| An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a | | | | that the machine is not too deep, once you are in |
| non-invasive method of using magnets and radio | | | | position no part of the machine will move or |
| waves to look deep inside the human body. An | | | | touch you and you will be provided with a button |
| MRI scan provides far greater detail than a | | | | with which you can stop the scan if you really |
| traditional X-ray and can help Doctors to diagnose | | | | need to. |
| a wide variety of different ailments. This article is | | | | The most notable part of an MRI scan and the |
| a non-technical overview from a patients | | | | part that is often the biggest surprise, is the noise. |
| perspective, to help those who are about to | | | | I can't explain the precise technical reasons behind |
| undergo a scan or are concerned about what's | | | | the noise but anyone who has had an MRI scan |
| involved. | | | | will nod knowingly when you mention it - the |
| We all tend to expect the worst and it's quite | | | | machines are extremely noisy and you will be |
| normal to be concerned about any medical | | | | provided with ear plugs or some sort of |
| procedure but an MRI scan really is nothing to | | | | headphones to help reduce the effect. Some |
| worry about and although the technology behind | | | | machines have the facility for patients to listen to |
| MRI is very complex, it requires little of the | | | | the radio or in some cases their own CD or one |
| patient, other than an ability to lie still, breathe | | | | of the hospitals but even then it can be hard to |
| normally and put up with some noise - more on | | | | hear. |
| that later... | | | | Once you are inside the tunnel the Radiologist will |
| If you are attending hospital as an outpatient, | | | | usually ask if you are OK and will then leave the |
| then it makes sense to consider what you will | | | | room. There is an intercomm system on most of |
| wear on the day of the scan. The MRI scan uses | | | | the machines I have experienced and as the scan |
| a strong magnetic field, so you should avoid | | | | is usually conducted in stages, you will be asked if |
| wearing items of clothing that contain metal | | | | you are still OK before they proceed with the |
| fastenings, zips, buckles etc, in which case you | | | | scan. |
| may not need to get changed. Try to arrive in | | | | Now is the time to try to settle into as |
| good time, at least 15 to 20 minutes before the | | | | comfortable a position as you can. As mentioned |
| appointment, as there are a few formalities to be | | | | earlier, the whole scan can last 20 - 30 minutes or |
| completed and it's not really polite to keep the | | | | longer and although the process occurs in stages |
| staff or other patients waiting (especially those | | | | it is vital that you try to remain as still as possible |
| who are in pain or nervous themselves). | | | | to provide an accurate image, so relax, breathe |
| Prior to the scan you (or a guardian/carer in the | | | | normally and try not to worry - there's nothing to |
| case of children/the elderly infirm) will be asked to | | | | fear from an MRI scan. |
| remove any items of metal, such as watches, | | | | If you have the radio on or a CD then try to |
| glasses, hairpins etc or items that will be damaged | | | | tune in to the music and focus your attention on |
| by the magnet (such as credit cards) and in most | | | | that as a way to relax your body. Alternatively |
| hospitals you will be provided with a locker in | | | | you can try to focus your eyes on part of the |
| which to place your valuables. You may be asked | | | | tunnel. You will find that the noise of the machine |
| to complete a questionaire or answer a range of | | | | comes in different types, some are annoying and |
| questions concerning your/the patients health. | | | | seem to pervade your thoughts whilst others can |
| These tend to focus on whether you (or the | | | | actually help you to 'zone out' and relax but the |
| patient) have any form of metal implants - such | | | | important thing to remember is they are only |
| as pacemakers, artificial heart valves, pins/plates | | | | noises. No harm is being done to you, no damage |
| etc or have ever had metal shrapnel or | | | | inflicted and the more you can remain still, the |
| fragments in your eyes at any time. | | | | better the resulting image and the easier it will be |
| Although the MRI technique is safe, with no | | | | for your Doctors to make a diagnosis of |
| known risks or side effects, it is still not | | | | whatever is ailing you. |
| recommended for women in the early stages of | | | | Sometimes it is necessary to supplement the |
| pregnancy and you should tell the Radiologist if | | | | scan with a small injection of MRI dye - this is |
| you think this may be the case, so they can | | | | known as a Contrast Injection and can help the |
| advise accordingly. | | | | Radiologists to see blood vessels more clearly and |
| The scan will usually last 20 - 30 minutes (longer in | | | | to get a clearer picture if you have previously had |
| some cases) and it's a good idea to visit the toilet | | | | surgery involving orthopedic implants, metal plates |
| before your scan, so you can feel as relaxed as | | | | or pins (all of which should have been discussed |
| possible. | | | | with the Radiologist prior to the the scan). The |
| Once in the scanning room, you will find that the | | | | Contrast Injection should not affect you and if |
| machine itself is quite a large cube shape with a | | | | you have driven to the appointment then you |
| horizontal hole or tunnel in the centre, into which | | | | should be fine to drive home, though obviously |
| the patient is moved on a motorized table, until | | | | you should tell someone if you feel at all unwell |
| the body part to be scanned is directly in the | | | | and take some time to settle yourself after the |
| centre of the machines magnetic field. | | | | scan if you feel in any way disoriented. |
| You will be asked to lie on the table and get into a | | | | Thanks to the wonders of MRI technology it is |
| comfortable position, ready to be slid into the | | | | now possible to provide better and more accurate |
| tunnel: Those who suffer from claustrophobia | | | | diagnosis than ever before and as you can see, |
| may find the experience unnerving and you have | | | | the process is not so scary after all. |
| my sincere empathy but it is important to note | | | | |