The Correlation Between The Mri Scan And Injuries

The head and the spinal column are two of the main areas that need to be avoided when it comes to being injured. The reason for this is because if one or both of these areas are injured, it could lead to paralysis. If the head is independently injured, it could result in brain damage, or even death if a clot is not taken care of immediately.

So, when a person has suffered a brain or spinal injury, or if a person is experiencing a severe amount of discomfort in those veins, it is very important that the person schedule an MRI scan. This scan, which is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a scan that uses a magnetic field instead of radiation in order to produce three dimensional scans of the area that is being evaluated.

The MRI scan itself has evolved from its earliest forms. Originally, claustrophobic people were hesitant to have this kind of scan done because it meant them laying in a confined area of the machine itself. However, now most of the machines have been redesigned to be more spacious, and thus more comfortable for the patient.

What basically happens is that the patient is instructed to lie down on an examining table, and the machine (located directly overhead the examining table) is activated. Because of the intensity of the magnetic field, it is important to be aware of who and who should not get an MRI scan.

The doctor will be the one to make the determination as to whether this scan is suitable for a specific patient. However, a person who wears a pacemaker will under no conditions be allowed to have this scan done. The magnetic field will cause the pacemaker to malfunction, which could result in death. Additionally, people with certain kinds of metal implants will also not be candidates for this scan.

The person should arrive to the place where the MRI scan is being done wearing clothing that is not only comfortable, but also completely free of any metal. The presence of metal will throw off the efficiency of the magnetic field and therefore the accuracy of the results. Various accessories that contain metal in them will have to removed as well. For example, if a person is wearing a hearing aid, that will need to be removed prior to having the scan done as well.

This scan differs from other scans in that the patient can have someone in the room with them while the scan is being done. However, the other person will also have to abide by the metal free rule. If the patient does not happen to have any metal free clothing (no chains, buttons, zippers, etc.) then he or she will be given a medical robe to wear.

If the guest of the patient has no metal free clothing, then he or she will be asked to stay outside until the scan has been completed. Once the scan is over, the patient will be allowed to resume regular activities as long as that was indicated as being okay by their doctor.