Is MRI Scan Safe? Know about its uses, procedure and risks!

Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a diagnostic tool that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create scan images of the bpd organs and internal structures. The scan images can in turn help your doctor to provide a relevant diagnosis and treatment plan in order to achieve a good prognosis. Unlike other imaging techniques like CT scan or PET scan, the MRI scan doesn't use any radiation hence does not pose any radiation related risks or side effects.

What Are The Uses Of MRI Scan?

The MRI scan can be used as a diagnostic tool in various conditions-

- Abnormality of the brain or spinal cord.

- Detects any cyst, tumours or other diseases and disorders in other body parts.

- It can be used as a screening tool for high risk cancer patients.

- Any anomaly of joint or knee can be diagnosed

- Diseases occuring in liver and other organs can be viewed

- It can be used to keep an eye on the ongoing treatment progress.

- To diagnose for pain in any area such pelvic pain in women can be indicative of fibroids and endometriosis

- Any uterine disorders such as infertility can be evaluated for.

- If you are pregnant you should inform your doctor prior to the scan

- If you have claustrophobia i.e. fear of closed and crowded spaces, you should inform your doctor, you might need a sedative medication.

The list remains endless as the technology is ever expanding its scope.

What To Expect During The MRI Scan?

There are certain things you should take care of before the procedure

- You should inform your doctor about any known allergy

- If you have implanted metal devices such as a cardiac pacemaker or rod in leg you should inform your healthcare provider beforehand because the magnets in MRI can alter their functioning.

- Any medically relevant documents should be taken with for the scan

- Any jewellery should be removed.

During The MRI Scan-

- You will be asked to change your clothes to hospital gown and lay on the scan table

- Then scan able will slide into the scanner

- The scanning will happen

- Once the scan is done the table slides out of the scanner

After The MRI Scan-

- If you were injected with a contrast medium, you will be asked to stayback for a while after the scan to monitor you for any allergic reactions.

- If you were given any sedative you will need someone else to drive you home because you can remain a little dizzy after the scan.

- Otherwise you can resume your daily activities unless guided otherwise.

Side effects And Risks of An MRI Scan

- The MRI scan does not use any radiation, hence it does not pose any risks related to the radiation like very rare chances of cancer are there with a radiation related imaging technique. But the magnets that are used in a MRI scan can cause certain medical devices or implants to shift their position, they can cause slight damage also to the metal devices thereby altering their function and efficiency.

- If contrast medium was used for the MRI scan, you will be asked to not feed your baby for at least 2 meals until the contrast is drained from your body completely. The contrast can get drained by itself within a few hours after the scan but drinking plenty of water can help wash out the contrast dye fast.

- If you already have certain medical diseases such as liver problems, heart problems or kidney problems, it is possible that you develop other complications. The use of contrast in such conditions is debated and is used only in absolute indications.

Summary

Your scan reports are read and discussed with you by a trained specialist known as a radiologist. The scan reports can reveal a lot about your health and health conditions including cancer. It is always wise to choose the best MRI scan centre near you to get the best out of it in case of emergencies. Once your doctor orders a diagnostic test, don't delay it further and get yourself scanned the same day, by booking online appointments. An early cure is always better than a late cumbersome treatment.