Your doctor may want to get a more in-depth look at an injury or issue and recommend scheduling an MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance image. Movies and television shows can make getting an MRI seem stressful or scary, so it can be helpful to learn more about the process in order to address any misconceptions. An MRI is a non-invasive and pain-free diagnostic imaging tool that provides your doctors with highly detailed images of your body. If your doctor refers you to a Marietta imaging center for an MRI, there are some things you can do to prepare and information that will help you know what to expect out of the experience.
How to Prepare for an MRI
You don’t actually have to do much in order to prepare for an MRI scan! However, there are some things you should know and discuss with your doctor because of how the MRI uses strong magnetic fields to take these images. That means certain conditions may affect your ability to get an MRI scan, such as having a pacemaker, internal devices like an insulin pump, cochlear implants, and other conditions that are not compatible with magnets. There are also certain conditions that would prevent you from getting an MRI, like pregnancy.
There are a few things to pay attention to when you dress for an MRI scan, like not wearing any jewelry or metal accessories. If you have claustrophobia or experience anxiety about being in enclosed spaces, it is helpful to talk with your doctor about this beforehand. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you an oral medication to take during your MRI scan. Your doctor will also prepare you ahead of time if they request an MRI with contrast, which would require an injection or consumption of a fluid that provides contrast for the imaging.
What to Expect Before an MRI
When you arrive for your MRI scan at our Marietta imaging center, you will likely change into a gown and confirm you are not wearing any jewelry or any metal accessories. The radiologist who will perform the MRI scan will talk with you about the process you are about to undergo and provide time for you to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. There are several reasons why a doctor may recommend an MRI, like an injury, illness, or other condition. If you have an injury or condition that may affect your mobility, you can talk with your doctor and the radiologist about any assistance you might need. If your doctor requests an MRI with contrast, then you will get an injection of the contrast fluid at this time.
What to Expect During an MRI
The average MRI scan takes 45 minutes, though the time frame will depend on the reason for your MRI scan and what areas of your body require imaging. You will lie on your back, and the radiologist will need you to stay still during the actual scan. There will be a two-way intercom for communication between you and the radiologist, and they will walk you through the process. The actual MRI machine has openings on both ends, is well-lit, and even has a fan to help keep you comfortable. During the actual MRI scan, you will hear loud banging sounds like the magnets inside the MRI machine are shifting and doing their work. Your Marietta imaging specialist may provide you with earplugs or headphones to help diminish these sounds. You won’t be able to feel the magnetic fields and radio waves as they pass through your body for the scan.
What to Expect After an MRI
After your MRI scan, you will be able to head home right away! The radiologist will then send the images to your doctor for review. This will help your doctor to see more details and understand your injury or illness better in order to determine your next steps for treatment. At AICA Orthopedics, our multi-specialty teams of doctors and health practitioners work together to provide you with the comprehensive care you deserve. We offer MRI scans and other diagnostic imaging tests in-house, so you don’t have to travel somewhere different for the scan. This also means your records will be accessible in one location so your doctors can work together to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Why Your Doctor Might Request an MRI
Your doctor may recommend an MRI for a variety of reasons since it’s one of the most advanced imaging techniques available today. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows for a detailed look inside your body, producing high-resolution images that your doctor can use to diagnose what’s causing your pain. Doctors typically order MRIs when they need to diagnose or evaluate conditions that can’t be fully assessed through other imaging techniques, like X-rays or ultrasounds. Here are some common reasons why your doctor might request an MRI:
- Soft Tissue Injuries: An MRI is excellent at detecting injuries to soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. This type of diagnostic imaging is commonly used for diagnosing sports injuries or damage to joints like the knee or shoulder.
- Brain and Spinal Cord Issues: MRIs are frequently used to diagnose neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), strokes, brain tumors, and spinal cord injuries. MRI diagnostic images help your doctor identify abnormalities that X-rays or CT scans might miss.
- Cancer Diagnosis: To detect tumors and evaluate the spread of cancer, MRIs provide doctors with a clear view of the tumor’s size and how it may impact surrounding tissues.
- Heart and Vascular Conditions: An MRI can also be used to assess your heart’s structure and function, like detecting abnormalities in the heart muscle or valves. It can also be used to examine blood vessels for aneurysms, blockages, or blood clots.
- Abdominal and Pelvic Issues: If you’re experiencing unexplained pain in the abdomen or pelvis, an MRI can help evaluate organs like the liver, kidneys, or uterus to identify issues like cysts, fibroids, or internal bleeding.
How the MRI Experience Differs from an X-Ray ADDED
Though both MRIs and X-rays are diagnostic tools, they work very differently and provide unique benefits. Understanding the differences between the two can help you feel more comfortable when your doctor orders an MRI.
Technology
- X-rays: X-rays use radiation to capture images of dense structures like bones. When X-rays pass through the body, these denser materials block the rays and appear white on the image, while softer tissues allow the rays to pass through, making them less visible in darker gray shades.
- MRI: Unlike X-rays, MRIs don’t use radiation. Instead, they use powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues. This makes MRIs ideal for scanning organs, muscles, and blood vessels.
Image Detail
- X-rays: X-rays are most frequently used to look at bones and diagnose fractures, dislocations, and even certain lung conditions. However, they provide limited information about soft tissues.
- MRI: MRIs produce much more detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and internal organs. This level of detail is why MRIs are preferred for detecting issues that X-rays might miss.
Procedure Length
- X-rays: X-rays are generally quick, often taking just a few minutes to complete. You’ll likely only be asked to hold still briefly while the technician takes the images.
- MRI: An MRI can take much longer, anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour, depending on what area of the body is being scanned. You’ll need to remain still for extended periods while inside the MRI machine, which can sometimes be uncomfortable for people with claustrophobia.
Testing Experience
- X-rays: X-rays are usually less intimidating for patients. Since they are quick and can be done lying down or standing briefly, the process tends to be more comfortable for people.
- MRI: MRI machines are larger, and you’ll be asked to lie down inside a tube for the scan. The machine makes loud noises during the process, though you’ll be given earplugs or headphones to reduce the sound. While not painful, the confined space and length of time can be uncomfortable for some people.
MRI and Treatment at AICA Marietta
In summary, while X-rays are efficient for evaluating bone-related conditions, MRIs provide unparalleled clarity for soft tissue and organ evaluation. Your doctor will choose the most appropriate imaging technique based on your specific needs and the level of detail necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Overall, MRIs are essential for diagnosing a wide range of conditions, especially when more detailed images are necessary for accurate treatment planning. You might want to get some answers to other MRI frequently asked questions! For Marietta imaging tests like MRI scans, visit our AICA Orthopedics location in Marietta.