MRI scan stands for magnetic resonance imaging scan, this scan is a choice of diagnostic tool as it does not use any ionising radiation and hence does not pose any radiation related side effects as well. The MRI scanner machine is typically long and tube like/donut shaped machine which has a sliding table along with it that slides in and out of the machine for the scanning process. The MRI scan stands out in the line in terms of radiation exposure as it uses only strong magnets and radio waves to form images but not ionising radiations like in CT scan or X-rays.
What Are The Uses Of MRI Scan?
- Abnormalities of brain or spinal column such as cancer or injury
- Tumours or cysts occurring in various parts of the body
- Screening women having high risk of breast cancer
- Heart problems can be determine by a advanced MRA technology (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Uterine abnormality such as endometriosis or fibroids can be detected
- Certain causes that lead to infertility can be determined
How To Prepare For The Scan?/
- You can eat or drink anything unless indicated otherwise (as while having a contrast based study)
- You should not wear any jewellery during the scan.
- If you have any known allergy, you should inform prior to the scan.
- Any medications that you are taking need to be mentioned before the scan.
- You can get harmed due to strong magnetic field, you should inform if you have any implanted metallic device such as
- Cardiac [pacemaker
- Defibrillator
- Metal prosthetic legs or rod
- Vessel cold, stents, clips or filters
- Bullet wound
- Metallic fragment in body
- History of such a profession that involves grinding or working with metallic stuff.
- If you are claustrophobic, you should inform your doctor.
What Would Happen During The Scan?
- You will be asked to change your clothes into a hospital gown
- You will lie on a scan tab;le
- The scan table will slide into the large donut shaped machine
- The technician will conduct the scan from another room while you both are connected through the intercom facility.
- You need to lie still during the exam as any movement can blur out the images hence hampering the quality of treatment and prognosis.
- The machine makes loud noises during the scan, you can ask for earplugs during the scan to cancel the noise.
- Once the scan is done, the scan table slides out of the scanner
What Happens After The Scan ?
- You can resume your daily activities as soon as the scan is complete unless indicated/told otherwise
- If you had a contrast based study, you should drink plenty of water to help flush the dye from your body at a faster rate.
Conclusion
The MRI scan has no Side effects except that it may interfere with the working of metallic medical devices implanted. If you have already mentioned to your doctor about such devices, he may plan a different diagnostic technique for you. Correct details of the scan, accurate report and timely report delivery plays a very important role in correct and effective treatment plan. Hence choose the best diagnostic centre near you.
