Of all the choices the medical profession has to view the body, both inside and out, an MRI is by far the painless choice. There are a few things to consider such as how to lie still for an extended period of time, if you may be susceptible to allergic reactions to contrasting fluid, or if you would like to be sedated during the procedure. Through a diagnostic imaging center St Paul MN an MRI scan, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, presents a unique way of taking pictures of the body’s internal organs.
By far, the number one complaint in getting an MRI scan done is the need to stay still in an enclosed area for a length of time from 20 to 90 minutes. There is also a constant tapping noise inside the machine that may call for the use of headphones or earplugs as to not frustrate the patient inside.
While there is no radiation being used in the procedure, which makes the MRI different from a CAT or CT scan, there is still the need to have a quiet room. A different waiting room or viewing room for friends and family may be available to soothe the patient from afar. In between each picture that is being taken there is a brief break in which patients can communicate to the doctor or technician performing the scan and vice versa, but typically the room is as still as possible.
In some cases there may be a need for a contrasting formula to be taken by the patient in order to see differences in particular areas of the body. There are also cases when sedation may be required as claustrophobia, age or ability may not allow the patient to remain completely still for any length of time. When these two procedures are required there may be a limit as to what can be consumed prior. An empty stomach may be necessary to pick up on the best imaging of the body and to protect against nausea during the scan.
Since the number one complaint with medical imaging St Paul MN is the tunnel like contraption that a patient must endure for the scan, advances in the medical field have sought alternatives. Now there are stand up, upright and even open MRI scanning techniques that help put the patient at ease.
