Understanding the Mechanics and Safety of an MRI Diagnostic Procedure

ByMeer Adee Hours

An MRI scan stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It is a painless, non invasive and risk-free diagnostic procedure that uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce scan images of the inside of the body. This scanning technique does not use any ionising radiation as used in other diagnostic techniques Such as CT scan  or X-rays. Because the  scan does not involve any radiation, it is always preferred over radiation based scans.

The MRI scan can be used to evaluate and visualise various organs such as

  • Brain
  • Spinal column
  • Bones
  • Joints
  • Internal organs such as liver, womb etc
  • Breasts
  • Heart and its vessels

What Happens During The Scan?

  • You will be asked to lie on a flat scan table 
  • The scan table moves inside the scanner
  • Depending on the body part being scanned, you will be moved into the scanner head first or legs first.
  • The MRI scan technologist then operates the scan
  • The technologist stays in another room 
  • You and the technologist are connected via intercom facility, through which you can talk about any discomfort if you are feeling
  • While operating, the scanner machine makes loud thumping and ticking noise
  • You can ask for a earplugs and headset for noise cancellation
  • You need to lie very still during the scanning process, any movement during the scan can blur out the scan images
  • The scan usually lasts for about 15-60 minutes depending on the areas of concern and how many images are to be taken

How Does The MRI Scan Work?

  • human  body has many atoms of hydrogen, when the scan machine is turned on it produces a magnetic field
  • This magnetic field aligns these protons in a parallel fashion
  • These parallelly arranged protons start to behave like tiny magnets.
  • radio waves are then bombarded in short bursts at your body.
  • These radio waves  knock them from their position by striking on these protons.
  • When radio waves bombarding stops, these protons regain their original positions
  • On the basis of the energy emitted from the bouncing back of protons Softer tissues can be distinguished from harder  tissues.
  • The signals are collected by the receiver of the machine.
  • The receiver watches these signals to the computer. 
  • Computer analyses the data and makes the scan pictures.

How Safe Is The MRI Scan?

  • MRI scan is a painless, non invasive and safe procedure. 
  • The scan doesn’t use any ionising radiation hence it does not pose an radiation related hazards
  • You can feel uncomfortable while lying on the hard scan table, you can ask for a bedsheet f you feel so
  • If you have a fear of closed, compacted or crowded spaces, you should inform your healthcare provider beforehand. You can opt for feet first technique where feet are advanced into the scanner first. You might be given certain medication/sedative to help you cope with the claustrophobia
  • Many researches have been conducted to determine the safety because of the radio waves and strong magnetic field. It all came out to be safe.
  • MRI scanner can get interrupted due to certain metal belongings such as
    • Hairpins
    • Eyeglasses
    • Bangles
    • Necklace
    • Earrings
    • Rings
    • Nose Rings etc
  • Certain medical metal devices can also interfere with the  working of the magnetic scanner such as
    • Cardiac pacemaker
    • Defibrillator
    • Rods in legs or arm
    • Stents
    • Coils
    • Nerve stimulators
    • And other medical metal devices
  • All these metallic devices can get displaced from their position and can even run on a certain velocity due to the magnetic field produced during the scanning procedure which can cause potential damages to you as well as the scanner, therefore it i necessary to remove all the jewellery before the scan and inform your doctor about implanted medical devices beforehand.
  • The MRI scan is considered safe for pregnant women as well, but it is usually avoided
  • Sometimes a contrast medium is used during the scan which can cause allergic reactions manifesting as
    • Itching, redness and swelling
    • Nervousness, anxiety and fainting
    • Headache, lightheadedness
    • Nausea or vomiting etc.

Conclusion

MRI scan is a safe and painless procedure which can be used by the doctors to determine and diagnose certain medical problems such as cancer, cysts, heart problems etc. it offers a non-invasive technique to bring to us the best possible and clear images. For you to get a budget friendly scan, choosing the affordable cost MRI scan centre and best diagnostic and imaging centre is a wise and reliable option. Ganesh diagnostic and imaging centre stands unique in their technology and is the best diagnostic centre in delhi. 

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