MRI scan
What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) is a highly precise and reliable imaging examination that helps establish an accurate diagnosis and thereby determine the optimal treatment. It uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create detailed images of specific parts of the body. It is also known as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) examination.
What are the advantages of an MRI scan?
An MRI scan (unlike X-ray and CT scans, which are also imaging examinations) involves no radiation exposure whatsoever. No harmful effects are known, so it can be performed multiple times in succession without any problems. It is also suitable for examining children and pregnant women in their second trimester, although during pregnancy it is only performed upon specialist recommendation.
It is an exceptionally accurate and reliable procedure that creates detailed images of the body, making it highly valuable for early detection of various abnormalities. It can be used to examine many different organs and is ideal for examining joints, the spine, and tendons.
MRI scans also enable the creation of highly detailed moving images. Dynamic image data collection of the examined area allows observation of different phases of movement. 3D imaging is also possible, allowing any part of the body to be visualized in any spatial direction.
How does an MRI scan proceed?
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early so you can complete the registration form before the MRI scan. The examination itself is completely painless. You will need to lie down on the examination table, and the staff will help position you for the examination, which is most commonly lying on your back. The examination table will move you into the cylindrical MRI machine. The examination takes approximately 20-30 minutes, during which you must remain still so that accurate images can be taken of the examined body parts. We make the examination more comfortable with ambient lighting and, if you wish, music. If our colleagues detect any other abnormalities during the examination, they may perform additional measurements. This may extend the duration of the examination, but you will not need to schedule a separate appointment for these supplementary examinations. After the examination, you will receive the MRI scan images on a CD, and we will send you the specialist’s evaluation by email.
MRI scans for claustrophobic patients
Claustrophobia refers to anxiety about confined spaces. Claustrophobic patients may find it uncomfortable to lie motionless in the cylindrical part of the MRI machine during the scan. Please feel free to inform our colleagues if you have concerns about the examination. They will do everything possible to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. For certain examinations, you can listen to pleasant music during the scan, which both distracts from the noise produced by the machine and helps alleviate anxiety. Our colleagues will give you a “panic button” that you can use to signal at any time throughout the examination. You may also bring a companion to the examination; having a loved one nearby can also help reduce anxiety.
In which cases is an MRI scan recommended?
The MRI scan plays an outstanding role in musculoskeletal disorders. MRI of the joints is excellent for detecting and evaluating even the smallest cartilage damage, distinguishing between ligament and tendon injuries or inflammatory changes, diagnosing rheumatic and other joint diseases, and evaluating their condition. This type of imaging procedure is also suitable for detecting arthrosis (joint degeneration) and clarifying joint involvement in cancerous diseases.
Examination of the cervical spine is performed, among other reasons, when there is pain in the neck and shoulder area, or when the upper limbs are painful or numb.
MRI of the thoracic spine is suitable for clarifying the causes of back pain and sharp or dull pain radiating toward the ribs.
Examination of the lumbar spine is typically ordered by physicians in cases of lower back pain, pain or numbness radiating to the buttocks, thighs, or lower limbs.
MRI of the pelvis provides information about the causes of pelvic and perineal pain.
Joint examinations identify the causes of joint pain, muscle, ligament, and cartilage injuries. In the knee, for example, frequently examined problems include cartilage damage and rupture of the cruciate ligaments or collateral ligaments. In the ankle, joint instability is a common complaint. In the elbow, injuries to the annular ligament and long biceps tendon, as well as soft tissue inflammation, are frequently examined. In the hand, tendon and ligament damage is common. For hip and shoulder complaints, physicians working in orthopedics and rheumatology also frequently order MRI scans to establish the most accurate diagnosis possible.
Contraindications for the examination
In case of pregnancy, the examination may only be performed upon specialist recommendation.
If you have metal implants in your body, please consult with the staff before the examination. Contraindications for the examination include, for example, pacemakers, aneurysm clips, drug delivery devices, orthopedic metal implants, and implanted joint prostheses.
In case of contrast-enhanced examination, please inform us if you have experienced any side effects following contrast agent administration in the past, and we will treat any potential allergic reactions with appropriate medical support.
How can you register for the examination?
Patients typically request MRI scans from us upon specialist recommendation. We also accept patients without a referral within 24 hours at SMART Diagnostics.
Immediate MRI scans are also available following specialist examination!
Register now at +36-1-44-33-433!
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