When your doctor tells you to have an MRI scan, you may be a little nervous and curious. It's normal to have a lot of questions like "What kind of test is it?", "Will it hurt?", "Do I have to go inside a big machine?" So today, let's talk about this MRI scan to clear up all the doubts you have.
Simply put, what is this MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Simply put, it uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and computer technology to produce very clear, detailed images of the inside of your body. These images help your doctor see problems with your organs, tissues, and bones.
What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
Many people get these two types of scans confused. Although both look inside the body, the methods and situations in which they are used are different.
| Scan type | Description |
|---|---|
| CT Scan (Computed Tomography) | This uses X-rays. It is often used to look for things like tumors, fractures, and to make quick diagnoses in emergencies (e.g., accidents). It is faster (about 10 minutes) and less expensive than an MRI. |
| MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) | This uses a magnetic field and radio waves. It does not use harmful radiation like X-rays. The images it produces are much clearer than a CT scan. It is especially good for looking at soft tissues like the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and ligaments. However, it can take about an hour. |
MRI with and without contrast
Before some MRI scans, a special dye is injected into a vein in your arm. This is called a contrast dye. The most common type used is gadolinium. This dye helps the doctor see the inside of your body, especially the differences between healthy tissue and cancerous tissue, very clearly. It is common to feel a slight metallic taste in your mouth when you ingest this dye.
However, MRIs are often performed without this contrast dye because it is not necessary to diagnose many conditions. Also, pregnant women and people with kidney disease are not given this fluid because it can cause complications.
What diseases can be detected with an MRI scan?
An MRI scan can be done on any part of the body. The conditions that can be detected vary depending on the part.
- Brain and Spinal Cord: Damage to the blood vessels in the brain, aneurysm (a weakened and bulging blood vessel), stroke, brain cancer, neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), damage to the spinal cord, and problems with the eyes and inner ear can all be found.
- Heart and Blood Vessels: Used to look for things like blocked blood vessels, damage from a heart attack, heart disease, structural problems in the heart, and pericarditis (inflammation of the membrane around the heart).
- Bones and Joints: MRI is very important for diagnosing arthritis, bone infections, cancer, joint damage, disc problems, and nerve-related neck and back pain.
- Breast: MRI is used to screen women at high risk of breast cancer, to check the size and spread of cancer if it is already present, to check for recurrence after surgery, and to check for damage to breast implants.
- MRI is also very important for diagnosing cancer, cirrhosis, hepatitis, stones, tumors, and other diseases of organs in the abdomen : Liver, Kidneys, Pancreas, Ovaries, Prostate .
It should be noted that special care must be taken when using contrast dye on someone with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, if you have any kidney problems, be sure to inform your doctor before the scan.
Are there any risks with an MRI scan?
MRI is generally a very safe test because it does not emit harmful radiation. However, there are a few things to be aware of.
| Risk factor | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Metal implants | This is the most important thing . The MRI machine has a strong magnet. So if you have anything metal inside or outside your body, it can be dangerous. Examples: Pacemakers, cochlear implants, surgical clips, pins, screws, bullet fragments, artificial joints. If you have anything like this, you should definitely tell your doctor before the scan. Fillings or braces on your teeth are usually not a problem. |
| Pregnancy | MRIs are not done during the first trimester unless absolutely necessary. This is when the baby's organs are developing. There is no evidence that a contrast dye given to a breastfeeding mother will harm the baby. However, if you have concerns, you can stop breastfeeding for 24 hours after the scan and discard any expressed milk. |
| Allergy to Contrast Dye | Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a contrast dye in the past, or if you have severe kidney disease. Also tell your doctor if you have asthma or other allergies. |
How do you prepare for an MRI scan?
It will be much easier for you to take care of these things before going for the scan.
The most important thing is to openly discuss any questions or fears you have with the doctor or the staff performing the scan.
On the day of the scan...
1. Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. It is best to wear clothing without metal buttons or zippers. You may need to wear a hospital gown.
2. Remove metal objects: Before entering the MRI room, you must remove all metal objects from your body. This includes:
- All jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, rings
- Clock
- Underwire bra
- Hairpins
- Glasses
- Mobile phone, credit card, coins
- Removable dentures
3. Eating and drinking: Unless your doctor has instructed you otherwise, you can eat and drink normally. However, if you are given contrast dye, you may be asked to fast for a few hours.
4. Fear and discomfort: If you have a fear of being in small, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), tell your doctor about it in advance. He or she may give you a small dose of medicine to help you relax or refer you to an open MRI machine for the scan.
What happens during the scan?
You will lie on a special bed that goes into the scanner. You may be given straps to help you stay still. Your whole body may go into the machine, or just the part of your body that will be scanned may go in.
During the scan, you may hear a slight clicking or tapping sound from the machine . This is completely normal. This sound is produced when the machine generates the energy needed to take the images. You will be given earplugs or earmuffs to help reduce this noise.
During the scan, you may sometimes feel a slight twitching sensation in your muscles. This is because the MRI stimulates the nerves. This is also normal and nothing to worry about.
The entire test, including preparation time, can usually take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes . It is very important that you remain still during this time.
After the scan...
After the scan, you can go home normally. You can also go about your daily activities as usual. However, if you were given a sedative, you will need to stay in the hospital for a while until you are fully conscious. Also, it is safer to drive home with someone else, rather than driving.
The results of the test (report) are read by a radiologist. He will send the report to the doctor who is treating you. The doctor will then explain to you what is in the report and what needs to be done next.
Take-Home Message
- MRI is a non-radioactive, safe test that takes very clear pictures of the inside of the body.
- Before an MRI scan, be sure to tell your doctor about any metal objects inside or outside your body (pacemakers, surgical clips, pins, jewelry).
- If you have claustrophobia, allergies, kidney disease, or are pregnant, please let us know in advance.
- Don't be alarmed by the noises and cramping you may hear during the scan. This is normal.
- Never hesitate to talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
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