A short guide to MRI
— Daniels Magallanes
MRI
What is it?
It's a non-invasive imaging technology used to create clear and precise images about the body
1.
What is it for?
Its main purpose is to be an alternative to X-Ray imaging technologies, while delivering faithful images of the bodies' anathomy
2.
When should it be used
When there's suspictions about soft tissue injuries or diseases that won't appear as clearly in a CT
3.
Contraindications:
When it shouldn't be used:
- Iron implants
- Pregnancy
- Claustrophobia
- Epilepsy
- Peacemakers
- Aneurysm clips
- Cochlear implants
- Bullet injury in vital organs
Steps to take a MRI
Inform your doctor of any medical conditions and medications you are taking.
Lie down on a moveable table and be positioned inside the cylindrical MRI machine.
If needed, a contrast material may be injected into a vein to enhance the images.
It's important to lie still and follow the technologist's instructions during the exam.
You may be given earplugs or headphones to muffle the loud thumping sounds of the MRI.
The actual MRI scan lasts between 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of exam.