Private MRI Scans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI, as it is known in its short form, is a medical procedure that uses a strong magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed internal pictures of the body, rather than an X-ray, thereby ruling out the possible harmful radiations from X-rays and CT scans. MRI can help diagnose and monitor many different medical conditions on every part of the body, including bones, soft tissues like blood vessels, ligaments and muscles, nervous system, abdomen, spinal column, and the brain. There are now "open" MRI scanners for people who are claustrophobic, as MRI process involves being confined within the scanner for up to an hour.
What does a private MRI scan involve?
A sedative is sometimes used to help the patient relax during MRI scans. MRI scans work by taking advantage of the fact that the body consists mainly of water; with this water containing hydrogen molecules and oxygen. Using the magnetic field and the radio waves, MRI can change the nuclei position of the atoms. When the hydrogen molecules move in this manner, the atoms also send out radio waves on their own. This affects the body's atoms, forcing the nuclei into a different position. This way, even different types of tissue within the same organ, such as the grey and white matter of the brain can be easily distinguished. The scanner picks up these signals and uses the computer to turn into a picture. The scan delivers two-dimensional pictures of the body, which can then be turned into a three-dimensional models on the computer, allowing the doctor to look at the area being scanned layer by layer, as well as an even more detail observation about the tissue. This whole procedure is usually repeated several times, with the entire examination generally taking around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the examination.
What about the risks and suitability of undergoing MRI scans?
MRI scans are not suitable for everybody; since the magnetic field from the scan affects metals such as iron, nickel and steel. Otherwise, MRI scans are considered very safe with no known side-effects from exposure to the magnetic or radio waves. Stainless steel prostheses like hip or knee joint replacements, spinal and some heart valves are safe to be imaged.
Some of the medical conditions or metallic devices used in the body that make MRI scanning unsuitable are:
- Cardiac Pacemaker
- Temporary pacing wires
- Pregnancy
- Cochlear implants
- Metallic foreign bodies, and most other electronic implants.