Frequently asked questions
1. In case of frequent headaches, in which region should an MRI be performed?
In case of headaches, the brain is examined, including the parietal cavities, the cervical spine, as well as the head (in angiographic mode). But, since about 80% of the population of the planet suffers from headaches, and 25% have a pronounced daily headache, it is not always possible to identify the cause of the headache with the help of MRI.
2. At what age is MRI examination indicated for children?
An MRI examination can be performed at any age. In children up to 5-6 years old (a doctor's referral is mandatory) it is performed under general anesthesia.
3. Is MRI dangerous?
MRI is a safe test.
4. Can a whole body MRI be performed?
Although the test is safe, a full-body MRI is not recommended because it is extensive and time-consuming work. MRI of the whole organism is performed only in the case of oncoscreening, during which the examination lasts 40-45 minutes.
5. Is a doctor's referral required for an MRI scan?
It is not necessary, but it is desirable, because the preliminary diagnosis of the examining doctor helps to make the right direction.
6. How often can an MRI scan be performed?
Although there is no limit to the frequency of this examination, it should be performed only when indicated.
7. Is it possible to undergo an MRI examination for preventive purposes?
It is not desirable, MRI is performed in cases where other diagnostic measures are considered less informative.
8. What is MR-angiography?
With the help of MR-angiography, it is possible to obtain an image of the vascular network of any organ, any part of the body, without the use of contrast material. If contrast material is needed for the vessels during CT-angiography, in this case the flowing blood is used as the contrast material.
9. Are the MRI results on a CD given to the patient?
Yes, the test results are usually given digitally to the patient, which is especially important when the patient needs dynamic monitoring.
10. Is pregnancy a contraindication for MRI?
Pregnancy is not a contraindication. It is not recommended to examine pregnant women under three months with new and powerful equipment.
11. Is the doctor present during the MRI examination?
During the examination, the doctor is present, because sometimes current changes are needed.
12. What kind of tomographs are there?
Tomographs differ in power. devices with a power of less than 1 are considered low, and devices with a power of 1 or more Tesla are considered high.
13. Why is immobility mandatory during an MRI examination?
MRI is sensitive to motion. Artifacts occur with any movement, requiring patient immobility. This is a problem especially when researching children, as it is difficult to convince them to stay still for 20-25 minutes.
14. How long does an MRI examination take?
With modern devices, the examination of the lumbar spine takes 13-15 minutes, the examination of the brain takes approximately 17 minutes. Depending on the type of pathology, sometimes the examination may take longer.
15. What are the contraindications?
An absolute contraindication for MRI examination is the presence of metal constructions, pacemakers, hearing aids, insulin syringes in the body. In such cases, an HT examination can be performed. The materials used in dentistry are not an obstacle to undergo an MRI.
16. Is it possible to diagnose paralysis with an MRI scan?
In case of stroke, this method is considered the most informative.
17. What is an MRI with contrast?
During this examination, contrast material is injected intravenously to detect the pathology or mass.
18. Is the tumor visible on MRI?
Yes.
19. What is preferable for joint research: MRI or CT?
CT is preferred for bone fractures because it is a shorter examination and the victim is not examined for long. If the fracture is intra-articular and involves cartilage and ligaments, MRI is preferred.
In case of pathologies of non-traumatic origin, definitive MRI.
20. Can an MRI be performed with permanent makeup?
In the presence of make-up with a metallic composition, the patient is required to clean it beforehand.
21. Should I hold my breath during MRI?
In some cases, it is necessary to hold the breath for a short time, for example, during an examination of the abdomen.
22. How is the decision to use contrast material made during MRI?
The decision to use a contrast agent is made by a radiologist who monitors the course of the examination and, if necessary, continues it with the injection of a contrast agent. It is done after the end of the examination itself and takes 5-7 minutes.
23. Is it possible to diagnose appendicitis with MRI?
It is possible, but other diagnostic methods may be sufficient.
24. Is it possible to determine the nature of the tumor (benign or malignant) by MRI?
It is possible, but MRI cannot replace histological examination.
25. Are vertebral hernias visible on X-ray?
No, because in this case we are dealing with cartilage tissue.
26. Can meniscus damage be detected by MRI?
Yes.
27. What power of the tomograph is necessary for a quality MRI examination of the abdominal cavity?
The power of the tomograph should be 1.5 tesla or more.
28. Is it possible to diagnose prostatitis with MRI?
Yes, as well as prostate tumors.
29. Is it possible to diagnose ectopic pregnancy with MRI?
Yes.
30. Is it possible to diagnose intestinal pathology with MRI?
It is a new word in the field of MRI, which is progressively developing all over the world, especially in the process of differential diagnosis of some diseases: ulcerative colitis, non-ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc. Currently, MRI is the only instrumental research method that can differentiate between the above three rather similar pathologies.
31. Is it possible to diagnose gastric ulcer by MRI?
Yes, it is possible. The patient should come to the examination on an empty stomach. Beforehand, the patient drinks a glass or two of water or apple juice and the examination begins.
32. Which is preferable: X-ray or MRI?
If it's a fracture, X-ray. There are pathologies that cannot be diagnosed by X-ray examination, in which case MRI comes to the rescue.
33. Is it possible to determine the cause of hearing loss with the help of MRI?
It is possible because most of the hearing loss is caused by problems with the inner ear and the auditory nerve, which are well visible with this examination.
34. In what cases is contrast often used during MRI?
MRI with the use of contrast material is performed in tumors. Rarely, contrast material is also injected in other pathologies.
35. What is dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI?
During dynamic contrast, the device simultaneously injects the contrast and performs the examination. It is a continuous, very short (approximately 5-7 seconds) examination of the same area, with the help of which it is possible to see how fast the contrast is accumulated and released in this or that formation, which is additional diagnostic information.
36. What is bolus contrast-enhanced MRI?
During the examination with bolus contrast, the accumulation of contrast occurs by the organ itself, which makes it possible to see the organ in the arterial, parenchymatous and venous phases of contrast. In the case of the kidneys, it is also possible to get a urinary phase.
37. Can breastfeeding mothers get an MRI?
MRI is not contraindicated for breastfeeding mothers, only the use of contrast material is limited, and if necessary, feeding is stopped for one day.
39. How long does it take for MRI results to be ready?
Usually the conclusion is given within 24 hours. If the patient needs urgent medical care, the answer is given immediately after the examination.
40. Are there any restrictions on performing MRI related to the patient's weight?
The new generation devices do not have any restrictions regarding the patient's weight: even patients weighing up to 200 kg or more can be examined.
41. Which joints can be examined with the help of MRI?
It is possible to examine all the joints, and most often, the large joints (knee, shoulder, tibia and hip).