Parkes & Forbes Community Hub
1. What is an MRI scan?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a safe procedure as it uses a large magnet and low energy radio waves to produce images of internal organs of the body.
2. Why is this scan performed?
MRI is used to diagnose patients with a variety of conditions and it is known to provide more detailed images when x-ray, CT scans or ultrasounds fail to produce a clear image of the body part. It is able to detect complications in the brain, spinal cord, muscular tissue and bones.
MRI- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI of a right knee
MRI Image of the spine and spinal cord.
3. What preparations are needed for a MRI scan?
As MRI scans use a magnetic field, it may affect some metal objects. The referring doctor should be informed about any internal metal devices or implants in the body such as metal surgical clips, pacemaker, any joint replacement, artificial heart valves and any types of foreign body in the eyes and elsewhere. Before any scans are performed, the radiographers would check for any metal objects. All metal objects such as jewellery, watches, hearing aids, undergarments with wires and any removable dental work will be removed.
For children and infants, they may be given general anaesthetic or mild sedation to ensure they do not move while the scan is being done. This will be arranged between the referring doctor, the parents and the radiographer. If sedation is required, the child will not be allowed to consume any food and liquid at a certain point before the MRI scans to ensure the stomach is empty. The radiographer should be informed of any known allergies or reactions the child could experience. Prior to the scan, you will need to sign a consent form stating you allow the scan to be done.
4. What happens during an MRI scan?
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and all metal objects will be removed prior going into the room. You will be lying on a narrow table that moves into this doughnut-shape equipment. As there will not be anyone else in the room, an intercom is provided to you to communicate with the radiographer during the whole process and a panic button is there to alert the radiographer. During the whole procedure, if at any time you feel claustrophobic, you may press the panic button to alert the radiographer. The table may move during the procedure but it will not touch you during the procedure. As this machine produces loud banging noises during the procedure, the radiographer will usually provide you with music using headphones to distract you.
Contrast injection, known as a dye, is injected into the veins to allow doctor to visualise a clearer and brighter stream of blood when the image is produced. It's important to know that you may be required to hold your breath in order to acquire some pictures.
5. What happens after an MRI scan?
You are able to resume to your daily activities and return to work as soon as the procedure is finished. The results will be sent to the referring doctor and a follow up appointment will be scheduled to discuss the results.
6. What are the risks of an MRI scan?
MRI scans are known to be safe and easy. There has not been any associated health risk with the magnetic or radio waves, as it does not use radiation in its procedure
