Understanding How an MRI Machine Works
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the inside of your body. During an MRI, you lie still on a table that slides into a large tunnel-like machine.
Powerful Magnets
The MRI machine contains giant magnets that produce a strong magnetic field around your body. The magnetic field temporarily aligns water molecules in your tissues. When the field is turned off, the molecules release energy signals that provide data for the scan images.
Radio Waves
Short bursts of radio waves are also sent through your body via antennas in the MRI machine. The waves disturb the magnetic field and stimulate hydrogen nuclei in tissues to release energy signals. These signals are detected by the machine.
Computer Analysis
A computer analyzes all the signals from the atoms and generates a detailed picture of internal structures. Bone, soft tissue and other structures show up as precisely detailed images on the scans.
Preparing for Your MRI Appointment
Advance preparation helps ensure you have a smooth and successful MRI scan. Here are some top tips for getting ready:
Confirm Procedure Details
Contact the MRI facility to verify appointment time, required pre-authorization, scan duration, and other relevant details. Ask any questions you may have.
Follow Clothing Guidelines
Most facilities provide gowns or scrubs. Remove all metal jewelry and accessories before entering the room. Inform staff of any medical implants.
Arrange Transportation
You cannot drive immediately after the scan. Have a loved one drive you or use a ride service. Travel home accompanied to spot any reaction signs.
Use the Restroom
Use the restroom before your appointment. You must stay very still during the MRI, usually for 30-90 minutes. Going to the bathroom ahead of time maximizes comfort.
Take Prescribed Medications
Continue taking any prescribed drugs as normal unless your doctor instructs otherwise. This maintains your health stability.
Follow Fasting Instructions
For some MRI scans you may be told to fast for 4 or more hours pre-appointment. Stick to guidelines provided by your physician.
Is It Safe to Wear Deodorant and Lotion?
Products like deodorant and lotion often contain trace amounts of metals. This leads many patients to ask if it’s safe to wear them for an MRI scan. Here are the key facts you should know:
Metal Ingredients
Aluminum is a common ingredient added to many deodorants and antiperspirants for its sweat blocking properties. Some lotions also contain metal-derived pigments and glitter.
Potential Risks
The strong magnets in an MRI machine can cause metal particles to migrate. There are isolated reports of skin irritation or burns associated with products containing metal.
Expert Recommendations
The FDA and most MRI facilities say to avoid wearing cosmetics or topical products for scans. It’s better to be safe and skip any metals against your skin.
Play It Safe
Before your appointment, wash off any deodorants, lotions, makeup, hair products, perfumes, powders and other topicals. Use a mild soap and thoroughly rinse skin.
Use Caution Afterward Too
Don’t apply any metal-containing products immediately after the MRI either. Wait until you are home and thoroughly washed to use them again.
Following Safety Best Practices
By taking certain precautions, you can keep yourself safe before, during and after the MRI procedure:
Be Honest About Implants
Alert your doctor and technicians to any medical implants, devices, or metal fragments present. They can assess safety and adjust the scan accordingly.
Wear Provided Earplugs
The machine makes loud noises during scanning. Wear earplugs provided to protect your hearing and minimize discomfort.
Remove All Jewelry
Metal jewelry, watches, hair clips, chains, rings, etc. must be removed prior to the MRI. Notify staff if unable to remove any item.
Use Contrast Dye If Advised
You may receive an injection of contrast dye. It enhances internal structure visibility. Unless you have kidney issues, the dye is typically safe.
Stay Still During the Scan
It’s vital to lie perfectly still during the MRI and follow all instructions given. Movement can ruin the imaging process.
Report Any Issues
Immediately notify staff if you feel warmth, tingling, prickling sensations, dizziness or any other odd feelings during the MRI.
Rest After the Appointment
Some patients feel fatigued or unwell after the scan. Take the rest of the day easy and hydrate well. Report any worrisome symptoms.
Understanding Your MRI Results
A radiologist examines the images from your MRI and writes up a report for your doctor. Here’s a quick guide to interpreting your results:
Normal Results
If the radiologist notes your MRI results are “normal” or “unremarkable”, it means they did not detect any issues or abnormalities in the scanned region.
Abnormal Findings
“Abnormal” MRI findings mean the images show areas of concern that don’t look typical or healthy. Further testing may be needed.
Benign Changes
Sometimes harmless, non-cancerous abnormalities are spotted. For example, a benign cyst. These are not serious problems.
Follow Up Tests
If any questionable spots appear, your doctor may request specialized MRI sequences or other tests. This determines if areas of concern are harmless or require treatment.
Discuss Results with Your Doctor
Always review your full MRI report with the ordering physician. Ask questions and discuss any incidental findings noted on the scan images.
When to Get an MRI
Because MRIs provide such detailed internal views of soft tissues without radiation, they are excellent diagnostic tools. Some common reasons for getting an MRI include:
Brain MRI
To look for stroke, tumors, bleeding, or nerve disorders in the brain. Helpful for conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Spine MRI
Checks spinal discs and nerves for injuries or conditions like a herniated disc or stenosis.
Joint MRI
Evaluates joints for issues like torn ligaments, bone fractures, arthritis, or cartilage damage.
Breast MRI
Used along with mammograms to screen high risk women for breast cancer.
Heart MRI
Provides detailed images of heart structures for diagnoses of conditions like coronary artery disease.
Abdominal MRI
Checks organs like the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, gallbladder and kidneys for tumors or other problems.
The Takeaway
Preparing properly for your MRI leads to the best results.skipping metal-containing products against your skin keeps you safe. Understand what the images show and discuss with your physician. MRIs are powerful diagnostic tools that benefit many patients.
FAQs
Is deodorant safe for an MRI?
Most doctors and MRI facilities recommend not wearing deodorant or antiperspirant for an MRI. The metal ingredients like aluminum can interact with the strong magnets. Play it safe and go without deodorant.
Can I wear lotion or makeup to an MRI scan?
No, you should avoid wearing lotions, cosmetics, perfumes or any topical products. Some contain trace metals that could cause skin issues during the scan. Shower and wash skin clean beforehand.
What happens if you leave metal on during an MRI?
Metal objects on your body can heat up, be pulled toward the machine, or cause distortion in the images. Alert staff to any metal you cannot remove. Serious injury is rare if proper MRI safety rules are followed.
How long after an MRI can I wear deodorant?
Wait until after you have left the MRI facility to reapply deodorant or any other toiletries. Once home, take a shower to wash off any residue the magnets may have caused to migrate in your skin.
Can I wear my hair clip or bobby pins for an MRI?
No, you need to remove all metal hair accessories and jewelry prior to your MRI. Anything with metal must be taken off and stored safely away from the strong magnets during your scan.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment