PROs of MRI Scans
- Safe and painless. MRI scanners do not use ionising radiation, which cuts the exposure of potential harm from the patient. Instead, MRI scanners use magnetic fields, which are harmless, while most internal scanning methods use radiation, like CAT scans and X-Rays.
- The pictures created by MRI technology are precise and definte. They often provide depict information which would allow medical professionals to anylyze the image directly by just looking at the tissues.Use of MRI could potentially decrease the number of diagnostic procedures a patient needs to undergo. MRI scans are specifically useful for displaying soft tissue structures such as organs like the brain, eyes, and heart.
CONs of MRI Scans
- Due to the extremely strong magnets used in the MRI scanner, metal is prohibited anywhere near the scanner. Check out this video to know what happens to metal near MRI machine. This means that patients with metal fragments inside their body cannot undergo an MRI. This includes people with pacemakers, artificial joints, dental fillings, braces, and more.
- In some cases, people with tattoos have difficulties with proceeding an MRI scan. Most older tattoo inks contain traces of metal can cause discomfort to the tattoo and surrounding skin. Patients with tattoos have said to have experienced harm ranging from slight discomfort to severe burning pain. Also, pregnant women are not recommended for MRI scans. There is nothing proven in the MRI machine that harms the child, but it is implanted as a safety precaution.
- Since the machine is an enclosed space, it is extremely difficult for a patient with claustrophobia to undergo the scan. The machine makes loud banging and hammering noises which also add to the discomfort of the patient. This causes the patient to move and become restless, which then results to the picture becoming blurry and therefore rendered useless.
- In order for a successful MRI scan, the patient must lie absolutely still. That is a problem for many patients, especially children. Patients are often given sedatives to keep them stationary, but some turn out to be allergic. It also does not aid the patient, considering the fact that it takes about 50-90 minutes. Also, if pictures turn out blurry, the procedure is to be repeated, much to the displeasure of the patient.