine generating the energy required to create your images. There is no need to be alarmed. We will provide earplugs or earmuffs to help reduce the noise. You might also feel a slight twitching sensation due to nerve stimulation, which is completely normal.

The scan duration typically ranges from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the body part being examined.

Once the scan is finished, you can usually head home. However, if you received sedation, you will need to stay until you are fully alert, and you must have someone to accompany you home.

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