Mri what does it mean

MRI that focuses on the heart or blood vessels can assess:. MRI can check for tumors or other abnormalities of many organs in the body, including the following:. MRI can be used with mammography to detect breast cancer, particularly in women who have dense breast tissue or who might be at high risk of the disease. Because MRI uses powerful magnets, the presence of metal in your body can be a safety hazard if attracted to the magnet.

Even if not attracted to the magnet, metal objects can distort the MRI image. Before having an MRI , you'll likely complete a questionnaire that includes whether you have metal or electronic devices in your body.

Devices include:. If you have tattoos or permanent makeup, ask your doctor whether they might affect your MRI. Some of the darker inks contain metal. Before you schedule an MRI , tell your doctor if you think you're pregnant. The effects of magnetic fields on fetuses aren't well understood.

Your doctor might recommend an alternative exam or postponing the MRI. Also tell your doctor if you're breast-feeding, especially if you're to receive contrast material during the procedure. It's also important to discuss kidney or liver problems with your doctor and the technologist, because problems with these organs might limit the use of injected contrast agents during your scan.

Before an MRI exam, eat normally and continue to take your usual medications, unless otherwise instructed. You will typically be asked to change into a gown and to remove things that might affect the magnetic imaging, such as:.

The MRI machine looks like a long narrow tube that has both ends open. You lie down on a movable table that slides into the opening of the tube. A technologist monitors you from another room. You can talk with the person by microphone. If you have a fear of enclosed spaces claustrophobia , you might be given a drug to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Most people get through the exam without difficulty. The MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body.

The procedure is painless. You don't feel the magnetic field or radio waves, and there are no moving parts around you. During the MRI scan, the internal part of the magnet produces repetitive tapping, thumping and other noises. You might be given earplugs or have music playing to help block the noise. In some cases, a contrast material, typically gadolinium, will be injected through an intravenous IV line into a vein in your hand or arm.

The contrast material enhances certain details. Gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions. An MRI can last anywhere from 15 minutes to more than an hour. You must hold still because movement can blur the resulting images. During a functional MRI , you might be asked to perform a number of small tasks — such as tapping your thumb against your fingers, rubbing a block of sandpaper or answering simple questions.

This helps pinpoint the portions of your brain that control these actions. A doctor specially trained to interpret MRI s radiologist will analyze the images from your scan and report the findings to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss important findings and next steps with you. An MRI is a very useful tool for helping your doctors see images of the inside of your body, including tissue that can't be seen on a conventional x-ray. Before your exam, it's very important to fill out the safety screening form carefully.

MRI is safe and painless. But metal in the scanner can cause serious safety problems or reduce the quality of the images. Your health care team needs to know about any metal in your body, even a small shard of metal from an accident. Fillings, bridges, and other dental work typically do not pose a problem. See, Play and Learn Videos and Tutorials.

Resources Find an Expert. Before you get a scan, tell your doctor if you Are pregnant Have pieces of metal in your body. You might have metal in your body if you have a shrapnel or bullet injury or if you are a welder. Have metal or electronic devices in your body, such as a cardiac pacemaker or a metal artificial joint. Start Here. Related Issues. Videos and Tutorials.

This list is by no means exhaustive. The use of MRI technology is always expanding in scope and use. On arrival at the hospital, doctors may ask the patient to change into a gown.

As magnets are used, it is critical that no metal objects are present in the scanner. The doctor will ask the patient to remove any metal jewellery or accessories that might interfere with the machine. A person will probably be unable to have an MRI if they have any metal inside their body, such as bullets, shrapnel, or other metallic foreign bodies.

This can also include medical devices , such as cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, and pacemakers. Individuals who are anxious or nervous about enclosed spaces should tell their doctor. Often they can be given medication prior to the MRI to help make the procedure more comfortable. Patients will sometimes receive an injection of intravenous IV contrast liquid to improve the visibility of a particular tissue that is relevant to the scan.

The radiologist, a doctor who specializes in medical images, will then talk the individual through the MRI scanning process and answer any questions they may have about the procedure.

Once the patient has entered the scanning room, the doctor will help them onto the scanner table to lie down. Staff will ensure that they are as comfortable as possible by providing blankets or cushions. Earplugs or headphones will be provided to block out the loud noises of the scanner. The latter is popular with children, as they can listen to music to calm any anxiety during the procedure. Once in the scanner, the MRI technician will communicate with the patient via the intercom to make sure that they are comfortable.

They will not start the scan until the patient is ready. During the scan, it is vital to stay still. Any movement will disrupt the images, much like a camera trying to take a picture of a moving object. Loud clanging noises will come from the scanner. This is perfectly normal. Depending on the images, at times it may be necessary for the person to hold their breath. If the patient feels uncomfortable during the procedure, they can speak to the MRI technician via the intercom and request that the scan be stopped.

After the scan, the radiologist will examine the images to check whether any more are required. If the radiologist is satisfied, the patient can go home.

The radiologist will prepare a report for the requesting doctor. Patients are usually asked to make an appointment with their doctor to discuss the results. However, the contrast dye can cause nausea, headaches , and pain or burning at the point of injection in some people.

Allergy to the contrast material is also seldom seen but possible, and can cause hives or itchy eyes. Notify the technician if any adverse reactions occur. People who experience claustrophobia or feel uncomfortable in enclosed spaces sometimes express difficulties with undergoing an MRI scan. An MRI scanner contains two powerful magnets.