MRI scans are one of the safest types of scanning known to humans. They are recognized to be risk free, however they do have some certain concerns.
Claustrophobia
A patient is required to stay inside the tube for 30 mins to 1 hr and 30 mins. It can make a patient feel trapped and claustrophobic. If a patient already has claustrophobia, it is recommended that they do not get an MRI done.
Prior to the examination, the patient is given a sedative to ease their anxiety. Patients are also given a buzzer in their hand in means of communication with the staff outside if the discomfort level goes high. The staff are always talking to the patient via speakers to ensure the patient is awake and comfortable.
A patient is required to stay inside the tube for 30 mins to 1 hr and 30 mins. It can make a patient feel trapped and claustrophobic. If a patient already has claustrophobia, it is recommended that they do not get an MRI done.
Prior to the examination, the patient is given a sedative to ease their anxiety. Patients are also given a buzzer in their hand in means of communication with the staff outside if the discomfort level goes high. The staff are always talking to the patient via speakers to ensure the patient is awake and comfortable.
Magnetic field
The magnetic field of an MRI scan can range from 0.5T (5,000G) to 3.0T (30,000G). This extreme magnetism can remove or replace any metal objects inside the patient. Piercings and amputations are examples of such metals. Also, staff and patients have to be aware of metal objects just as key chains, around the MRI scanner during the scanning. These objects can be pulled towards the scanner at unimaginable speed, making it a dangerous area to be in.
Before the exam, patients are asked to notify the staff of any metallic objects inside their body. Also, all types of jewelry and metal items are removed and placed in a different room far from the scanner.
The magnetic field of an MRI scan can range from 0.5T (5,000G) to 3.0T (30,000G). This extreme magnetism can remove or replace any metal objects inside the patient. Piercings and amputations are examples of such metals. Also, staff and patients have to be aware of metal objects just as key chains, around the MRI scanner during the scanning. These objects can be pulled towards the scanner at unimaginable speed, making it a dangerous area to be in.
Before the exam, patients are asked to notify the staff of any metallic objects inside their body. Also, all types of jewelry and metal items are removed and placed in a different room far from the scanner.
Pregnancy
It is not certain but there is thought to be a slight risk to the fetus if the patient is pregnant. There is still no indication that there is any biological effect to the fetus or the mother. However, scientists are considering if the use of MRI scan is the most effective for pregnant women. Nevertheless, minimum exposure to MRI scan is recommended for women during pregnancy.
It is not certain but there is thought to be a slight risk to the fetus if the patient is pregnant. There is still no indication that there is any biological effect to the fetus or the mother. However, scientists are considering if the use of MRI scan is the most effective for pregnant women. Nevertheless, minimum exposure to MRI scan is recommended for women during pregnancy.
Contrast Agents
Most MRIs contain a contrast agent made of gadolinium. This contrast agent leaves the body through urination. If a patient has kidney problems, they can develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), which causes deposition of tissues in the skin and can also damage internal organs. For a pregnant women, usage of this contrast agent may lead to bone deposition in the fetus. Patients with these issues need to consult the staff before considering to do an MRI.
Most MRIs contain a contrast agent made of gadolinium. This contrast agent leaves the body through urination. If a patient has kidney problems, they can develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), which causes deposition of tissues in the skin and can also damage internal organs. For a pregnant women, usage of this contrast agent may lead to bone deposition in the fetus. Patients with these issues need to consult the staff before considering to do an MRI.
Other Effects
Some minor set backs to this technology is the sound and the side effects. There are loud banging noises present during an MRI scan that can agitate some people. Patients are offered ear plugs for means of comfort. Also, after an MRI is finished, thirst is a big side effect. Because of the hydrogen protons moving around during the scan, the body becomes dehydrated. Patients are advised to drink lots of juice and water after the exam. Dizziness can also be a side effect due to the intense radiation for a long period of time. Doctors restrict driving right after a person has done an MRI scan.
Some minor set backs to this technology is the sound and the side effects. There are loud banging noises present during an MRI scan that can agitate some people. Patients are offered ear plugs for means of comfort. Also, after an MRI is finished, thirst is a big side effect. Because of the hydrogen protons moving around during the scan, the body becomes dehydrated. Patients are advised to drink lots of juice and water after the exam. Dizziness can also be a side effect due to the intense radiation for a long period of time. Doctors restrict driving right after a person has done an MRI scan.
Cost of MRI
Another issue with MRI is the cost of it. Although it doesn't effect the body much, it does make a dent in their wallet. MRI scans cost anywhere from $800-$2,500 dollars depending on what part is being scanned. This rises an issue among those who can not afford the fees. Listed below are some examples of the cost taken from the Canadian Magnetic Imaging website.
ROUTINE BRAIN - $895
SPINE - $825
ABDOMEN - $1095
FOOT/ANKLE COMBO - $1,590
ROUTINE BRAIN - $895
SPINE - $825
ABDOMEN - $1095
FOOT/ANKLE COMBO - $1,590