Some diagnoses cannot be carried out solely with the physical examination and consultation of the symptoms but require a deeper analysis of the affected area to give an adequate opinion. The MRI is a diagnostic test that allows imaging of organs or tissues of the body without using radiation or X – rays.
Many pathologies can be diagnosed with an MRI since this test can be performed on any part of the body. This test is one of the most widely used today to help specialists make the correct diagnosis. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will explain what MRI is and its purpose.
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What is an MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging is a diagnostic test that seeks to explore in-depth bones, tissue, and organs of the human body. This test uses mighty magnets and radio waves to obtain precise images of the areas examined, called slices, and can be seen clearly through a monitor. The technician who carries out this test must analyze the pictures on the computer to prepare a medical report with the results, which, in general, are delivered to the person between 3 and 5 business days after the MRI is performed.
An MRI scan may require the person to fast for 4 to 6 hours before the exam. The equipment where the MRI is performed is a closed tunnel, so if you have claustrophobia, it is recommended that you mention it to the specialist so that they can offer you an alternative or painkiller.
Because the MRI equipment works with powerful magnets, the patient who is going to undergo the exam must be free of any metal, so they must go on the day of the test without:
- No type of jewelry, earrings, watches, hearing aids, or credit cards, as they run the risk of being damaged.
- Glasses, pens, razors, they can fly around the room.
- Pins, hair clips, or any other type of metal can distort images, even zippers or zippers on clothing, so go dressed entirely in cotton.
- If you have a dental prosthesis, you should remove it before the MRI.
Similarly, do not forget to mention to your doctor if:
- You have a defibrillator or pacemaker.
- You have artificial joints.
- You got clips for a brain aneurysm.
- You have internal implants in your ear.
- You have artificial heart valves.
- You suffer from kidney disease or are on dialysis.
- You have stents.
- You have worked with metals.
What is an MRI?
On the day of the MRI, you must attend the metal-free diagnostic center and with the fasting hours recommended by the specialist. Once it is your turn, they will ask you to lie down on a table and inserted into a narrow cylinder where the waves and magnets will begin to work around you to obtain the necessary images.
During the MRI, you will hear a constant beep that the equipment emits when it starts to work, it is essential that during this test, you remain immobile since any movement can interfere with the truthful result of the images. The MRI scan can last around 15 or 20 minutes per area to be explored and is a completely painless test.
You will have an intercom at all times through which you can communicate with the technicians who are carrying out the test, and you can even notify them if you need to stop the exam. There is more advanced equipment with headphones and special monitors so that the person can be entertained during the test and remain calm. Other models are not entirely closed.
What is MRI for
Magnetic resonance imaging is a test that seeks to explore organs deeply, bones, and tissues of the body to analyze their structure and rule out or diagnose diseases. There are many cases in which an MRI can be requested since this test can be carried out on any part of the body. Some of the reasons this test is recommended are:
- Detect masses, tumors, or cancer.
- Analyze the spine.
- Check for a fracture.
- Detect joint and cartilage problems.
- Examine the blood vessels (magnetic resonance angiography).
MRI with contrast
There is MRI with contrast to examine specific organs and tissues in-depth and obtain even more precise images than those obtained only with magnets and probes. This test consists of administering a substance or contrast medium to the person before performing the exam with the aim that, in the event of an abnormality, it is highlighted in the images thanks to the unique content of the contrast.
The contrast used for MRIs does not usually cause adverse reactions. However, you must mention if you suffer from kidney disease since this type of substance can significantly affect the kidneys.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to MRI: what it is and what it is for, we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.