subject: What To Expect From An Mri Scan [print this page] An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan uses magnetic and radio waves to take a picture of the body. The used of MRI scanning began in the early 1980s and since has become a common technique for capturing clear images of certain parts of the body. They are used to locate any pathologies of the body that cannot be seen using other radiologic methods, such as ultrasounds and CT scans. Tumors, infections, injuries, bleeding and inflammatory processes are all conditions that an MRI can locate.
Preparing for an MRI is fairly simple. First, unless your doctor has specifically said otherwise, you should take your normal medications and stick to a regular eating schedule. Usually no special dietary measures need to be followed. Prior to entering the scanning room where the MRI will take place, you must remove all jewelry, metal objects, hearing aids, dentures and other various prosthetic devices worn on the body. Because credit cards have magnetic codes, which can be ruined by the MRI, you ought to leave your wallet or purse with the staff or a person that accompanied you. Lastly, if you are undergoing a head scan, you must remove makeup since it might contain metallic powders that are magnetic and could therefore disrupt the scanning process and its quality.
It should be noted that certain people unable to have an MRI exam. Those with any metals in their bodies, such as people with metal-based joint replacement, pacemakers, or artificial heart valves cannot undergo MRI scanning. Additionally people who are severely claustrophobic will most likely not be able to undergo an MRI scan since they will need to lie in a relatively narrow space for roughly between 20 to 60 minutes.
Sometimes the patient needs to be injected with a contrast agent. If this is the case, the injection will occur prior to entering the scanning room. After entering the room where the MRI will take plan, a staff member will help you lie down on the scanner bed and, if cold, place a blanket over you. You will then slide directly into the scanner. Then all you need to do is relax. There is nothing to be afraid of. Nothing will touch your skin and you will be able to speak to the technician, who is sitting in the next room, at all times. The scan will take between 30 to 60 minutes.
Once the radiologist, a physician who specializes in MRI tests, reviews the results and summarizes the conclusions, the results will usually be sent to the patient or to the primary care physician.
