MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging is a medical imaging process that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to construct an image of internal organs and body tissues. MRIs provide valuable insight for your physician to examine your body to help diagnose a variety of problems, from tendon tears to tumors.
You may need to undergo an MRI if you sustained a physical injury, if you have a disease, if you suffered a heart attack or stroke, or for a similar reason. MRIs are widely used as a diagnostic tool making it one of the most comprehensive imaging processes available.
Magnetic resonance imaging rose to prominence in the 1970s.
Magnetic resonance technology is a relative newcomer to the field of imaging. For reference, X-ray imaging was introduced in 1895; ultrasounds in the late 1940s; and CT scanning in 1967. The first demonstrated use of MRI technology came in 1973 when testing proved that magnetic resonance could produce images of internal organs and body parts.
The first iteration of the MRI took 5 hours to complete, making it difficult to apply in real-world scenarios. Over the years, new techniques have significantly reduced the time it takes to produce a clear image. Today, MRIs take anywhere from 15 minutes to 90 minutes to complete. The duration varies depending on the type of scan.
MRIs are now one of the most common imaging processes!
When do you need to undergo an MRI?
You need to undergo an MRI when there is a need to view images of soft tissue. This is because MRIs can distinguish between fat, water, muscle, and other soft tissues better than other forms of imaging.
An MRI can be used to take images of the entire body—from head to toe, an MRI may be a good option to help uncover more information about your medical condition. More specifically, MRIs can be ordered by your doctor to image the head, neck, spine, heart, joints, abdomen, arms, and legs. They are often performed in the aftermath of a physical injury, or after medical issues like a stroke. An MRI can identify blood clots, for example.
The goal of an MRI is to uncover the severity of an injury or monitor your progress with certain treatments. For example, an MRI can help doctors plan cancer treatments.
What do you need to do to prepare for an MRI?
Preparing for an MRI is easy. In fact, unless your doctor says otherwise, there is not much preparation needed! In most cases you can continue to eat and take any medications as you normally do leading up to the MRI.
One the day of the MRI, you will be asked to change into a gown and remove any metal, like jewelry, from your person.
The MRI machine itself is a large tube-shaped magnet. During the scan you will lie on a table inside the machine. Because of the machine’s tight encloser, some patients may feel anxious during the procedure. Your referring physician can prescribe you medication to help control this and make the process more comfortable. Earplugs or headphones may be provided to minimize the noise from the machine during your scan. Talk to your doctor about any concerns prior to the exam.
After the exam is complete, a radiologist will review the results.
A radiologist will review the MRI results and report the findings to your doctor. In fact, your doctor relies on the radiologist to identify potential medical issues that are not obvious to the untrained eye. With their experience and great attention to detail, a radiologist works in concert with your primary care physician to interpret the results of the MRI scan. The radiologist will send a report to the health care provider who ordered the test so you can begin a treatment or procedure plan.
Undergoing an MRI is safe.
There is a common misconception that MRI machines emit radiation and are therefore unsafe. MRI machines do not emit radiation and are completely safe. Millions of people undergo an MRI every year without a problem. The FDA says they receive reports of just 300 adverse events related to MRI machines, a tiny percentage compared to the number of exams performed.
That said, here is one question that your doctor may ask prior to referring you for an MRI:
- Do you have implants? Because an MRI machine is a large magnet, certain magnetic implants (like knee implants or hip implants) can be cause for concern. If you do have an implant, your doctor will first determine if it is magnetic or nonmagnetic. Your implant must be MR Safe or MR Conditional for you to undergo an MRI.
You might also be apprehensive about an MRI if you are pregnant. However, research has shown that MRIs pose no threat to the health of a fetus. Talk with your doctor about any concerns.
Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the most effective ways for doctors to make diagnoses. The process is quick, easy, and safe. At University Medical Imaging, we perform MRI scans for patients every day. Our board-certified radiologists and technicians are experts in their field. We are ready to help you get on the path to better health.