Common Medical Tests: Are MRIs Dangerous?

If you have been injured in a Kansas City auto accident, your doctor may order an MRI in order to diagnose your injuries. You may be wondering if there are any risks associated with these medical tests.

Our Kansas City car accident attorneys have provided answers to some frequently asked questions about MRIs.

What is an MRI?

An MRI or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test in which a powerful magnetic field is used with radio frequency pulses to produce detailed images of bone, soft tissue, and other body structures. The images are sent to a computer monitor and can be printed or copied.

How are MRIs used to diagnose Kansas City car rash injuries?

The detailed images produced by an MRI allow doctors to see injuries that may not be detectable with other diagnostic imaging tests, such as x-rays, computerized tomography, and ultrasound.

MRIs are especially useful for identifying injury to the internal organs, including the liver, heart, spleen, kidneys, intestines, and pelvic organs. MRI angiography can be used to diagnose injury to the blood vessels.

What should I do to prepare for an MRI?

Some MRIs may require you to fast for 8 to 12 hours, but in most cases, you can stick to your regular routine.

If you are wearing loose-fitting clothing with no metal fasteners, you may be allowed to wear your own clothing. Otherwise, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown during the test. You will have to remove any jewelry because metal can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit. Electronic objects can also cause interference. These items are not allowed near an MRI.

• Jewelry
• Any type of body piercing accessory
• Watches
• Credit Cards
• Hearing aids
• Glasses
• Removable dental work
• Pins
• Hairpins and other hair accessories
• Metal zippers or snaps
• Pens

Who should not have an MRI?

You should not have an MRI if you have an internal defibrillator or pacemaker, a cochlear implant, or have a clip in your brain. If you have any implants, serious health problems or have recently had surgery, let the MRI technician know. You should also let the MRI technician know if you have claustrophobia or a fear of enclosed spaces. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure.

What happens during an MRI?

A closed MRI unit is a large cylinder-shaped tube surrounded by a circular magnet. The patient lies down on an examination table that slides into the center of the magnet. Some hospitals have open MRI units, but not all exams can be performed on these machines.

For some exams, a contrast material is used to help with imaging. If a contrast material is being used in your MRI exam, a nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) line into your hand or arm. You will be moved into the magnet of the MRI unit. You will be asked to stay still. You may feel a little warm during the exam.

The technician will leave the room during the exam, but you will be able to communicate through an intercom. After the exam, you will be asked to remain still while the technician checks the images. Then your IV line will be removed and your procedure will be complete.

The entire exam takes 15 to 45 minutes. Once the exam is complete, the results will be interpreted by the radiologist and sent to your physician.

Are MRIs dangerous?

MRIs are not considered dangerous for healthy patients; however, certain individuals may have allergic reactions to the contrast solution. These reactions are very rare. Patients with kidney disease may be vulnerable to effects from the contrast solution. This is why it is important to let your doctor know about your health history before an MRI.

The Kansas City car accident attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys help victims of Missouri traffic accidents. If you have been injured in a Kansas City car wreck and need information, browse our website, or request a free copy of our book, 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim. If you would like to discuss your claim with a Kansas City car accident attorney, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616, and ask to schedule a free consultation.

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