An MRI scan stands apart from other imaging techniques such as a CT Scan PET Scan, etc. The MRI scan unlike other imaging techniques uses strong magnets and radio waves to generate images of internal organs whereas techniques like CT scan use ionising radiation to produce the scan images. Therefore MRI is a safer option when it comes to radiation exposure and its side effects.
What Are the Types of MRI?
There are certain specialised MRI Exams which include-
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MRI scan for diagnosing Breast conditions
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Performing Breast biopsy using MRI scan
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Prostate imaging by MRI
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Dynamic pelvic/defecography by MRI
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Functions MRI-FMRI
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Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
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Enterography by MRI
What Are the Uses of an MRI Scan?
MRI scan has proved to be a great revolution in the medical world. Doctors, scientists and researchers can now see inside your body and can evaluate and diagnose a better and more effective treatment plan accordingly. Some of its uses are mentioned below-
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Abnormalities of the brain and the spinal cord
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To assess various parts of your body to see for tumours, cysts and other anomalies
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In high-risk breast cancer women, it can be used to screen them for breast cancer
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To see injuries and abnormalities of the joints, such as the back and knee
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To diagnose certain heart problems
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To know about diseases of the liver and other abdominal organs
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For the evaluation of pelvic pain in women, with cases including fibroids and endometriosis.
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For suspected uterine abnormalities in women who are facing infertility.
The list is non-exhaustive and endless since the scope of MRI is expanding and is in use.
What Are the Risks of an MRI Scan?
Although an MRI scan does not use ionising radiation unlike other imaging techniques such as an x-Ray and CTscan etc. hence it does not pose any radiation-related risk either. The MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce images of the inner organs of your body. There are certain considerations-
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If you have any metal device which contains iron- (pacemakers, vagal nerve stimulator devices, defibrillators, loop recorders, insulin pumps, cochlear implants, deep brain stimulator devices etc.) if you have such metal devices implanted inside your body you should not enter the scanning room unless otherwise guided by your doctor.
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Loud noise- the MRI scan machine produces loud clicking and beeping noises of approximately 120 decibels while in operation, which may potentially damage your ears. To avoid any damage to hearing ability you are generally provided earplugs or headphones in which a white noise or a song of your choice is played while scanning.
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Nerve stimulation- the MRI machine in operation keeps changing its fields rapidly, which might cause a twitching sensation in your body. This twitching is caused by nerve stimulation
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Pregnancy- there are studies conducted on pregnant females with no evidence of damage to the unborn child, still MRI scans are generally avoided as a precautionary measure, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is avoided in the first trimester because it is the period when the baby's organs are being formed and if a contrast medium is used in scanning, the contrast might travel to the foetal bloodstream as well.
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Contrast agent- some people might develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis who have several renal failures already and patients who are on dialysis. This nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is usually associated with gadolinium-containing agents, such as gadodiamide and others. In certain countries, patients on dialysis are not suggested to receive gadolinium agents as a contrast medium component, but to be done only when essential followed by flushing the dye by dialysis to remove it from the system promptly.
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Claustrophobic- some people are scared of closed spaces and crowded spaces. This phenomenon is known as being claustrophobic. These people find it very difficult to tolerate long stays inside the scanner. To overcome these discomforts, people might be given sedatives or medications.
Summary
MRI scans have proved to be a great advancement in terms of aiding in diagnosing and treatment planning. There might be several centres out there offering the MRI scan facility. The best diagnostic centre in Delhi offers reliability in their reports with cost-effectiveness. Early diagnosis is always better to opt for than getting an expensive late treatment. Also if a disease is detected in late stages it becomes a little difficult to save a person if it is a deadly disease.
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