Learn more about MRI
When a patient experiences any illness, an important thing for doctors to do is to correctly diagnose the disease in order to provide accurate treatment. Accordingly, diagnosis or illness identification requires use of multiple techniques together such as a review of patient history, blood tests, x-ray imagery and another test that we frequently hear about that is MRI.
What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?
MRI or magnetic resonance imaging is a test of the body by use of high-intensity magnetic and radio waves to generate a realistic image of the various organs of the body in order to test for patient pathologies, especially in the brain, heart, bone, muscle and other organs where cancer might develop.
An MRI test produces 3D images along the transverse, longitudinal and diagonal directions to allow doctors to clearly see abnormalities in the body. Importantly, this test is completely harmless to people who receive it.
How to Prepare for an MRI
1. Remain calm and lie down comfortably without any worry, because the test is painless.
2. The patient will receive a device to cover the ears, because the MRI machine will make intermittent noises during the test.
3. The staff will provide constant supervision during the test, so if you encounter problems, you can notify them by using the microphone inside the machine.
4. Because this is a detailed exam, it requires quite a significant amount of time. Therefore, the person undergoing the test has to remain still to produce clear imagery to ensure correct diagnosis.
5. Avoid putting on makeup, because some types of cosmetics contain metal ingredients, which can distort or create artifacts in the images.
6. If the person undergoing the test wishes for a relative to accompany them to ease their concern, it is possible to notify the staff before undergoing the test.
7. The staff will provide additional explanations before the test. If you have any questions, feel free to immediately ask the staff.
What’s Not Allowed in an MRI Test!
The following are some precautions and appropriate practices before receiving an MRI:
1. Information to inform the staff about:
- Whether or not the patient is wearing a pacemaker.
- Whether or not the patient had previously undergone a surgery that involved use of clips or metal objects.
- Whether or not the patient has foreign objects or metal in the body, such as a bullet embedded inside the body.
2. Prohibited items or items that must be handed over to your relatives:
- Jewelry such as watches, necklaces, earrings, etc.
- Dentures, hearing aids, credit cards and ATM cards.
- Metal objects such as keys, paper clips, pens, etc.
People who are not eligible for MRI:
- People who underwent a pacemaker surgery.
- People who underwent surgery with use of aneurysm clips.
- People who underwent surgery to receive ear implants.
- People who have metal in their body such as artificial joints, bone braces, bullets, etc.
- Pregnant women, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Chemical Injection before MRI
Gadolinium is a helping chemical used during an MRI test. It is a substance that increases tissue differentiation that makes pictures more effective with higher resolution for clearer diagnosis. Injected intravenously, the body will excrete most of it within 24 hours later. However, every injection is up to the discretion of the radiologist.
Side Effects after Chemical Injection
The amount of the chemical injection is small, so there are very few side effects. Nevertheless, the potential side effects after injection include nausea, vomiting, hives and itchiness throughout the body. The patient does not have to worry, however, because the radiologist and radiological staff will provide close care and assistance.
People Who Should be Cautious about MRI:
1. Claustrophobic patients who are unable to lie down in the test chamber.
2. People wearing a coronary stent.
3. People preparing to undergo brain, eye or ear surgery who require implantation of a medical device.
4. People wearing dental braces, which must be removed first, and people working in metal-related occupations, since small piece of metal might have entered their eyes. In addition to affecting the clarity of images, metal present in the body can become hazardous when moved by the magnetic field.
It is true that MRI is a modern medical technology. However, people who undergo this test must strictly follow regulations and medical recommendations in order to obtain the most accurate and precise test results.
You may find our specialist here at Neurological Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
Phyathai 2 Hospital
International Correspondence Center
Tel: +66-2617-2444 ext. 2020 or 2047 E mail: onestop@phyathai.com
@pt2_inter
Phyathai 2 Cambodia
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