When your doctor tells you to have an MRI scan, you may be a little scared. "Isn't this a big machine? What will happen when I go inside? Is there any danger?" These are the questions you may have in your mind. MRI is actually a very important medical test used to accurately diagnose many diseases today. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, today we will talk about a few things that we all need to know before having an MRI scan.
What is an MRI scan? Is it different from an X-Ray?
First, let's simply understand what an MRI is. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a very powerful magnetic field and radio waves to take detailed images of the organs and tissues inside your body, instead of using X-Rays. Most importantly, there is no exposure to radiation like in X-Rays or CT scans. That is a big advantage of this test.
However, this strong magnetic field is what makes this test dangerous for some people. Let's see what those situations are.
Do you have metal parts in your body?
This is the main thing to be careful about during an MRI. The MRI machine is like a giant magnet. So if you have metal anywhere in your body, the magnetic force of this machine can attract that metal part. If that happens, you may get injured and damage the equipment installed inside your body. Also, these metal parts can reduce the image quality of the MRI image.
Therefore, even if you have a very small piece of metal in your body, you must definitely inform the doctor and the relevant staff (radiologist/radiographer) about it before the scan.
If you have any of the items in the table below, be sure to tell us about it.
| Devices and metal parts attached to the body |
|---|
| Pacemaker or ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) devices |
| Implanted drug infusion pumps - e.g. insulin pumps |
| Artificial joints, limbs, or heart valves |
| Cochlear implants that help with hearing |
| Surgical clips, plates, pins, staples, wire mesh, or screws |
| Metal fragments, bullets, or shrapnel anywhere in the body |
| Body piercings, such as earrings |
| Tattoos - Some tattoo inks may contain metals. |
Do you have kidney problems?
In some types of MRI scans, a special dye (contrast dye) is injected into a vein in your arm to make the images clearer. This is usually very safe. However, this dye contains a metal called gadolinium .
If you have severe kidney disease, your kidneys may have difficulty removing the gadolinium-containing dye from your body. Very rarely, such people can develop a condition called "nephrogenic systemic fibrosis." Simply put, this causes the tissues of the skin, joints, and internal organs to thicken and harden. Therefore, if you have kidney disease, your doctor may decide not to use this dye.
Things to know if you are pregnant
Although there is no clear evidence that an MRI scan harms a developing baby, the mother's body temperature may rise slightly during the test. Therefore, as a precaution, MRI scans are avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy, as this is when the baby's major organs are developing.
Therefore, if you are pregnant, your doctor may postpone the test or recommend another appropriate test. Also, the contrast dye mentioned above is not usually used during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding and need to have an MRI with contrast dye, be sure to discuss with your doctor whether you should temporarily stop breastfeeding.
Other problems that may occur during the scan
Claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces)
A traditional MRI machine is like a long tube with two sides closed. So if you are claustrophobic, you may find it difficult to be inside this machine. But this does not mean that you should not have an MRI. You can tell your doctor about this fear in advance and get a sedative before the test. Or, you can ask if the test can be done in an open MRI machine, which is available in some hospitals.
Is it difficult to stay still in the same position?
To get a clear picture, you will need to remain still inside the MRI machine for 30 minutes or more. If you have recently had an accident or surgery, or if you have other health problems that make it difficult for you to stay in one position for long periods of time, it is also very important to let the staff know in advance.
Allergies to Contrast Dye
Some people may be allergic to the contrast dye mentioned earlier. In such cases, symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Skin rashes (Hives)
- Skin redness
However, these are usually not serious. Very rarely, a severe allergic reaction can occur. Symptoms include swelling of the lips and mouth, and difficulty breathing. In such cases, medical staff should be informed immediately.
Take-Home Message
- An MRI scan does not involve radiation like an X-ray. It works using a strong magnetic field.
- Be sure to inform your doctor and relevant staff about any metal devices, surgical clips, pins, tattoos, or piercings implanted in your body.
- If you have kidney disease, allergies, or are pregnant, it is essential to tell your doctor before the scan.
- If you are afraid of tight spaces or have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time, you can talk about it and find an appropriate solution.
- Finally, the most important thing is to talk openly and honestly with your doctor. Ask them about any questions or concerns you may have. This will help you feel safe and comfortable with the test.
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