Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical diagnostic procedure that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-quality images of the inside of the body. MRI creates pictures of organs, tissues, bones, and virtually all other internal structures in detail. It is useful for diagnosing diseases or conditions which cannot be seen with a normal x-ray image. The process can show doctors where problems might be developing before they cause any symptoms or become life-threatening. MRI scans are painless and typically take 15 minutes to complete. Here is a list of the best doctors for MRI in Islamabad.
There are some myths about this procedure because it has been around since 1977 but many people do not know much about it yet so here is your low down on what you need to know:
1. MRIs cause cancer
Two full-body MRI scans would be equivalent to approximately 0.002% of the exposure received by natural background radiation, which we all receive every day from radon in our environment (that alone is about 2,000 times more than a single whole-body scan). The average person receives 3 to 5 times this amount of radiation every year from medical tests, such as X-rays, and even more if you live near a high radioactivity area (for example, granite bedrock areas of the Midwest United States). According to the American Cancer Society, there is no consistent evidence that MRI scans have any long-term negative consequences on human health.
2. MRIs are too expensive
Typical single-shot MRI examinations of the brain and/or body in adults cost about $800 to $1,600. If you think this is expensive then consider CT scans which, as I mentioned earlier, cost five times more than an MRI scan.
3. MRIs use radiation
They do not. As I mentioned earlier, you are not going to get a radiation-related illness from an MRI scan.
4. MRIs can detect cancer
False; they can only detect tumors or growths related to abnormal activity of cells in the body due to a disease or injury (tumors do not necessarily mean cancer either). An MRI cannot detect cancer, only the consequences of a disease or injury.
5. MRIs do not work on children because their bones are still growing
For obvious reasons, children and teens are not good candidates for MRI scans but that does not mean it cannot be done with an open mind from a group of people who specialize in pediatric radiology.
6. MRIs will hurt you
There are several different types of scanners that create different magnetic fields (and therefore environment). The one we use in the clinic is a 1.5 Tesla machine, which means that the magnetic field is 1.5 Tesla – or 15 times greater than your typical refrigerator magnet. The stronger the magnet, the better it is for detecting things like tumors and inflammation. If you are claustrophobic, it is a different story. Many people with severe anxiety issues cannot get an MRI. If this is the case, I recommend giving yourself more time to get used to the idea because there are alternatives like CT scans and blood tests that may provide you with the answers.
7. MRIs are completely safe
No, they are not there have been cases of burns and even death from the high-powered magnetic fields used in these machines, especially if you have a pacemaker or an implanted medical device like a defibrillator. If you do, inform your MRI tech before the scan begins; they can then program special sequences to minimize any risk of injury to these devices. Studies have shown that patients with implanted heart defibrillators may be at up to a 1 in 5 chance of being harmed by the powerful magnetic field generated during an MRI scan – this is called “magnetic resonance imaging induced current” (MRI ICC). The biggest complication I have seen reported for patients with cardiac pacemakers is the potential for complete pacing failure during the scan.
8. MRIs will injure your body
They can, but they will not. Obviously, if you have a pacemaker or some other implantable device, it is going to be damaged by an MRI scan because of the powerful magnetic field it generates. But all medical devices are subject to special scanning; the procedure will need to be modified or canceled so that no harm comes to your implanted medical equipment, and you still get quality care.
9. MRIs are not safe for people with metal plates in their head (like war veterans)
This is true – patients with metallic fragments in or near their brains should not be scanned using a conventional MRI machine because of the extreme magnetic field. There are alternatives like CT scans or a special type of MRI that does not create such a strong magnetic field, although the latter is newer and may be more expensive than conventional MRI.
10. MRIs are not safe for pregnant women because they will damage the baby’s brain
This is false too; there are no known cases of harm to babies born with growths due to an MRI scan. Pregnant women should never receive unnecessary radiation-dose imaging, but if it is necessary (like in the case of possible complications during pregnancy), then there is nothing to worry about when it comes to your unborn child and an MRI scan – if you inform your doctor (and perhaps even your technician) beforehand.
11. MRIs are fine if you do not get one every month like I do – they are safe in moderation
This is also false; the American College of Radiology recommends no more than a single MRI scan annually for anyone, except as specified by a physician (multiple scans are often required to properly diagnose or treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis). If you need several scans however, it may be time to investigate an alternative such as a CT scan so that your exposure to these powerful magnetic fields is lowered.
12. I had unprotected genes just before the MRI scan, will this affect my baby?
No, it will not. The radiation used by medical imaging equipment is different from X-rays or cosmic rays – there is no long-term damage to your DNA from an MRI scan at all. The only thing you might be concerned about is if a doctor suggests having an ultrasound while you are pregnant and for some odd reason tells you to remove your underwear first…
You can find some best doctors at oladoc. Oladoc is one of the best platforms where you can find doctors and medical assistance at one place. Here is a list of x ray in Islamabad.
