What do you observe in mri imaging

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. But other metal that has been put into your body might prevent you from having an MRI. That includes some pacemakers, clips for treating aneurysms, and other devices with metal in them.

A nurse may review your health history before your exam. You may be given medications or contrast dye or have blood drawn. Be sure to tell the nurse if you're pregnant, have an allergy to contrast dye, or have kidney or liver problems. You may not wear clothing with snaps or zippers in the scanner. You will be asked to wear a gown. Do not wear any jewelry or bring anything metal into the scanner, including a hearing aid.

An MRI machine uses a powerful magnet to make images of your body. Unlike a CT scan, it does not use x-rays or other radiation. You will be given earplugs. The scanner makes a loud noise when it's operating. A device called a coil may be put on or around the area to be scanned to help capture the images. You will also be given a squeeze ball to hold. You can use this to signal the technologist any time you need something.

The MRI is controlled from a nearby room. You will be closely observed throughout the procedure. A series of scans are taken with a brief pause between each. You may hear different noises as different scans are taken. It's normal for the noise to be very loud. You need to remain still when the scan is being taken.

People are typically in the scanner from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the images to be taken. A complex examination can take longer. If you are concerned about being in the scanner for this length of time, talk to your physician and the technologist. They can help you with some tips for staying comfortable.

If you need to be removed from the scanner, this can be done very quickly. The ends of the scanner are always open.

After your exam, the images will be reviewed by your radiologist. He or she will send a report to the health care provider who ordered the test.

Ask your health care provider any questions you have about your MRI. It is specialized to produce the clearest picture of the area it is placed over. If the MRI scan will be used for surgical planning, the technologist may place small markers called fiducials on your forehead, face, or behind your ear.

Fiducials look like lifesavers and assist the surgeon during image-guided surgery. Do not remove or get the fiducials wet. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will slowly move into the magnetic field. The technologist will stay in constant contact with you.

You can listen to music on a stereo system during your testing. As the exam proceeds, you will hear a muffled "thumping" sound for several minutes at a time. This is the sound of the pictures being taken.

There will be no pain or discomfort associated with the sound or exam. The exam usually takes 20 to 50 minutes. It is important that you relax and lie as still as possible. Any movement during this time will blur the picture. You may be given an injection of contrast dye gadolinium into your arm or through an IV to enhance the images. After the test is complete, the IV will be removed and you are free to go. You may be told to drink lots of fluids to help your kidneys remove the contrast dye from your body.

MRI is very safe. There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine. Some people are sensitive to the contrast agent and may develop an allergic reaction. All contrast agents are FDA-approved and safe. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have diabetes or kidney problems.

In some cases a kidney function test may be needed prior to the MRI to make sure your kidneys are able to clear the contrast agent from your body. Any metallic substance on your body can affect the quality of the images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in the magnetic field, and may exclude you from the exam. After the first trimester, there is no definitive research indicating that MRI is contraindicated in pregnancy. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

On this page Basics Summary Start Here. Learn More Related Issues Specifics. 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.