Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a scan that your doctor may subject you to for him or her to get an extensive diagnosis of various organs and/or tissues in your body. In most cases, doctors use MRI scans to determine the harshness of diseases like cancer and arthritis and also understand the severity of bone and joint injuries. Therefore, if you have experienced any injuries or pain in your skeletal system, your doctor will definitely advice you to get an MRI scan.
The machine or scanner is large and cylinder like. It uses its donut-shaped magnets to scan the human body and because the machine is connected to a computer, the signals are send to the computer screen. The computer interprets the signals into a 3D clear and accurate image of the patient’s body. For some time now, orthopedics and medical practitioners have depended on MRI scans to diagnose bone and joint problems, spinal abnormalities, tumors and tissue damage in patients. Though MRI scans are typically recommended by your doctor to further provide a diagnosis, private MRI scans are now being offered where a patient can easily book an appointment without needing a doctor’s recommendation. It is one of the best and most reliable tests that anyone can ever get.
It is therefore important for everyone to have an idea of what MRI scans are, what to expect during an MRI scan procedure and also understand why it is important to have this kind of medical procedure done. So, keep reading.
First things first; why MRI when there are other scans like X-rays and CT scans, you ask? Well, there are a number of reasons why doctors would suggest an MRI scan at Rochestor Regional and not the other two types of scans and this is why:
- MRI scans do not involve radiation – Unlike CT scans and X-rays, MRI scans do not use any radiation. The scan uses radio waves and magnets to get a concise, accurate and clear picture of the patient’s bones, joints, soft tissue or the entire human body structure.
- MRI scans are more detailed than CT and X-ray scans – MRI in Nashville is capable of seeing even the smallest of vessels in the body. Imagine that you are a patient with a heart problem; the best way for your doctor to be able to see your heart, your arteries and also detect any abnormalities will be with the help of an MRI scan. It is the most detailed yet painless procedure that will give you the most accurate results.
Moving on, what are some of the preparations and precautions for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging?The MRI scanner is an extremely strong magnetic unit, so before you get into it, there are certain precautions that you must take. Here is a list of things that you are not allowed to enter the exam room with:
- Jewelry pieces like earrings, watches, anklets, nose rings you name it – In this day and age, men and women adore their jewelry pieces but regardless of how valuable they may be to you, you must never wear them in an MRI exam room.
- Hair pins, pens, glasses, pocket knives, metal zippers and any other metallic items are also not allowed in the exam room.
There you have it! You now have an idea of what Magnetic Resonance Imaging is all about. We wish you all the best.
