MRI Can Help Identify Diseases

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an examination that utilizes magnetic fields and radio wave energy to display images of structures and organs in the body. MRI can give a picture of body structure that cannot be obtained in other tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scan. In the MRI test, the body part to be scanned is placed on a machine with strong magnets. The images generated from MRI are digital photos that can be stored on a computer and printed for further study.

This is the Reason for MRI

MRI is one way doctors examine and produce images of organs, tissues, and skeletal systems with high resolution. This can later help your doctor diagnose various problems around your health. MRI examination can also be used as a determinant of treatment steps and evaluate the effectiveness of therapy. Here are some reasons why you should do an MRI, including:

• Brain and spinal cord

MRI is most often used as a method of imaging the brain and spinal cord. MRI of the brain can also be used for consideration of the steps of brain surgery by identifying important areas of language and controlling movement. Some diseases of the brain and spinal cord that can be diagnosed with MRI, including strokes, tumors, aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, brain injury due to accidents, inflammation of the spinal nerves, and disorders of the eye and inner ear.

• Heart and blood vessels

MRI performed on the heart or blood vessels aims to see several things, such as the size and function of the heart chamber, thickness and movement of the heart wall, as well as the level of damage due to heart attack or heart disease. In addition, MRI can also be used to detect structural problems in the arteries, such as weakened or torn blood vessel walls, as well as inflammation and blockages in blood vessels.

• Bones and joints

In the bones and joints, MRI can apparently help evaluate conditions such as bone infections, abnormalities in the spine and spinal cord pads, tumors in bones and soft tissue, and joint inflammation. Can also find out abnormal conditions in the joints caused by physical injury due to accidents or repeated injuries.

• Breast

MRI can be used in women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer or for those who have dense breast tissue. This step is effective in providing additional information in detecting the presence of breast cancer cells in addition to using mammography.

• Other internal organs

MRI can also be used to detect tumors or other disorders of various internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, uterus, ovaries, prostate and testes.

Calculating Risk

Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI does not use X-ray radiation in the process. This means that people who are vulnerable to the risk of radiation, such as pregnant women, can undergo an MRI. You who undergo the procedure will also not feel pain. Until now there has been no evidence of the risk of magnetic fields and radio waves during the use of MRI. The possibility of discomfort will be felt by those of you who have a fear of being in a confined space (claustrophobia), which can be discussed with the doctor or medical officer in charge of the radiology room. Chances are you will be given a sedative to make you feel sleepy and reduce anxiety before being scanned. Also worth noting, MRI examinations cannot be done on everyone. MRI cannot be performed on those who use special metal-assisted devices such as pacemakers or implanted pacemakers. Apart from being unsafe, the metal might interfere with images produced by MRI. Inform your doctor or medical officer if you have metal or electronic devices, such as:

• cochlear implant in the ear
• implanted heart defibrillator
• artificial heart valves
• metal-made joints (metallic joint prostheses)
• bullets or metal debris
• metal clips or metal rings on blood vessels

Further consultation is needed for those who have kidney or liver dysfunction before MRI. There is an MRI scan process that requires contrast fluid for the best results, but it should be avoided or restricted if you have kidney or liver disorders. If you have a tattoo, you should also consult before an MRI examination. Ink on the tattoo might affect the results of the examination.

Preparatory Steps

Before doing an MRI examination, you can eat normally and take medication as usual, unless the doctor suggests otherwise. In certain circumstances the doctor may give contrast material that is injected through a vein in the hand or arm. Contrast material can enhance the appearance of images for certain details on MRI examination. Before you are examined, you will be asked to replace your clothes with special clothes provided by the hospital, as well as removing objects on your body. Especially if you wear jewelry, such as rings, earrings, necklaces, watches, or hair clips. Medics will also ask you to take off your glasses, hearing aids, dentures, or bras with the metal support you are using.

MRI scanning process

In the center of the tube-shaped MRI machine, there is a bed that can be moved in and out while the patient is examined lying down. MRI will be operated through a computer in a separate room to avoid the magnetic field from the scanning machine. You can communicate with medical personnel who operate MRI devices through an intercom and they will monitor you through a television monitor. During the inspection, the MRI tool will make a loud noise when producing an electric current produced by the scanner coil. Wearing earplugs or headphones with music, can help muffle the sound. Avoid moving and try to remain silent during the MRI scan, about 15 to 90 minutes. The duration depends on the area of ​​the body being examined and how many images are needed. On a special MRI examination to assess brain function, you may be asked to do certain things. For example, pressing your thumb toward the fingers of another hand, rubbing sandpaper, or answering simple questions. The goal is to help find out which part of the brain is controlling the action. If you do not use sedatives, after completing the scanning process, you can immediately resume your activities. Although MRI scanning is relatively safe with a small risk, some people should reconsider its use. Always consult your doctor about whether or not you should undergo an MRI examination at a hospital.