Has anyone ever had an MRI?

Question

My doctor wants me to have one. I am not sure what it is.

My doctor thinks I have nerve damage in my elbow.
will this help to pinpoint exact cause of pain?

Answer 1

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a giant magnet that excites the cells in your body and makes them spin. As the cells relax and stop spinning, the machine is able to make an image from them. This is a very over simplified version of an explanation of what it is and does, but essentially, it is safe, with no known side effects, no risk of exposure to radiation (X-ray), no pain, and a great way to see certain structures of the body. You won't even know it is doing its thing. Just take a nap for about 20 minutes and then you will be done.

I have had one, and it is a very easy process. I also work in medical imaging.

Answer 2

This test stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It uses magnetic fields to determine the different desities of tissues in your body. This allows bone, soft tissue, fluid and air-filled spaces to be identified. Hundreds of "slices" of images are taken so the radiologist can visualize the internal structure in it's entire 3 dimensions (although this takes some great analysis). This is in constrast to an x-ray which primarily shows bony tissue in a one-dimensional plane.

The test is painless, but may produce anxiety in those who are clautrophobic. If the MRI is to be done with contrast, you will receive an injection of a dye which will help visulize certain structures...usually areas of blood flow. The test usually takes 45 minutes to an hour and you must remain still for several minutes at a time.

It is a very useful test for diagnosing many conditions, such as ruling out a pinched nerve in the neck (which may be causing your elbow pain) or examining if a ligament has ruptured, etc.

Answer 3

Yes I've had one too. Be prepared to loud noise like a jack-hammer. It can be a little claustrphobic but just close eyes and let your mind wander.
The technicians can communicate with you while the test is taking place. No pain and no side effects and it will be over before you know it
Hard to say if it will pinpoint pain cause but it's worth doing

Answer 4

Yep. There's nothing to it. They will put you in a tube (if you don't have an open MRI) and you will hear some sounds like knocking. If you're claustrophobic the doctor can give you something to relax before you go.

Answer 5

some are closed like a tube some are open..... the computer uses sound sort of like radar to take a complete 3 d picture of your brain, it is painless and boring but an excellant diagnostic tool for your doctor.most of the machines make a loud noise while operating.I had one done just last fall.

Answer 6

I hope you are not claustrophobic like me it was like being in a casket with the lid close. Then you hear the ping noises and they tell you to relax.

Answer 7

clikm on the pic and read\


if ur closterfobic it wont be fun because they stick u in a magnetic tube for abbout an hour its very small u cant even itch your nose

Answer 8

Yes, I am 13 but I have had one. It's like a cat scan. You lay still for about an hour and they take your blood. It's not bad.

http://www.gshealth.org/Hospital/images/MRI01.jpg
Copy and paste onto the ADDRESS bar and there is a picture of one. (Please nominate as best answer)

Answer 9

ITS LIKE AN EXRAY BUT YOU GO INSIDE OF A TUBE AND IT TAKES ABOUT 30 MIN TO DO
AND YES I HAVE HAD 3 OF THEM

Answer 10

magentice resonance imaging, it scans ur body to find any abnormalities, its good to have, it can usually spot anything wrong inside ur body.