The use of magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of organs and soft tissues such as muscle and fat is known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI can be used to diagnose various medical issues, including cancers, joint injuries, heart problems, and spine disorders.
It’s crucial to have an accurate MRI scan in order to make the appropriate diagnosis. Incorrect diagnosis and treatment may result from a low-quality MRI. The quality of your scan might be influenced by a variety of factors. Continue reading to learn how to get a good MRI.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI scanner is a cutting-edge piece of technology that creates a scanned image of your body using magnets, coils, and computer imagery. The interaction of all of these components determines the image’s quality. Depending on what needs to be scanned, the procedure can take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes.
Tips for Getting a Good MRI
Are you scheduled for an MRI soon? It might sound scary, but don’t worry. MRI examinations are painless and risk-free.
An accurate MRI scan will help your doctor determine your condition, so they can treat it appropriately. Here are some tips to follow to get a good MRI scan.
1. Inform your doctor if you have claustrophobia.
Getting an MRI means laying in an enclosed machine for the duration of the procedure. Inform your doctor before the scan if you have claustrophobia, so they can guide you in coping with the process. They can also give you medication before the MRI to help you relax.
2. Be open and honest with your doctor.
Changes may need to be implemented to the MRI procedure depending on certain conditions. Because the machine is essentially a big magnet, metal implants in the body can cause issues. Talk to your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Diabetes
- Pacemaker
- An implanted drug infusion device
- Implants for cochlea
- Kidney problems
- Pregnancy
- Shrapnel or gunshot wounds
The most important component of MRI preparation is discussing your medical history. To ensure the MRI is safe, your doctor will go over a long list of disorders. It’s critical to be open and honest with your doctor since any misrepresentation of your condition could cause issues with the results.
3. Don’t ignore the advice of your doctor.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations if they advise you to do more exercise, avoid particular foods, take a new medication or stop taking an old one, or adjust your routine in any manner. This will ensure that your MRI scan goes smoothly and that the results are as accurate as possible.
4. Don’t interrupt your routine.
If you don’t receive any particular instructions, keep your schedule as normal as possible in the days leading up to the scan. Continue taking your prescription medicines as usual, and don’t change your daily routine. This can help guarantee that changes in your routine do not lead to inaccuracies during the MRI scan.
5. Be prepared for noise.
Perhaps the most unenjoyable aspect of getting an MRI scan is the loudness of the machine. You will hear thumping and pulsing noises while lying in the scanner. If the sounds coming from the machine bother you or make you anxious, ask your technologist if they can provide you with a pair of headphones or earplugs.
6. Remain still.
Remain still as much as you can while the MRI machine performs its function. Listen to your technologist as they may ask you to perform simple movements or answer basic questions. Do not hesitate to let them know of any concerns you have while in the scanner. Your technologist can hear you even if they are in the other room.
Get an MRI in Bronx, New York
Once you’ve learned how to get a good MRI, the process becomes much less intimidating. An MRI is painless and risk-free, and it provides doctors with important information about what is going on inside a patient’s body. This step is frequently required to diagnose an ailment or assess how well a current treatment is working.
Here at Starling Diagnostics, we use 3T MRI technology, which generates a magnetic field two times stronger than a traditional MRI and allows for the accurate and faster detection of the most subtle abnormalities and a much broader range of medical conditions.
To schedule an MRI appointment, please use our online form or call us at (718) 319-1610. See you soon!
