Overview Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans

Risks Of An MRI Scan

A magnetic resonance imaging machine uses strong magnets to produce detailed images of the inside of a patient's body. The presence of magnets in the machine poses risks for individuals who have certain medical devices implanted into their bodies that contain metal. Metals inside the body can be attracted to the magnets in the machine, making it a safety hazard. Metal objects in a patient's body that are not attracted to the magnets in the machine can distort the image produced by the magnetic resonance imaging scan.

The medical devices and objects that may pose a risk with magnetic resonance imaging include artificial heart valves, implanted drug infusion pumps, pacemakers, metal pins, metal screws, metal stents, and surgical staples. Other examples are metal plates, metallic joint prostheses, implantable heart defibrillators, implanted nerve stimulators, metal clips, cochlear implants, and intrauterine devices. Any non-removable metal piercings can also pose a risk to a patient if they have a magnetic resonance imaging scan.

Reveal information on MRI scans and pregnancy next.

MRI Scans And Pregnancy

Pregnant women or those who suspect they are pregnant must talk to their doctor before getting a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Many researchers say that there is no proven negative effect on unborn babies. Their claim is backed up by thirty years of pregnant women undergoing these scans with no negative effects directly linked to the scan. However, others claim that the effect is not clear. What doctors can agree on, though, is that pregnant women should not avoid getting necessary tests done. In addition, magnetic resonance imaging is preferred over computerized tomography scans for pregnant women as they do not involve the same radiation.