Myths Surrounding Magnetic Resonance ImagingPosted by SEOTech on September 13th, 2019 The unique ability of MRI to demonstrate the anatomy, and more recently the function of soft tissues in the body, continues to find new application in patient care, it is not surprising, given the widespread application of MRI, that the occasional myth should find its way into our culture. Below are just a few: Myth No. 1: MRI scans are required only for physical injuries This is certainly not true. MRI scans have other uses as well and can help in detecting certain important conditions. 'It's very well true that radiologists use MRI scans for sports injuries, but they are not limited to that. Several neurological disorders, Alzheimer's, and Bipolar Disorder per se can also be detected using MRI. MRI is also assistful for cancer prevention and tracking possible nerve damage.” Myth No. 2: MRI scans put you at risk of radiation exposure, in turn, causing cancer The truth of the matter is that radiation exposure from an MRI scan is not a medical issue. Either you have a closed or an open MRI; there is no risk of being exposed to radiation. Magnetic Resonance Imaging itself means that the scan uses only radio waves and magnetic power to capture and create images from the information received. Radiation is not used in your MRI scan. Hence it will not cause cancer. Patient Comfort should be the utmost priority. Myth No. 3: Closed & Open MRI machines work just the same This is a myth because a closed MRI machine produces better and more accurate results compared to an open one. Since MRI scans can last anywhere from half an hour to two hours in duration, a closed MRI machine may be less preferred as it produced claustrophobic feelings in some patients, which affects their comfort. But they do provide a more accurate diagnosis. Note: Mobile CT or moving computed tomography is different and uses X-Rays and computers to create visual cross-sectional images of the body. The next time you visit a medical center for an MRI, your only worry should be the disease that you may suffer from. Patient comfort is the utmost priority for the medical sector so that you “don't have to focus much on other minute unnecessary necessities and can whole-heartedly devote your energy on focusing on the pain that stands before you at this very moment.” Like it? Share it!More by this author |