Scared of an MRI scan? Let's talk about it simply (MRI Scan)

When your doctor tells you to have an MRI scan , you may feel a little scared or even curious. It's normal to have a lot of questions like, "What is an MRI ?", "Will it hurt?", "Do I have to go inside a big machine?" But there's no reason to be scared. An MRI is one of the most important and safest tests in medicine today. Today, we'll talk about it in a very simple way.

What is this MRI scan?

Simply put, MRI is an acronym for Magnetic Resonance Imaging . It uses a very strong magnetic field, radio waves, and computer technology to take very clear, detailed pictures of the organs and tissues inside your body.

One of the biggest advantages of this is that it does not use any radiation that is harmful to the body, unlike X - rays or CT scans . Therefore, it can be considered a very safe test.

What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?

Many people get confused between these two types of scans . Although both take pictures of the inside of the body, the methods and situations in which they are used are different. Let's take a look at what the difference is.

What diseases can be detected with an MRI scan?

An MRI can be used to examine any part of the body. Your doctor may use an MRI to diagnose a disease or to see how your body is responding to treatment.

Brain and Spinal Cord

• Damage to blood vessels , especially conditions such as a brain aneurysm
• Brain injuries
• Cancerous conditions
• Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis ( MS)
• Spinal cord damage
• Stroke
• Eye and inner ear problems

Heart and Blood Vessels

• Blocked blood vessels
• Damage caused by a heart attack
• Heart disease
• Inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart (pericarditis)
• Aorta problems

Bones and Joints

• Joint diseases such as arthritis
• Bone infections
• Bone cancer
• Damage to joints, such as torn ligaments
• Problems with the discs between the vertebrae of the spine

In addition, MRI is also very important for diagnosing cancers and other diseases of organs such as the breast, liver, kidneys, uterus, and prostate.

Are there any risks with an MRI scan?

MRI is generally a very safe test, but there are a few things to be aware of in certain situations.

If there are metal parts in the body

This is the most important and important thing to be aware of . The MRI machine has a very strong magnet. Therefore, you cannot have any metal objects inside or outside your body. You must inform the staff about this before the scan.

Be sure to tell your doctor and the MRI staff if you have any of the following conditions in your body:

• Pacemaker or ICD device
• Aneurysm clips for brain aneurysms
• Cochlear implants
• Drug pumps implanted in the body
• Artificial heart valves
• Bullet fragments or other metal fragments in the body
• Artificial joints, pins or screws

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, especially in the first trimester, it is best to avoid having an MRI scan unless absolutely necessary. You should discuss this with your doctor. It is generally safe to have an MRI scan, even if you are breastfeeding. Sometimes, if the contrast medium is used, you may be advised to refrain from breastfeeding for about 24 hours.

Contrast fluid

In some MRI scans, a special liquid (contrast dye) is injected into a vein in the arm to get clearer images. The most common type used for this is gadolinium. People with allergies to this and those with severe kidney disease should inform the doctor about this in advance.

How do you prepare for an MRI?

There are a few things you need to prepare for before going for an MRI.

You can wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal buttons or zippers on the day of the scan. They will often give you a special gown to wear.

What happens during the scan?

You will lie down on a table that moves slowly into the scanner. Because it is important to remain still during the test, you may be restrained with straps.

When the machine is running, you will hear a loud “thump” or “tock tock” sound . This is normal. You will be given earplugs or earmuffs to reduce this noise. You may feel a slight tingling sensation in some parts of your body due to nerve stimulation. This is also normal, don’t worry.

The technician will perform the test from a separate room, looking at a computer screen, and will give you instructions, such as holding your breath, when necessary. The entire test, including preparation time, can take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes.

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