MRI
Alternate Names : Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Imaging
See all Pictures & Images
Risks
There is no ionizing radiation involved in MRI, and there have been no documented significant side effects of the magnetic fields and radio waves used on the human body to date. The most common MR intravenous contrast agent, gadolinium, is very safe, and although there have been documented allergic reactions to it, this is extremely rare. If sedation is used, there are associated risks of over-sedation. The technologist monitors the patient's vital signs, including heart rate and respiration as needed.
However, because the effects of strong magnetic fields on a fetus are not well documented at this time, pregnant women are usually advised to avoid MRI scans.
MRI is usually not recommended for acute trauma situations, because traction and life-support equipment cannot safely enter the scanner area and scan times are relatively lengthy.
People have been harmed in MRI machines when they did not remove metal objects from their clothes or when metal objects were left in the room by others.
For specific information about why the test is performed and normal and abnormal results, please see the specific MRI topics:
Today's Top News Stories | | Antipsychotic Drugs Boost Stroke Risk - Aug 28, 2008, 19:00 And patients with dementia face a more than 3-fold danger, study finds. | | Treadmill Workouts Help Stroke Survivors - Aug 28, 2008, 17:00 Function improved even after conventional therapy, study found. | | Salmonella Outbreak Over, U.S. Says - Aug 28, 2008, 16:00 FDA lifts advisory against eating raw Mexican jalapeno and serrano peppers. | | Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 28, 2008 - Aug 28, 2008, 10:16
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Healthy Patient Studies
| | Most Patients With Irregular Heartbeat Take Inadequate Blood Thinner Dose - Aug 28, 2008, 16:00 Warfarin could cut stroke risk by 67%, but patients and doctors say drug is hard to manage. |
|