Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): All you need to know

MRI is the short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It relies on a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your tissues and orders. MRI machines are enormous in size and advanced these days, which allows for better diagnosis of diseases. Before you step inside a boise MRI clinic, here’s more on what you can expect.

During an MRI

If you have never seen an MRI machine, you may find it a little intimidating. The machine has open ends and looks like a long tube. You need to lie on the table, which will get into the tube. The technologist will be in another room and will talk to you during the test through a microphone. Patients who have claustrophobia should inform their doctor in advance. In such cases, a drug is given that will reduce anxiety and make the patient a little sleepy. The radio waves are directed at the body while the machine creates a strong magnetic field. There is no pain involved. You may ask the technologist to give you earplugs that can help block the noise caused by the machine. Some patients may need a contrast material that is administered through IV.

How long will it take?

MRIs can take a few minutes to an hour. You are expected to stay in the same position and must be still so that the resulting images are more transparent. The technologist may ask questions during the test, or you could be asked to move your fingers.

After an MRI scan

You can go back to your routine right after the MRI test. If you have been given a sedative, you may need to wait, and it is best to have someone drive you back home.

Getting the results

A radiologist will check the images from the scan and make a report. This report will be sent to your healthcare provider, who will discuss the next steps of the treatment as necessary or may order other tests.

Things to note

MRI machines use powerful magnets, which means having metal things on your body could be a concern. Besides the obvious issues of attraction to the magnets, metal objects may interfere with the images. If you have any metal or electronic device in your body, let your doctor know. Also, do tell your doctor if you have tattoos. If you are pregnant, your doctor may suggest other tests and postpone the MRI.