Hearing about a diagnostic test makes people anxious even if it is a simple blood test because they are uncertain about how the test will be performed and how painful it will be. The same thing happens when patients hear about an MRI scan. Getting information about the test will ease things out for you, like what to expect before, during, or after the procedure, what are the risks and benefits, how long it will take, how costly it will be, etc.
If you also have an MRI scan due and don’t know anything about the test, here is a complete guide for you.
What is MRI and how does it Work?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a non-invasive imaging test that generates detailed images of the internal organs and tissues of the body and helps in the diagnosis of various medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, muscular and bone abnormalities, etc.
MRI uses powerful magnets to create a strong magnetic field that aligns the water molecules in the body. Then, radiofrequency pulses are passed through the patient’s body which invokes the aligned molecules to produce signals. A computer then interprets these signals and creates sliced or even 3D images of the inside of the body.
What is the Difference between an Open MRI and a Closed MRI? Which One is Right for Me?
The terms ‘open’ and ‘closed’ MRI, basically refer to the shape of magnets used in the MRI machine. A closed MRI machine resembles a tube-like or capsule-like structure in which the magnet surrounds all around the patient. On the other hand, in an open MRI, the magnets lie only on the top and bottom of the patient and the sideways are open.
Both types of open and closed MRIs can generate accurate results; however, the closed MRI has stronger magnetic strength and creates more quality images than the open one. Besides, an open MRI is not able to scan certain areas of the body. Therefore, closed MRI is preferred in cases when high-quality images of not-easily-approach areas of the body are required.
Open MRI, on the other hand, is a better option for those who are claustrophobic and get panicked in closed spaces. As the machine is open from both sides, claustrophobic patients are more comfortable with undergoing MRI scans. Moreover, an open MRI is also suitable for patients who are obese or large in size.
However, your doctor will decide the best one for you as per your needs.
How to Prepare before your Scan?
There are certain precautions and guidelines for the patients who are going to have an MRI scan.
- Bring your MRI prescription with you.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes with no metal pieces, like that of the zipper in your jeans.
- You should not be wearing any jewelry or carrying any metal items with you as the scanner is nothing but a giant magnet that can pull such things out and can cause damage.
- Tell your doctor if you have any medical condition that has ended up in installing metal objects inside your body, e.g. pacemakers in heart patients; insulin infusion pumps in diabetics; rods, screws, or wires for fractures; cochlear implants in people with hearing difficulties, etc. MRI is contraindicated in such patients.
- Tell the doctor If you have claustrophobia or any condition that doesn’t allow you to stay calm and still during the procedure, for example, tremors, epilepsy, etc. Your doctor will then prepare for your sedation.
- Your kidneys should be working fine i.e. you should not have any kidney problems as it can interfere with the clearance of contrast media from your body.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Tell me if you have any history of allergy to the contrast media.
Can I eat or drink before an MRI scan?
You can eat, drink, or even take your medications as usual before getting an MRI unless told otherwise.
In some cases, you may be asked to not eat or drink, for example, if you have an overactive bladder or fecal urgency, eating and drinking before an MRI can be problematic for you as you can have the urge to urinate or defecate during the test.
What to Expect During an MRI Scan?
MRIs are performed both as an outpatient and in-patient procedures. You can expect the following things during the scan:
- During the test, you will be asked to lie down on the scanner table of a large tube-like machine.
- Pillows, headrests, or straps can be used to prevent body movements during the scan.
- If a contrast MRI is in the plan, an IV line will be installed in your arm or hand through which contrast will be injected.
- The technician will be in another room watching you through a window and will communicate with you through speakers.
- As the magnetic field is created and radiofrequency pulses are turned on, you will hear loud noises from the machine. For this purpose, you may be given an ear plus or headset to block this noise.
- At some points, you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds.
- Contrast media will be injected in the middle of the test. You may feel some dizziness, headache, flushing, itching, nausea, etc, but it will last for only a few moments.
- Once the scan is complete, the table you are lying on will slide out of the machine.
- The IV line will be removed.
Claustrophobia and MRI scans: Tips for Coping with Anxiety
If you are claustrophobic, here are some tips that can help you in staying calm during the MRI scan;
- Learn about what to expect during the scan and get mentally prepared for it.
- Close your eyes or wear an eye mask so that you don’t get to see that you are in a closed space.
- Ask for headsets or earplugs, if available, and hear soothing music.
- Get your attention deviated by focusing on your breathing.
How long does an MRI scan take?
It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes but it can be quick or can last longer depending upon the number of images that need to be taken, the area of the body being scanned, the use of contrast media, and sedative protocols.
Are there any Risks associated with MRI?
MRI is one of the safest medical procedures with no associated risks or side effects if the guidelines are properly followed. It is completely painless and does not expose you to any harmful radiation.
However, you can have an allergic reaction to the contrast media, or the sedation can get prolonged. The doctor will be constantly monitoring your vitals for any adverse effects.
How much Radiation is Involved in an MRI Scan?
Compared to other imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, you are not exposed to any kind of radiation during an MRI scan.
Who Will Interpret the MRI Scan?
A radiologist will interpret the scan images of your body and will prepare a report containing the findings, both normal as well as abnormal ones. The report will be either handed over to you, or sent to your doctor who will then use it to make a diagnosis or to decide about the treatment plan.
What is the Cost of an MRI?
The costs of an MRI scan ranges between $375 and $2,850 in the United States.
Several factors determine the total cost of the test, for example,
- The area of the body being scanned
- Use of contrast media
- From which facilitation center you are undergoing the test
- Where you are living i.e. you may need to pay more in rural areas having less number of facilitation providers
- Availability of an insurance plan – etc
MRI vs CT scan: What’s the difference? When is each test used?
MRI is different from the CT scans in the following ways;
- MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to scan the body while CT scan is a form of X-ray that uses X-ray radiation to get body images
- Although both are great, MRI has better detailing and quality of body images
- CT scan is faster and less expensive
- MRI is safer as there is no exposure to any radiation which is not in the case of a CT scan
- Holding breath is not required in CT Scans
- MRI cannot be performed if you have metal implants, prosthetics, or objects in your body while a CT scan offers no such restrictions
- MRI is good for imaging soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, and internal organs of the body. while CT scan creates sharper and more detailed images of the bony structures and blood vessels, so it is better suited for the assessment of trauma, hemorrhage, and also staging cancers. – etc
Sunset Hill Imaging Center
We, at Sunset Hills Imaging, are offering imaging facilities, including MRI scans, on outpatient basis. We have the advanced imaging setup with state-of-the-art technology. You can undergo an MRI scan here by simply getting a referral from a doctor. Our center does not take insurance. A non-contrast scan will cost 399USD while the price will be 499USD for a contrast MRI scan. Price adjustment will be done if more than one scan is needed.