Why mri is done

Start Here. Related Issues. Videos and Tutorials. Statistics and Research. Clinical Trials. Article: Inter-rater and inter-session reliability of lumbar paraspinal muscle composition in a MRI Scans -- see more articles.

Find an Expert. This is the electric current in the scanner coils being turned on and off. The scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken. Most of the human body is made up of water molecules, which consist of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

At the centre of each hydrogen atom is an even smaller particle called a proton. Protons are like tiny magnets and are very sensitive to magnetic fields. When you lie under the powerful scanner magnets, the protons in your body line up in the same direction, in the same way that a magnet can pull the needle of a compass.

Short bursts of radio waves are then sent to certain areas of the body, knocking the protons out of alignment. When the radio waves are turned off, the protons realign. This sends out radio signals, which are picked up by receivers. They also help to distinguish between the various types of tissue in the body, because the protons in different types of tissue realign at different speeds and produce distinct signals. However, allergic reactions can occur.

Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of receiving contrast solution in your child's case. As the exam proceeds, your child will hear repetitive sounds from the machine, which are normal. Your child may be given headphones to listen to music or earplugs to block the noise, and will have access to a call button in case he or she becomes uneasy during the test.

If sedated, your child will be monitored at all times and will be connected to a machine that checks the heartbeat, breathing, and oxygen level. Once the exam is over, the technician will help your child off the table; if sedation was used, your child may be moved to a recovery area. An MRI exam is painless. Your child may have to lie still on the MRI table for minutes during the procedure, but there are brief breaks between each scan.

If your child feels cold lying on the MRI table, a blanket can be provided. Unless sedation was used or you are told otherwise, your child can immediately return to normal routines and diet.

Most sedation wears off within hours, and any contrast material given should pass through the body in about 24 hours. The MRI images will be viewed by a radiologist who's specially trained in interpreting the scans. The radiologist will send a report to your doctor, who'll discuss the results with you and explain what they mean. In most cases, results can't be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test.

If the MRI was done on an emergency basis, the results can be made available quickly. MRIs are safe and relatively easy. No health risks are associated with the magnetic field or radio waves, since the low-energy radio waves use no radiation. The procedure can be repeated without side effects. If your child requires sedation, you may discuss the risks and benefits of sedation with your provider.

Also, because contrast solutions can cause allergic reactions in some kids, be sure to check with your doctor before your child receives any solution. There should be medical staff on hand who are prepared to handle an allergic reaction.

If your child has decreased kidney function, this is an important medical condition to discuss with the radiologist and technician before receiving IV contrast since it may lead to some rare complications. You can help your child prepare for an MRI by explaining the test in simple terms before the examination.