What is an MRI?

An MRI scan is a painless test that produces extremely detailed images of the structures within your body. It uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to obtain these images. It does not employ X-rays (radiation).

MRI is preferred over CT scans because it doesn't involve X-rays or radiation; hence, it is considered the preferred imaging test for frequent use in diagnosing or monitoring treatment conditions, particularly in the brain.

How does an MRI work?

The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical machine (tube-shaped) that creates a strong magnetic field around the patient and sends pulses of radio waves from a scanner. Some MRI machines look like narrow tunnels, while others are more open.

The strong magnetic field created by the MRI scanner causes your body's atoms to align in the same direction. From the machine, radio waves are then sent, moving these atoms out of the original position. When the radio waves are turned off, the atoms return to their original position and send back radio signals. These signals are received by a computer and converted into an image of the part of the body being examined. This image appears on a viewing monitor.

In place of computed tomography, MRI may be used to study organs or soft tissue. MRI is very good at distinguishing between classes of soft tissues and between normal and abnormal soft tissues.

Because ionizing radiation isn't used in an MRI procedure, there's no risk of exposure to radiation.

Another recent use of MRI has led to the development of other magnetic resonance technologies. Magnetic resonance angiography is a procedure for evaluating the blood flow through the arteries. MRA can even be used to diagnose aneurysms of the brain and vascular malformations - malfunctions of blood vessels within the brain, spinal cord or other body parts.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging scans the brain to determine the exact area in the head where any particular function, such as speech or memory, is located. Because general areas of the brain are known where such functions take place, the exact location can vary from person to person. During fMRI of the brain, you will be asked to perform a specific task, such as reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Doctors can plan surgery or other treatments for a brain disorder by pinpointing the exact location of the functional center in the brain.

Who conducts the MRI?

The MRI will be performed by a radiologist or radiology technologist. A radiologist is a medical doctor who performs and interprets imaging tests to diagnose conditions. A radiology technologist is a healthcare provider who's specially trained and certified to perform an MRI scan.

What do I need to do to prepare for an MRI?

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner uses strong magnets and radio wave signals that can cause heating or possible movement of some metal objects in your body. This could result in health and safety issues. It could also cause some implanted electronic medical devices to malfunction.

If you have any objects that contain metal in your body or implanted medical devices, your doctor should be made aware of this prior to your MRI scan. Some types of implanted objects require special arrangements and instructions for scheduling. Other items do not require special instructions but may need an X-ray check to pinpoint the object's location before doing your exam.

Inform your physician and the MRI technologist if you have any of the following:

• Heart pacemaker or defibrillator.
• Electronic or implanted stimulators or devices, including deep brain stimulators, vagus nerve stimulators, bladder stimulators, spine stimulators, neurostimulators, and implanted electrodes or wires.
• Metallic joint prostheses.
• Cochlear implant or other ear implants.
• Implanted drug pumps, such as those that pump narcotic/pain medications or drugs to treat spasticity.
• Programmable shunt.
• Aneurysm clips and coils.
• Stents not located in your heart.
• Filters, such as blood clot filters.
• Metal fragments in your body or eye, such as bullets, shrapnel, metal pieces or shavings.

You cannot have the following devices on you during your MRI. Schedule your MRI to coincide with when you will need to remove or replace your patch or device.

• Continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
• Insulin pump.
• Medication patches.

Also, report the following to your provider:

• Pregnancy.
• Cannot lie on your back for 30 to 60 minutes.
• Clinically claustrophobic (fear of enclosed or narrow spaces).

Removes all jewelry and other accessories at home or removes them before going into the MRI. Metal and electronic objects cannot be taken into the exam room as they can cause interference with the magnetic field of the MRI unit and may result in burns or become dangerous projectiles. These include:

• This includes jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing aids.
• Pins, bra fasteners, underwire bras, and metal zippers that can distort the MRI image.
• Dentures and other removable dental work.
• Pens, pocket knives, and eyeglasses
• Body piercings.
• Cell phones, electronic watches, and tracking devices.

How long is an MRI scan?

Depending on the exam type and equipment used, this exam typically lasts 30 to 50 minutes. Your doctor will better communicate an exact time range, depending on the specific reason you are having a scan for.

What should I expect during an MRI?

MRI scans can be done on an outpatient basis or as part of a hospital stay. While specific protocols may vary by facility, an MRI procedure typically follows this course:

• You'll be asked to remove all clothing, including jewelry, glasses, hearing aids, hairpins, removable dental work or other objects that could interfere with the test.
• You'll be provided with a gown.
• If contrast is to be administered during a procedure, then an IV line will be started in the hand or arm for injection of the contrast dye. If contrast is to be taken by mouth, you will be given the contrast to swallow.
• You will lie on a sliding scan table that goes into a large circular opening of the scanning machine. Pillows and straps could be used to prevent your movement during the procedure.
• The technologist will stay in another room in which the controls of the scanner are positioned. However, you will be constantly viewed by the technologist through a window. Speakers inside the scanner will enable the technologist to communicate with you and hear you also. You will be provided with a communication ball so that in the event you have an issue during the procedure, you may use the ball to communicate with the technologist. The technologist will be observing you at all times and in constant contact.
• Earplugs or a headset will be offered to you to reduce the loud noises from the scanner. Some headsets have music playing.
• During the scan, there will be clicking sounds made because of the creation of the magnetic field and the pulses of radio waves emitted from the scanner.
• It is required that you remain still during the procedure since any movement could distort the images and affect the quality of the scan.
• At times, you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to allow some imaging of the part of your body being scanned. You will be informed when it is permissible to breathe again. You will probably not have to hold your breath more than a few seconds.
• If contrast dye is given, you may notice some effects when the contrast dye is injected into the IV line. These include a flushing sensation or a feeling of coldness, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a transient headache, itching, and/or nausea or vomiting. These effects generally last only for a few minutes.
• You should inform the technologist if you experience difficulty breathing, or sweating, or numbness or palpitations of the heart.
• Once the scan is over, the table will be rolled out of the scanner and help will be available to get you off the table.
• If an IV line was placed to administer contrast, the line will be taken out.

While the MRI procedure itself does not cause any pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure might cause some discomfort or pain, particularly if you had a recent injury or invasive procedure, such as surgery. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible.

What to expect after an MRI?

If you did not receive a sedative medication for the MRI, no recovery time is required. You may go home and return to your daily routine immediately. When you received sedative medications during the exam, a recovery period must take place before you may leave the hospital. You should have someone else drive you home.

When can I expect to know the results of my MRI?

A radiologist will interpret images taken after your MRI scan. The report will be signed and sent to your referring physician, who will discuss the findings with you. You should be prepared for a follow-up exam. If that is the case, your doctor will explain why.

To seek an expert consultation

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back