What is an MRI scan?
An MRI scan is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to take pictures of the brain, spine or other areas of the body.
It is particularly useful for taking very detailed pictures of the brain or spine.
What happens before an MRI scan?
Because the MRI scanner uses strong magnets, for safety reasons medical staff need to know if the patient has:
- a pacemaker
- an artificial heart valve
- ever had surgery on your head
- metallic implants like joint replacements
- ever had metal in your eyes from welding or metalwork
Before the scan, it is necessary to remove any loose metallic objects (glasses, jewellery and dentures with metal plates)
What happens during an MRI scan?
The patient must lie still during the scan, so this may require sedative drugs.
Although an MRI scan is painless, unfortunately, the scanner is very noisy. Each set of pictures takes about five minutes and several sets might be taken during one session. The whole procedure usually takes about 45 minutes.
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