Common misconceptions about MRI

This is a Siemens MRI scanner, there are several kinds out in different facilities, with different strengths and different designs.




















MRI has been one of the most advanced tools in medical imaging, aiding physicians of different specialties to diagnose different diseases and pathologies. MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, unlike x-ray, computed tomography, mammography, or nuclear medicine, does not utilize radiation. Instead, it uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency waves to produce very detailed images of the body at 3 different planes, depending on the body part. The exam consists of multiple scans of different lengths and different technical factors. Depending on the model of the scanner and depending on each particular test, the examination could take anywhere from 18 minutes to over and hour. You will be asked to lay perfectly still, since the scans are extremely motion sensitive. A small movement can cause a blur on the particular region, which could affect the final diagnosis. If you move, the sequence might need to be repeated, causing the exam to be lengthier in time.
A lot of people suffer from claustrophobia. There is an option to those who fear small spaces. Open Field MRI's are becoming more common, and their quality of imaging is just as good or better.
Because of its coils, the MRI scanner is very loud, it sounds like a jack hammer. Hearing protection is required during the examination.
Here are some hints if you are getting an MRI:
1. Lay still! "Hold still, don't move" does mean no, you can't itch your nose in the middle of the scan. That would be moving, right?
2. When asked to remove all metal, please do so. It's for your own safety. And ALL means what we deem necessary. Unless we are doing your finger, wedding bands are ok. And if asked to change into a gown, don't question. Just do it.
3. Your medical history will be reviewed. This will include previous surgeries. Please do tell all!
Don't just casually forget about that pacemaker that you got last year.
4. If you know you are claustrophobic, please ask your physician to schedule you at an Open MRI scanner and to give you some kind of narcotic to relax you. This will save you time.
5. Don't ask the technologist/specialist to disclose any information about the exam right after the scan has been performed. They dont make enough to tell you and it is not on their scope of practice to reveal any results. There are several images that need to be looked at, and that does take some time, please be patient. You don't want the radiologist to rush through your exam and miss something, do you?
6. You might be administered contrast(dye), the most common form is intravenous gadolinium.
For the most part, it does not have side effects and it is a small amount that will highlight certain areas to determine different pathologies. It is different than the contrast they use in x-ray or CAT Scan, it does not contain iodine. And NO, NO, NO, NO it will not make you or your pee glow in the dark. So don't even ask.

Okay hopefully this will help a little bit to those who are unaware of this medical tool. TaTa!