What is an MRI?

There are many times in life when we have been advised by our doctor to undergo diagnostic tests. While simple blood tests are easy to cope with, other tests like an MRI or CT scan can be quite nerve

By: Pavitra Sampath | | Updated: August 22, 2013 4:08 pm

Tags: MRI

There are many times in life when we have been advised by our doctor to undergo diagnostic tests. While simple blood tests are easy to cope with, other tests like an MRI or CT scan can be quite nerve racking for many. Here is a post that will explain what an MRI is, and what you can expect when you go for one.

Also known as Magnetic resonance Imaging, an MRI is a diagnostic tool used to identify if there is any defect in any part of the body. The machine works by sending pulses of radio waves and magnetic fields into the body to get an accurate image of the organs and structures within. It helps the physician see the intricacies of the body’s organs, that are often missed out in traditional imaging techniques like X-rays and CT scans.

During an MRI, the patient is made to lie down on a board that is then passed into a large circular magnet. This then takes an image of the organ that is to be studied. The images that are produced from the MRI are digitized and stored on a computer; usually placed outside the imaging room. A technician sees the images and gives a complete description of what is seen. The benefit of an MRI is that it can be transmitted to the treating physician electronically making diagnosis and treatment faster and more accurate.

An MRI is done to diagnose various conditions like stone formation, internal bleeding, swelling inside the body, tears within the organs, aneurysms, blood flow through the blood vessels, tumours and cancers. In some cases where the doctor wants to get a better view of the internal organs he/she may advise the use of a certain contrasting dye to make the images more clear. A contrasting dye is a substance that is either administered intravenously or as a solution that is ingested depending on the area that needs to be diagnosed. This dye is absolutely safe and is usually passed out of the system in a few hours.

A patient who has to undergo an MRI may sometimes feel claustrophobic because of the enclosed space they are passed through. This is mainly seen when the hospital or lab uses a closed MRI machine. Today the technology behind an MRI machine has rapidly changed. There are now open MRI machines where a person can be diagnosed without passing through the centre of the magnet but under a magnet.

Here are some dos and don’ts when you go for an MRI:

If your doctor deems it necessary for you to use a contrast dye for the MRI, make sure you tell him/her if you are allergic to the dye. Alternatively you could ask him/her to test for an allergic reaction.
Do not go for an MRI if you are pregnant or suspect that you might be. The radiation can harm a growing foetus.
Make sure you remove all metalling objects like rings, necklaces or chains, bangles, nosepins, toe rings etc. before you go for an MRI. You will not be allowed to have them on person when you undergo the test.
If you are using an IUD (Intrauterine device), have a pacemaker or any other metallic object within your body tell your doctor and avoid going for an MRI.
Wear socks when you go for the procedure. Am MRI room is usually at a lower temperature and since you will be asked to change into a hospital gown for the procedure you might feel cold during that period.
If you become nervous in confined spaces you may need some drugs to relax you, talk to your doctor about it.
For MRIs of the abdomen or pelvic region, ask your doctor if you can eat before the scan. In most cases, patients are asked to refrain from eating or anything for up to eight hours before such a scan.

So, the next time you or your family member has to undergo the diagnostic technique, don’t fret it is a simple and painless procedure that usually lasts for about 30 to 60 minutes.

Published : August 22, 2013 4:08 pm | Updated:August 22, 2013 4:08 pm

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