When you have had a fall, an injury, or a progressive disorder that has just been diagnosed, it is likely that as part of the monitoring or the diagnostics, you will need to undertake an MRI scan.
If you have never had an MRI scan before, it is easy to feel apprehensive or nervous about the process. Indeed, in medical dramas, these scans are played up to be exceedingly serious, but they are standard procedures for most conditions and the diagnostic processes, such as diagnosing tendonitis or ankylosing spondylitis.
However, going into an MRI, you may have some questions about the preparation. Are you allowed to eat beforehand? Will you need to take your jewelry off?
In this article, commonly searched questions about preparing for an MRI are answered.
What Is the Purpose of Having an MRI Scan?
A magnetic resonance imaging scan is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce in-depth images of the inside of the body. The images can help detect, diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions, including tumors, injuries, strokes, and infections, as well as help assess the health of internal organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, and liver. (Viagra) The purpose of an MRI scan is to diagnose, monitor, and understand the internal structure of the body. Interestingly, MRI scans are not only used in hospitals, and you can access them outside of these settings too for the diagnostic process via companies like Express MRI. So, they are very common in all fields of medicine.
How Should I Prepare for My MRI Scan?
Inform your doctor of any health conditions you have, such as allergies, pregnancy, or a pacemaker, and you should let your doctor know if you have any metal in your body. This can include things such as dental fillings, a cochlear implant, or a metallic joint replacement.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or snaps. You will need to remove any jewelry, watches, and other metal objects before the scan. (treerush.com) Inform the technologist if you have a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), as special arrangements can be made.
Will the Scan Be Painful?
An MRI scan is generally not painful. The scan itself is completely painless and non-invasive. You will be lying on a table that moves into the MRI machine, and the machine generates a magnetic field around you.
You may experience some discomfort from lying still for a long time. However, you can communicate with the technologist if you need to move or stretch. Some people experience mild discomfort from the loud noise that the machine makes, but you will be given earbuds or headphones to help you relax.
How Long Will the Scan Take?
A typical brain or spine MRI scan takes about 30 minutes to an hour. A scan of the lower body, such as the pelvis or knee, can take up to 45 minutes. A full-body scan or an MRI angiogram can take up to 2 hours.
Are There Any Risks of Having an MRI Scan?
In a word, no. MRI scans are considered safe for most people and have minimal risks. The benefits of having these scans usually outweigh the risks, and it is an important tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions.
