Advantages And Disadvantages Of MRI: MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It is a technique in medical science that uses the radio waves and magnetic field to generate reports in images about the organs and tissues in the body. An MRI machine is a large cylindrical shape machine which has magnetic fields. When the patient lies on the bed of the machine, the magnetic waves released by the machine get aligned with the water molecules in the body, and computer generated radio waves produce the signals. These signals are used to cross check the MRI images. A unique technique is present in the latest MRI machines that help to print the 3-D images for better understanding. Let’s read more about MRI below about why it is done, how it works and much more things.
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What is MRI? What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of MRI?
MRI technique is a non-invasive technique. Non-invasive means that no instruments will be introduced in the body for any type of diagnosis. MRI helps to get detailed 3-D images and is used to diagnose the diseases, cracks of bones, and monitor the treatments progress. This technology involves the magnetic radiation which detects and changes the direction of protons in the water molecules in the body. MRI technique is a very sophisticated technology that helps doctors to diagnose the problems of tissues, organs and skeletal structure. Getting through an MRI process may be a bit hectic as one (the patient) has to lie on the bed for a longer period of time, probably depending on the type of ailment he is getting diagnosed for.
How Does MRI Work?
Working principle of MRI technology is painless and unchallenging. The patient is made to lie down on the bed of the machine and then the bed slides under the main machine. MRI machines release powerful magnetic radiations which bind and align with the protons present in the water molecules in the body. The patient has to remain very still in order to get a clear image.
Some intravenous contrast agents may be given to the patient to increase the MRI speed to increase the alignment speed of the protons with the magnetic radiations. The faster the field gets aligned with the protons, the clear and brighter image is formed.
Soon as the magnetic waves are passed through the protons in the body, they get stimulated and start to spin in equilibrium straining against the magnetic pull. Now, when the protons get aligned with the magnetic field, the magnetic radiations are turned off and MRI machine sensors catch the energy released and an image is formed.
What Is The Use Of MRI?
MRI Technology can be used to map the injuries to the internal body organs, specially the soft tissues and muscles. Therefore, this is the best option for the quick scanning of the injuries and damage of the knees and shoulder muscles. It is indeed a smart technology as it can differentiate between the white and grey matter in the brain and can easily detect deadly conditions like tumours too. This technology is entirely different from the CT-Scan process, where harmful X-Rays are passed through the organs for scanning.
- Advantages Of MRI
- Disadvantages Of MRI
- Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of MRI
- FAQ’s on Advantages And Disadvantages Of MRI
Advantages Of MRI
- Non-invasive: MRI is a non-invasive technique, which means it does not involve any type of physical instrument introduction in the body.
- No Radiation: The MRI machine involves a magnetic field for the diagnosis of the injury and has no radiation system like X-Rays.
- In depth visibility: MRI technique helps to get a crystal clear image of the tissues and organs in the body. That is why it is widely preferred for the shoulder, knees and and trusted widely for brain related diagnosis.
- Can detect tumors and cancers: MRI technology is the boon for such patients who are fighting for life with cancers and tumors. It can detect any type of cancer and tumors.
- Clear images: The result image given by MRI technique is super clear and of high resolution. The image can be received in a hard photo sheet and also it can be converted into a CD for further uses.
- Painless & Harmless process: MRI is the safest of all diagnosing techniques and has least side effects. There is no pain caused either by the fields or by the machine. Also a reagent is used in some patients but it also has negligible side effects, that too in rare cases.
Disadvantages Of MRI
- Expensive: Getting an MRI is very expensive. Rates of MRI scan ranges between 2500-8000 Rupees, depending on the type of scan to be done. Therefore the lower and lower middle class people rarely can avail this facility.
- Ineffective in cancer detection: Although MRI scans report accurate images and can detect problems in brain and muscles, yet it has its limitations to some types of benigns and breast cancers too.
- Claustrophobic: Since the machine is all closed, therefore some patients may feel claustrophobic inside the machine. For such patients, an open MRI facility is available.
- Incorrect results: The MRI machine is always right, but it may give false feedback results if the patient has any kind of metal implants in the body or any tattoos on the body.
- Allergies to reagent: There is a chance of developing the allergies against the gadolinium contrast media, commonly called as contrasting reagent.
Comparison Table for Advantages and Disadvantages of MRI
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Non-invasive | Expensive |
| No radiation | Ineffective in cancer detection |
| In-depth visibility | Claustrophobia |
| Can detect tumors and cancers | Incorrect to result |
| Clear images | Allergies to reagent |
| Painless and harmless process |
FAQ’s on Advantages And Disadvantages Of MRI
Question 1.
Is MRI testing safe?
Answer:
Yes, MRI technology is very safe unlike CT-Scan and X-Rays. It is a painless technology with minimal side effects.
Question 2.
Is MRI scanning a long process?
Answer:
MRI scanning depends on the type of injury. Ideally it takes a minimum 30 minutes to two hours to get a scanning completed.
Question 3.
Is the MRI process claustrophobic?
Answer:
MRI scanning may feel claustrophobic to some patients. In such cases, there are two types of machines- open and closed. Patients who are prone to claustrophobia may pre-inform the examiner so that they may be shifted to the open machine.
Question 4.
Is MRI a painful process?
Answer:
NO. MRI is an absolutely painful process. All you need to do is just to stay still throughout the examination and keep mum.