Information about Arizona MRI's and Injuries
by AZ Personal Injury Lawyer - Mark Breyer
When a person is involved in a car accident in Arizona or any other accident many times, they will have swelling. When you go to the hospital and have swelling typically the doctor will order Xrays. Xrays show broken bones but do not show when ligaments or tendons are torn. If you have swelling or persistent pain in an area, a doctor will typically look at the X-ray results and if they are negative, the doctor will order an MRI.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non invasive tool that physicians use to diagnose and treat patients when it appears that something is not broken but where the patient still has a persistent pain. An MRI machine uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses, and computers. An MRI takes detailed photographs of tissue, bones, organs, and essentially any other part of the body. MRI's are commonly prescribed for organs of the chest and abdomen, pelvic organs, blood vessels, shoulders, knees and breasts. MRI's are more precise and often provide a better image then X-Rays or ultrasounds.
Preparing for an MRI involves several steps, including the possibility of fasting depending on the type of MRI a patient is having. For some exams, patients will be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours prior to the exam. Some exams require patients to drink or receive an injection into the bloodstream of contrast material. Contrast material is either comprised of iodine, barium, or gadolinium. The contrast helps the MRI take clearer pictures of areas that are difficult to see. The contrast material is safe to ingest but has an unpleasant taste.
The MRI exam involves removing ones clothing in place of a robe and taking off all jewelry, hair clips, removable dental work, hearing aids, glasses, and any other metal object that will interfere with the MRI's images. Most surgically implanted metals are safe. When you go to have your MRI, it is best not to bring these things. Most MRI facilities have lockers for you to put your things , but it is still better not to bring them with you to the facility. Also, many MRI places will not let loves ones come back to the exam area but they are allowed to wait in the patient waiting room area.
Some conditions such as kidney disease may prevent patients from getting an MRI. It is also advised that women who are pregnant do not undergo the MRI procedure, although there have been no reported health problems. If you are claustrophobic because the MRI machine is a small enclosed tunnel a physician may prescribe a mild sedative prior to the procedure.
A traditional MRI machine is a large cylinder shaped tube surrounded by a circular magnet. Patients will lie on a moveable examination table that will slide into the tunnel. Some MRI machines are not completely surrounded for people that are claustrophobic or obese. The technician monitoring the MRI will be in a separate room with computers.
MRI examinations may involve multiple sequences that can last several minuets. Depending on the type of exam and the equipment used, the procedure typically lasts from 15 to 45 minutes. It is important to remain still during the MRI so that precise pictures can be taken. The MRI technologists will be able to hear and speak to you via a two way intercom. Some MRI centers allow a parent or friend to sit in the room as long as they are checked for safety in the magnetic environment. You may be offered headphones or earplugs to help with the loud humming and thumping noises that the MRI machine makes. MRI centers often play music in the machine to help pass the time and relax the patient. MRI machines are well light and air conditioned.
There are different types of machines. Some are open and some are closed. It is said that closed MRIs give more detailed results. There are also some tests that doctors order which refer to contrast. The contrast shows more details than without. If you are ordered to get a MRI, it may be a good idea to ask your doctor if they ordered the MRI with or without contrast. It is not a good idea to get an MRI with contrast if you are breast feeding and should make sure to tell your doctor and the technician at the MRI company that you are breast feeding.
For the closed MRI, it is very intimidating looking at the MRI machine for some people. The closed MRI when you initially go in the machine feels very claustrophobic. The technician usually will give you something you can hold and if you feel like you are too uncomfortable or claustrophobic you can press a button and the technician can get you out within a few seconds. The technician can also tell you as you go how much longer you have for each cycle to calm your fears as well. If you are claustrophobic, you should see if your doctor can order you to have an open MRI, but again, the closed MRIs seem to give more detailed results. All in all, the closed MRI really is not that difficult to get through as long as you have a patient technician who can let you know through out what you should expect for timing. Also, if you are really claustrophobic ask your doctor to prescribe a sedative and that will keep you call throughout your exam.
