MRI Scan (cont.)
What are the risks of an MRI scan?
An MRI scan is a painless radiology technique that
has the advantage of avoiding x-ray radiation exposure. There
are no known side effects of an MRI scan. The benefits of an MRI
scan relate to its precise accuracy in detecting structural
abnormalities
of the body.
Patients who have any metallic materials within the
body must notify their physician prior to the examination or inform
the MRI staff. Metallic chips, materials, surgical clips, or foreign
material (artificial joints, metallic bone plates, or prosthetic
devices, etc.) can
significantly
distort the images obtained by the MRI scanner. Patients who have
heart pacemakers, metal implants, or metal chips or clips in or
around the eyeballs cannot be scanned with an MRI because of the
risk that the magnet may move the metal in these areas. Similarly,
patients with artificial heart valves, metallic ear implants, bullet
fragments, and chemotherapy or
insulin pumps should not have MRI
scanning.
During the MRI scan, patient lies in a closed area
inside the magnetic tube. Some patients can experience a
claustrophobic
sensation during the procedure. Therefore, patients with any history
of claustrophobia should relate this to the practitioner who is
requesting the test, as well as the radiology staff. A mild sedative
can be given prior to the MRI scan to help alleviate this feeling.
It is customary that the MRI staff will be nearby during MRI scan.
Furthermore, there is usually a means of communication with the staff
(such as a buzzer held by the patient) which can be used for contact
if the patient cannot tolerate the scan.
How does a patient prepare for an MRI scan
and how is it performed?
All metallic objects on the body are removed prior
to obtaining an MRI scan. Occasionally, patients will be given
a sedative medication to decrease anxiety and relax the patient
during the MRI scan. MRI scanning requires that the patient lie
still for best accuracy. Patients lie within a closed environment
inside the magnetic machine. Relaxation is important during the
procedure and patients are asked to breathe normally. Interaction
with the MRI technologist is maintained throughout the test. There
are loud, repetitive clicking noises which occur during the test
as the scanning proceeds. Occasionally, patients require injections
of liquid intravenously to enhance the images which are obtained.
The MRI scanning time depends on the exact area of the body studied,
but ranges from half an hour to an hour and a half.
Next: How does a patient obtain the results of the MRI scan? »
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