Is It Safe To Get An MRI Scan?

Health Tips 25 May 2022

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging came into existence in 1977. However, it has gained recognition in the past few years.

It’s quite uncommon to find someone unfamiliar with an MRI. But how much knowledge they have about MRI is something to contemplate. This is why the percentage of people searching the keyword "MRI center near me” on Google is lower than the percentage of people looking for X-ray and CT scan centers.

Many myths have developed around the MRI that restrict people from getting an MRI test. A few of them are listed below.

MRI is bad for kidneys – Not necessarily! Doctors never recommend kidney patients to go for an MRI with a contrast scan. Rather they ask them to have the MRI without contrast to be on the safer side.
MRI is invasive – Certainly, not! MRI is usually non-invasive and painless as it has no exposure to radiation.
MRI is expensive – This, of course, depends upon the type of MRI you are getting and the device you are using. Not every diagnostic center demands a huge amount for the MRI test. A little bit of research is helpful in this case.

Myths are always man-made and are created by people who lack knowledge about the subject. Therefore, it is necessary to dig deep into the topic and find out the actual truth.

Is it safe to get an MRI test?

Now, coming to the topic of whether an MRI scan is safe or not. According to medical specialists, it is 100% safe. To prove our statement, here we have listed a few points.

1. MRI has no direct exposure to radiation: X-rays and other medical imaging methods usually have direct exposure to radiation. This causes severe health issues like nausea, vomiting, skin infection, burning sensation in body tissues, inflammation, etc. But no evidence has been found that shows MRI tests are vulnerable to such risks. Instead, it is proven to be the safest among other medical imaging procedures available.

2. MRI is non-invasive: This is another compelling reason doctors recommend MRI to get a three-dimensional, detailed anatomical image for the specific body organ. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, it does not use ionizing radiation. Instead, it uses a magnetic field and radio waves to capture high-resolution pictures. This prevents patients from any kind of health issue and simultaneously helps doctors to diagnose the disease quickly.

3. MRI provides quicker recovery times: Doctors suggest patients get an MRI at the very beginning of any treatment. Unlike X-rays, MRI provides wide-ranging pictures of multiple sections of the body organ. These vibrant pictures of the internal body structure help doctors examine a patient's health condition and detect the disease quickly. Early detection and the right course of treatment help patients recover quickly.

Therefore, it is not wrong getting an MRI. Just use the keyword "MRI center near me" on Google search. This will help you get an accurate MRI report for a better diagnosis.

Patients who are asked to avoid MRI scans

MRI is indeed a painless radiology technique that helps doctors detect structural abnormalities of the body quickly. But doctors strictly have restrictions for some patients. Hence, before searching for an "MRI center near me," make sure you consult with your doctor.

Patients who have metallic materials within their bodies are asked to avoid MRIs. This is because the magnetic scanner while scanning the body organ, may cause risk due to the presence of a metallic item. Hence, patients with pacemakers, metallic ear implants, artificial joints, and metallic bone plates must inform the MRI technician and the doctor prior to examination.

Similarly, patients with any history of claustrophobia should also share their problems with the MRI staff beforehand. Since patients need to lie down in a closed area of a magnetic tube for the MRI test, they may experience a claustrophobic sensation. Informing the staff prior to the process can provide a mild sedative that can help avoid this feeling.

Wrapping up

Doctors strongly recommend patients get an MRI report so that they can detect and diagnose the health issue quickly and effectively. However, many patients feel afraid and hesitate to get an MRI scan even after a doctor's recommendation. According to them, MRI is invasive and can cause health disorders. But the truth is MRI is safer for almost every patient, even for pregnant women and babies.