Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses strong magnetic fields, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of your body organs and tissues. It can examine various body parts, including the brain, spinal cord, bones, joints, breast, blood vessels, and internal organs like the liver, heart, and uterus. Medford MRI results can help doctors diagnose medical conditions, develop treatment plans, and assess the effectiveness of previous treatments.
MRI scanning works by the magnetic fields temporarily realigning your body water molecules. The radio waves then cause the aligned atoms to create faint signals, which produce cross-sectional images. MRI can also create 3D images you can view from different angles.
Preparations for MRI
Only a few preparations are needed before the MRI procedure. Since the process involves magnets, no metal objects should be in the scanner. Your doctor will ask to remove any jewelry or accessories you may have. Ensure you notify your specialist if you have any metal in your body like bullets or medical devices like implants or pacemakers. You do not qualify for MRI if you have any of these objects.
If you are too anxious, your doctor can administer sedatives or anesthesia to make the procedure comfortable. These medications are commonly used in patients with claustrophobia. Your doctor may inject a contrast liquid intravenously to improve the visibility of specific tissue during the scan.
MRI procedure
Once in the scanning room, your doctor will help you lie on the scanner table. The doctor may provide blankets and cushions to enhance comfort. You may be given earplugs or headphones to prevent the loud noises of the scanner, and children can listen to music to calm anxiety during the process. Your provider will move you into the scanner with your head or feet, depending on the body parts being viewed.
During the procedure, ensure you keep still for accuracy. You may hear loud noises from the scanner, but this is usually normal. A radiographer mostly does the process. The radiographer controls the scanner using a computer in a different room to prevent it from the magnetic field generated by the scanner that can alter its functioning. You can talk to your provider through the intercom during the process.
Additionally, you may need to hold your breath to enable your specialist to view some tissues. The procedure takes fifteen to ninety minutes, depending on the sections being viewed and how your doctor takes the images.
After the MRI procedure
You can go home immediately after the procedure. Since MRI is a non-invasive procedure, it is infrequent to have any side effects or complications.
However, if you had a contrast dye administered, you may experience nausea, headache, or discomfort at the point of the injection. The solution causes allergies like itchy eyes in some people. These effects will vanish within a few hours or days. Notify your specialist if you get adverse reactions.
Magnetic resonance imaging is a safe and painless procedure that produces high-resolution images that help doctors to diagnose and treat various medical issues. Schedule an appointment at Southern Oregon Orthopedic & Paragon Orthopedic Center for MRI scanning to diagnose the root cause of your disease.
