Is getting an MRI at all harmful?

Question

I know some medical procedures are harmful, like x-rays etc. What are the risks, if any, of getting an MRI?

Answer 1

I have had 3 or 4 MRIs and I did not have any problems. I don't think they are harmful. The last time I was inside the MRI for more than 2 hours. Don't worry, it's a good thing for diagnostic work.

Answer 2

It's really not harmful unless you have metal in your body.

Basically, an MRI machine puts your body inside a giant magnet which makes the molecules of water (or other imaging molecules) orient in one direction or another. By reading different orientations, the machine can map out a picture of your internal organs.

Obviously, if you have metal objects inside your body you wouldn't want to be stuck inside a giant magnet. The changing magnetic fields can do funny things to metallic objects and you wouldn't want those things to jump around inside your body.

Otherwise, I would say the risks are very minimal. Some people get a little claustrophobic inside the machine, others might be sensitive to the loud noise.

Answer 3

Not harmful. Unless you have a pacemaker or an implanted insulin pump. MRI technology uses magnets. These will demagnetize and implanted electrical device often with fatal consequences. Under normal circumstances, however, MRIs are safe.

Answer 4

An MRI uses radio waves and has not proved to be harmful

Answer 5

It is harmful!!! But only if your going back to the 1950s...

Its safe now with the advances weve made in technology...

Answer 6

If you don't have any metallic parts in you, the only risks are claustrophobia or "credit carditis," and the magnet will wipe clean the magnetic strips on your cards.

Answer 7

not harmful just really loud. but they give you a headset to wear and you listen to the music you like.