Nobody looks forward to having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. But, for many of us, learning that our physicians have suggested MRI can be frightening. Your palms may begin to sweat, your hands may tremble, and your thoughts begin to fill with fear.

If your doctor has suggested an MRI, you may have had a similar response. It’s important to understand that this is a common reaction, and you are not alone. It’s also important to realize that, although the prospect of this scan may be terrifying, the actual procedure is a lot less scary than you would imagine. The procedure is completely painless, and you only need to stay motionless for a short amount of time.

This post aims to assist you in gaining the confidence necessary to undergo an MRI Elizabeth NJ with as little anxiety as possible. We aim to help you by informing you of what to anticipate. In addition, we’ll give you some tips that will help you prepare for an MRI.

Introduction To Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

While most of us will hear the acronym MRI, its complete term provides considerably more information about what to anticipate. MRI is an abbreviation for magnetic resonance imaging. As the name implies, this scan utilizes radio waves and strong magnets to create a picture of the body’s inside, which is then sent to a computer for analysis by physicians. These pictures deliver information about what may be happening in various areas of your body without requiring invasive treatment.

The doctors may then utilize this information to ascertain the source of the issue. Additionally, if you are getting medical treatment for a disease or injury, physicians may use an MRI to evaluate how effectively the therapy is working and how your body is recovering.

While CT scans and X-rays are also used to see the inside of the body, the advantage of an MRI is that no ionizing radiation is used. As a result, MRI is a more reliable and sustainable method of diagnosing and treating diseases. While the procedure is completely painless, it may be nerve-wracking for the patient. All you have to do is remain motionless while the MRI scanner captures images of your internal organs.

Uses of MRI

The invention of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan marks a watershed moment in the history of medicine.

Non-invasive technology allows doctors and researchers to study the anatomy of the human body in great detail without undue stress to body.

Doctors utilize magnetic resonance imaging scanners in the following situations:

• Brain and spinal cord abnormalities
• Cyst, tumors, as well as other anomalies in different areas of the body
• Screening for women who have a higher risk of breast cancer
• Back and knee injuries and abnormalities
• Some forms of cardiovascular disease
• Conditions affecting the liver or other abdominal organs.
• The assessment of pelvic discomfort in women, which may be caused by fibroids or endometriosis, among other things.
• Female infertility patients who have probable uterine abnormalities

It is not a comprehensive list of all possible options. The scope and use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies are constantly increasing.

How To Prepare For An MRI

Don’t Allow Your Schedule to Be Disrupted

It is critical to adhere to any modifications prescribed by your doctor for your MRI scan preparation. Try to keep your routine as stable as possible in the days or weeks leading up to the scan if you haven’t received explicit instructions. It would help if you continued to take your medicines as you normally would and engage in your normal activities. Keeping up with your routine helps to ensure that the scan is as precise as possible and that any interruptions in your routine do not result in misleading findings.

Inform Your Physician if You Suffer From Claustrophobia

During the MRI procedure, you will be lying in a tube-shaped machine that is completely enclosed. The duration of the procedure may vary depending on how deep the scan is and how much of your body needs to be scanned. It can take from a few minutes to an hour.

If you’ve ever had claustrophobia, you may discover that this gives you a  lot of anxiety and stress. Consult with your doctor in advance and discuss your worries, as well as your previous experience with claustrophobia, to help you deal better with the procedure. The doctor may give you a medicine that you can take before the process begins to assist you in remaining calm throughout the MRI treatment.

Remove Every Kind of Jewelry at Home

Wearing metal jewelry is one of the most common things that a doctor asks you not to do before an MRI. Going against it can be a very dangerous experience. MRI technicians will ask you to remove any metal objects from your body before entering the machine since an MRI is a big magnet, so make sure you take off any jewelry. It is best to leave expensive jewelry pieces that are hard to replace at home.

What to Expect During an MRI Scan

Once the patient is in the machine, the MRI technician will interact with them via the intercom system to ensure that they are comfortable. They will not begin the procedure until the patient is ready to do so.

One must maintain complete stillness throughout the scan. When there is any movement, the pictures do not come out properly. The scanning machine will make loud clanging sounds while it operates. Fortunately, this is quite typical. It may be essential for the individual to hold their breath for some time.

If a patient becomes uncomfortable at any point during the process, they may communicate with the MRI technician through the intercom system. This way, they will terminate the scan immediately.

What to Expect After an MRI 

Following the scanning, your radiologist will review the pictures to determine whether or not further imaging is needed. If the radiologist is satisfied with the results, they will discharge the patient.

The radiologist will produce a report for the doctor who has requested the service. It is customary for patients to schedule a meeting with their doctor and ask about the test findings.

Final Word 

It is considerably less frightening to have an MRI if you know what to anticipate before, during, and after the procedure. Not only is it pleasant and practically risk-free, but it also provides physicians with vital information about what is going on in your body. This stage is necessary to either identify a disease or evaluate how effectively a current therapy is going.