MRI is a computer-based imaging technique that creates a magnetic field inside your body to obtain images. The images of nerves or soft tissue inside your body are obtained.
This technique is effective in diagnosing cancer, strokes, nerve injury, brain or spinal cord injury, heart problems and abnormalities of the internal organs. It does not use radiation and therefore does not cause any radiation damage.
An MRI imaging procedure involves the following steps:
- You must not wear any metal (as the machine uses a very strong magnet), and you will have to remove hearing aids, wigs, watches, or eyeglasses.
- You may need to swallow a contrast preparation or have an IV line started in your arm if the MRI requires contrast dye. Inform your technician if you have or feel any allergy symptoms such as sneezing or itching.
- You will lie on a table which slides inside the MRI machine.
- It is normal to hear loud tapping sounds during the scan.