MRI Risks / Benefits

At some point in your life, you will likely be referred to a specialist to get an MRI done. Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses high-energy magnetic fields, which cause the protons in your body to produce signals that a scanner picks up and transmits to a computer to produce an image of your internal structures. An MRI scan is just one of many tools used for diagnosing diseases, disorders and injuries, but it is one of the most detailed and accurate.

MRI scans are considered to be very safe, with over 150 million patients scanned so far. Before the exam, patients will be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove any jewelry, hair clips, eye glasses, watches, wigs, dentures, hearing aids, under-wire bras and body piercing objects. Metallic/ferromagnetic objects can move suddenly within the system, which is why radiologists ask that patients remove these items before entering the room. Most patients will have no trouble getting scanned, but interference may occur if you have metallic joint prostheses, artificial heart valves, an implantable defibrillator, a pacemaker, metal clips, cochlear implants or bullet shrapnel in your body.

The MRI machine itself looks like a doughnut. The patient lies very still on a table and slides into the opening of the machine. A technologist monitors from another room and communicates with the patient by microphone, if necessary. The machine will then begin whirring and clicking as the magnetic field is generated and radio waves are directed toward the patient’s body. Many patients listen to music on earphones to induce greater relaxation and avoid moving around too much or feeling claustrophobic. Usually an MRI lasts about an hour or so. Sometimes patients need to be administered contrast dye to enhance the appearance of blood vessels or tissues and patients are occasionally sedated. After the test, a radiologist will interpret the test results and issue a report to the patient’s primary medical physicians.

In February of 2009, the American Heart Association warned patients and doctors to weigh the benefits and the risks of medical imaging tests involving radiation exposure. Half of the medical radiation dose comes from CT scans, but cardiac imaging, nuclear medicine and x-rays are also sources. By contrast, the MRI test makes use of magnetic fields and radio waves, which do not expose patients to radiation. Even though the other tests are believed to pose no serious threats to patients, some researchers question the long-term impact. As a result, diagnostic radiology involving the MRI is expected to increase in the coming years.

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