Did you feel a little scared and nervous when your doctor told you to have an MRI scan ? It's normal to have a lot of questions like, "Isn't this something that goes inside a big machine? Will it hurt? Will it be a problem?" That's why today we're going to talk about this MRI scan to clear up all the questions you have. By the time you finish reading this, you'll have a clear understanding of an MRI.
Simply put, what is this MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging . Simply put, it's a test that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce very clear, detailed images of the organs and tissues inside your body.
Now you might be thinking that a CT scan does the same thing. Yes, they both look inside the body. But there is a big difference between the two.
- CT Scan: This uses X-ray technology. A CT scan is often done to look for things like bone fractures, tumors, and when a quick diagnosis is needed in an emergency. Because the results can be obtained in as little as 10 minutes. It is also less expensive than an MRI. However, a CT scan exposes you to radiation .
- MRI Scan: This can produce clearer, more detailed images than a CT scan. MRI is especially important for looking at soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord , muscles, and ligaments. Most importantly, MRI does not use X-rays or other harmful radiation . Therefore, it is a very safe test. However, the scan takes a while, perhaps about an hour.
How does the MRI machine work?
Think of an MRI machine as a very strong magnet, shaped like a large culvert. When you are sent into the machine, the magnetic field causes the tiny particles called protons in the water molecules in your body to align. The machine then emits radio waves. The particles then start to spin. When the radio waves stop, the particles start to align themselves again. When this happens, the particles emit special signals. The computer in the machine picks up those signals, analyzes them, and creates a clear picture of the part of your body being examined.
MRI with and without contrast
Sometimes, before the MRI, a special dye (contrast dye) is injected into a vein in your arm. This dye allows the doctor to see the inside of your body very clearly, especially the difference between healthy tissue and cancerous tissue. Most often, this is done with a type of dye called gadolinium. This dye can cause a slight metallic taste in your mouth when it is injected.
However, this medicine is not given for every MRI. In most cases, clear images can be obtained without it. Also, this contrast medicine is not used in pregnant women and those with kidney disease due to the complications it can cause.
What diseases can be detected with an MRI scan?
An MRI scan is a very important tool used to diagnose a disease or injury, as well as to see how your body is responding to treatment. MRIs can be done on different parts of the body.
| Body part | Conditions detected by MRI |
|---|---|
| Brain & Spinal Cord | Damage to blood vessels in the brain (such as aneurysm), stroke, brain cancer, multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injuries, eye and inner ear problems. |
| Heart | Blocked blood vessels, heart damage, heart disease, structural problems in the heart, inflammation of the membrane around the heart (pericarditis). |
| Bones & Joints | Arthritis, bone infections, cancer, joint damage, disc problems, nerve-related neck and back pain. |
| Breast | Screening those at high risk for breast cancer, checking the size and spread of the cancer, and checking for damage to breast implants. |
| Liver, Kidney, Pancreas | Liver or pancreatic cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis, kidney cancer, chronic kidney disease, stones or tumors. |
| Prostate, Ovaries | Determining whether a tumor in the prostate or ovary is cancerous or not. |
A special type of MRI, fMRI (Functional MRI) , can map which parts of the brain are active when you perform a task. This is very important when planning surgery for epilepsy or brain tumors.
What are the risks of an MRI?
An MRI is generally a very safe test, but there are a few things you should be aware of.
Metal Implants and MRI
This is the most important and important thing to pay attention to. The MRI machine is a powerful magnet, so it can be dangerous if you have metal objects inside or outside your body.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform the doctor and MRI staff before the MRI:
- Pacemaker or ICD device
- Clips for brain aneurysms
- Artificial heart valves
- Cochlear implants
- Bullet fragments or other metal fragments in the body
- Artificial joints, pins, or screws
- Dental fillings/braces – These are usually not a problem, but it's good to be aware.
- Body piercings
Although many newer pacemakers and implants are designed to be MRI-compatible, older ones can be damaged. Therefore,It is very important for your safety to tell everything without hiding anything.
Pregnancy and MRI
An MRI is not done during the first trimester of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. This is because the baby's organs are developing during this time. After that, it can be done on the advice of your doctor. If a nursing mother is given a contrast dye, a very small amount of it can pass into her breast milk. Although it has not been proven to be harmful, if you have any concerns, you may want to avoid breastfeeding your baby for 24 hours after the scan and express the breast milk. Talk to your doctor about this.
How do you prepare for an MRI?
Before the MRI, you need to do a little preparation on your part.
Things to tell the doctor before the scan:
- If you have any health problems, such as kidney or liver disease.
- If you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
- If you have any allergies , especially to contrast media.
- If you have any metal implants in your body (things we talked about earlier).
- If you have a fear of small, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia) , you may be given a light sedative or an open MRI machine.
- If you have tattoos , tell them about them as some types of ink may contain metals.
On the day of the scan...
It is forbidden to bring any metal objects into the MRI room, so remember to remove everything before going for the scan.
- Jewelry, watches, earrings
- Underwire bra
- Hairpins, purses, coins
- Credit cards (the magnetic field can erase data on these)
- Mobile phones
- Glasses, dentures
You will usually be given a hospital gown to wear.
What happens during and after the scan?
You will lie down on a bed and be slowly moved into the MRI machine. Straps may be used to keep you still. During the scan, the technician will monitor you from a separate room.
While the machine is working, you will hear a loud clicking or tapping sound . This is the sound of the machine generating energy to take pictures. Don't be alarmed by that sound. You will be given earplugs or earmuffs to reduce the noise. Sometimes, you may feel a slight tingling sensation during the scan due to the stimulation of nerves in your body. This is normal.
The scan can take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the part of the body being examined.
Once the scan is over, you can go home as normal. However, if you were given a sleeping pill, you will need to stay in the hospital until you are fully awake, and you will need someone to take you home.
Take-Home Message
- An MRI scan is a non-radioactive, very safe, and clear imaging test.
- Be sure to inform the doctor and staff before the scan about any metal objects inside or outside your body (pacemakers, pins, artificial joints).
- It is essential to disclose any allergies you have, kidney disease, or if you are pregnant.
- Don't be alarmed by the loud noises and slight vibrations you hear inside the machine. These are normal.
- If you have a fear of small spaces (claustrophobia), let us know in advance and discuss options.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, never hesitate to ask your doctor before the scan.
MRI, MRI, scan, brain scan, contrast dye, magnetic resonance imaging, medical tests, diagnosis
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