Is MRI safe?

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a method of viewing the human body for obtaining of anatomical and functional diagnostic information. It is a painless and non-invasive method used by physicians all over the world for effectively attaining the anatomical information about their patients.

Is MRI safe?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is normally safe for the majority of patients. Although some patients may not be asked for an MRI but, in most occasions, it is considered the safest way of getting diagnostic information. The small portion of people who may not take MRI scan comprises of those who have implanted medical devices like aneurysm clips in the brain, pacemakers and cochlear (inner ear) implants.

Those people who have metal pieces installed close to or in an important organ are not advised to go through MRI scanning.

What happens while the patients go through it?

The normal duration of MRI scan in Dubai is around 34 to 40 minutes and during this time the patient has to lie straight on a padded table. It may happen that the patient falls asleep during the 35 minutes but there is nothing to be worried about if you fall asleep.

While the process is going on, the MRI technician is able to see and hear you clearly and is close by in case you need any kind of assistance. During the process, the patients normally hear the clicking and thumping sounds and these sounds mean that images are obtained. The patient shouldn’t move while the images are being taken.

In some cases, the doctor may prescribe an injection before the process and it is known as the “contrast agent”. Some people have reservations about it but it is completely safe. It doesn’t match to the iodine-based contrast which is normally used for kidney x-rays and CAT scans.

Main Advantages of MRI scan

The MRI scanning machines are used to visualize the non-bony areas of the body. The soft tissues of the body are easily scanned and visualized. These include muscles, ligaments, and tendons and other parts. In actuality, the most important parts of the body like brain, spinal cord and nerves can easily be seen with MRI as compared to the conventional methods of x-rays and CAT scans.

MRI scans are also used to visualize the inner condition of knees, joints, spines and other joints after injuries or any other problem.