What is MRI and what is it for?

Below we will explain what an MRI is, what its applications are and how you should prepare for this imaging study. On the other hand, you will learn more about this process, which does not use radiation to obtain images and serves to diagnose different diseases or seek treatment for injuries.

There are many radiology and imaging studies that regardless of their principle and method, focus on projecting the internal structure of your body so that later the doctors will give you a diagnosis and treatment. La magnetic resonance (MRI) is one of these study techniques, and one of their major The advantages is that it does not use radiation.

La Technology used in magnetic resonance imaging is one of the more sophisticated in the area of imaging studies. These machines use magnetic fields and state of the art computer programs. Hence, the results are high resolution So much for him bone system As in the soft parts of your body.

Have a good visualization of the muscles and bones It is one of the main challenges of medicine when it comes to evaluating ligament damage, cartilage, herniated discs, tumors and more.

However, it is the Doctor who will tell you what studies you should do in your specific case.

What is the MRI process like?

If your doctor asks for an MRI You have nothing to fear, since it is a painless process And that lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. In addition, the associated risks are zero because it only uses magnetic fields and radio waves, but without making use of X-rays or radiation.

In general, the The process is very simple. You will first be asked to put on a medical gown and lie down on a stretcher. They will ask you to do the Minor movement Possible while being admitted to the cylindrical scanner of the machine. So all around your body, the magnetic field, and will begin recording multiple images in the computerized system thanks to the vibration of the waves emitted by the machine.

In this regard, it is highly recommended that Go to the best health centers with cutting-edge imaging services, to guarantee quality results (2D and 3D) and with digital formats so that you can have them on the electronic devices you want. Remember that Keep the record of your studies is important for any future illness.

What should I consider before an MRI?

So that your MRI studies contain all the information required by the doctor and you don't have to repeat the process, it's essential that you take into account the following Considerations:

• Notify the doctor or radiologist If you have it in your body implanted metal objects, such as staples, pacemakers, valves, clips, or any metal object that may cause interference with the emission of radio waves. Remember that since it is a magnetic field with magnets, can be distorted with such material.
  
• Remove any metal accessory that you wear such as a necklace, watch, earrings and others.

• You may be asked to Do not consume food or drinks approximately for 4 hours before the MRI study. Confirm these instructions with the location where your study will take place.
  
• If you have fear of enclosed spaces, you should also indicate this before the exam, because you can spend up to 60 minutes or more on the scanner, which can also be uncomfortable due to Noise which produces. In this case, there is the alternative of having them provide you with a Tranquilizing.
  
• In the event that you are told to apply a means of contrast (orally or intravenously), they will give you another series of special care. This technique is used to obtain more detailed images, and although It's not dangerous, you should notify your doctor if you feel any Symptom Stop rule out an allergic reaction.

What do I do after the study and when will I receive the results?

Finally, after the MRI you can resume all your activities without major complications and without the need to take medication or rest.

As for the Results, the delivery time will depend on the health center you go to, but it ranges from three and seven business days after the study. Tus Results They will be signed by the radiologist who interpreted your study and are addressed to the doctor who requested it.

Remember that only doctors can interpret the images and the report of the results they will give you. This way you can get a Diagnostic And to know which one will be your treatment.

Applications of magnetic resonance imaging in medical diagnostics

As we already mentioned, magnetic resonance imaging (IMR) is imaging studies that allow us to see the soft parts of the body, the bone system and all the organs. So its scope is broad and efficient to evaluate different parts of the body.

If we talk about Brain and spinal cord, it is normal for your doctor to recommend this study if you have had a cardiovascular accident, eye or ear disorders, tumors, aneurysms or weaknesses in the blood vessels and injuries in the area. It can also evaluate brain blood flow and determine the presence of pathologies such as Alzheimer's.

With regard to cardiovascular damage, magnetic resonance imaging is useful for your doctor to study the functioning of the Heart, the structure of the aorta, the blood vessels, among other aspects. The powerful MRI magnets also make it possible to detect the state of the tissues, allowing for the diagnosis of tumors anywhere in the body.

Normally, the bones and muscles are examined with x-rays and CT scans. However, magnetic resonance imaging helps to determine bone and especially spinal anomalies such as deformations, infections, injuries and wear and tear. These studies are also often required to prepare for surgery. orthopaedic of different types.

Magnetic resonance imaging may also be indicated for the study of gastrointestinal system, and thus detect the origin, cause or evolution of gastric diseases, as well as injuries, inflammation or damage to organs such as the stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver and intestines.

Advantages of magnetic resonance imaging compared to other studies

MRI or magnetic resonances They have a like main advantage that they do not use radiation to obtain the images.

It also highlights that due to their cutting-edge technology with magnets and computerized systems, the The results are of higher quality for doctors to look at the internal structure of the body in greater detail. However, this causes your The price is considerably higher than that of a conventional X-ray or CT scan.

Finally, remember that together with your Specialist doctor Can you search for the best method to get the Diagnostic what you require, and it is he who will tell you which imaging studies you should do.

References

• X-rays, CT Scans, and MRI (X-rays, CT Scans, and MRIs). OrthoInfo.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MedlinePlus.
• Magnetic resonance imaging. Mayo Clinic.