MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a medical test conducted on patients to take detailed snaps of the body's insides. MRIs use a powerful magnet and radio waves to capture internal pictures of the body. These pictures are instantly recorded on a computer device. The only difference between an MRI scan and an X-RAY or CT scan is that it does not use ionizing radiation to scan and take images.
A doctor may advise an MRI scan when an underlying problem cannot be viewed on the surface. This test can be conducted on various body parts based on the injury. MRI is especially effective for the nervous system and checking on soft tissues. MRI for different body parts can reveal different things; some of these are noted below.
-MRI Of The Spinal Cord And The Brain
It is no big deal to type and find an MRI scan near me. However, you need to book an appointment for the right type. MRI type purely depends on the injury or suspected disease location. Damage in the blood vessel or an aneurysm, a weakened blood vessel in the brain, can be identified through an MRI scan.
Other than that, brain injuries, spinal cord injury, inner ear problems, eye problems, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and even cancer can be diagnosed and monitored safely in an MRI scan center.
There is also a special kind of MRI called functional MRI or fMRI for mapping brain activity. In this test, the scan takes notice of the brain's blood flow when the patient is performing certain tasks. It is also useful in detecting brain problems, stroke effects, Alzheimer's or other types of brain problems.
-MRI Of The Bones & Joints
When MRI is conducted on the bones and joints of a patient, it can detect a few problems. This includes arthritis, bone infections, joint damage, cancer and cancerous tumors, and disk problems in the spinal cord area. Persistent neck or lower back pain is also checked with MRI for any nerve signs.
-MRI Of The Heart & Blood Vessels
There are many reasons for the difference in the MRI scan price of different scans and centers. MRI scan for the heart and the blood vessels naturally costs different from a brain scan. MRI of the heart and blood vessels can reveal the location of blocked blood vessels, determine heart diseases, identify damages caused by a heart attack, issues in the aorta which also happens to be the main artery of the body, unusuality in the heart’s structure, and pericarditis; a condition where the tissue surrounding the heart is inflamed.
-MRI Of The Breast
Cancer has been a tough battle for medical science; however, early detection has made it possible to crack down on the fatality rate. Breast cancer is one such disease which can be detected through an MRI scan, or the patient can be monitored in MRI centers throughout the treatment period. The positioning and size of the tumor and how far it has spread can also be measured. It is also used to check if cancer has resurfaced in survivors and often for checking ruptured implants.
-MRI Of Other Organs
MRI scans are used for other body organs and any disease or injuries related to those organs. Doctors can order an MRI for the liver, kidneys, pancreas, ovaries, prostate etc.
How To Prepare For An MRI Scan
Whether you are going for a Full body MRI or a single body part, it is important to know fully about the procedure, so it does not make you uncomfortable. You will discuss certain details about your condition and previous medical history with your doctor. They will ask you to get an MRI done when the problem cannot be diagnosed in a simple doctor's chamber. The doctor can discuss further treatment plans with the patients only after the MRI results.
The doctor will also ask about any existing health problems such as kidney or liver diseases, recent surgeries of relevancy, allergies or asthma, or even expecting pregnancy. Other than that, some basic things to remember while attaining an MRI scan.
Metal objects or ornaments are a big no for MRI scans as the magnetic field is obvious to react with the metal in the room. Metal-based devices such as a pacemaker, dental fillings, insulin pumps, artificial heart valves, and metal limbs can also interact with the MRI machine; hence, your doctor needs to know about these conditions.
How much does each MRI scan cost?
Before the MRI scan, the patient may be provided with a contrast dye called gadolinium. This leaves a metal taste in the mouth. This dye helps in taking clear images of the specific body part. The MRI scan cost in India also differs based on several factors. From private to government sector cost differences to the different costs allotted for different body part scanning, the reasons can be various. The entire procedure of an MRI scan takes about 20-30 minutes to conclude.