5 Common Misconceptions About MRIs

Health & Medical Blog

An MRI is a type of medical scan that can help diagnose a wide range of health conditions, such as tumors, brain injuries, strokes, and spinal cord disorders. If your doctor recently advised you to get an MRI, you may feel nervous and unsure of what to expect. Although MRIs have been around for a while, there are still a lot of misunderstandings about them.

Here are a few common misconceptions about MRIs.

MRIs Use Radiation

Some patients are reluctant to get MRIs because they assume they will be exposed to radiation. However, unlike CT scans or X-rays, MRI scans will not expose your body to radiation. They are very safe, so you have nothing to worry about.

Patients with Metal Implants Are Unable to Get MRIs

This is another common misconception about MRI scans. The truth is that having metal substances in your body will not necessarily prevent you from getting an MRI. After you inform an MRI technologist about the type of metal you have in your body, they will determine if it's safe to have a scan. For instance, metal tooth fillings and cochlear implants will still allow you to undergo an MRI scan.

MRIs Are All Exactly the Same

Many people still assume that all MRIs are alike. However, that just is not true. Different types of MRI scans check for different issues in the body. For example, a breast MRI detects breast cancer while a brain MRI detects various brain issues, such as seizures and head injuries.

MRI Machines Are Very Cramped

This myth is another reason why some patients shy away from MRI scans. They may be claustrophobic and do not want to be in small spaces. The good news is that some MRI machines are wider, so you will not feel cramped.

MRI Scans Only Detect Physical Injuries

While MRI scans can detect physical injuries, they can also detect many other conditions. These scans can catch mental conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. If your doctor thinks that you might have a mental health disorder, you may want to schedule an MRI soon.

As you can see, there are quite a few myths about MRI scans. If you need an MRI scan, you should not hesitate to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The sooner you detect your health issue, the easier it will be to treat.

Contact your doctor for more information about MRI scans. 

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11 November 2022

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