Get an MRI scan, or magnetic resonance imaging scan, it may seem a little scary at first. You may feel nervous or not sure about what to expect while having an MRI. After all, an MRI scan can reveal signs of cancer and other internal diseases.
However, the best way to assuage any concerns you may have about an MRI scan is to learn as much as you can before you go. That way, you’ll have few surprises while following the procedure. It can even be helpful to read about why an MRI scan may benefit your health, and to strategize your plan of action once you have the results from your scan.
The importance of getting a whole body MRI
Getting a full body MRI is an awesome way to rule out or diagnose several things without delay. It can scan your entire body to detect things like spinal cord injuries and problems, kidney disease, diverse types of cancer, and residual damage from episodes like heart attacks.
Of course, if you’re concerned about one part of your body, such as the lungs, you may want to consider getting an MRI particularly for that area, such as the Lung cancer MRI. This option can be very beneficial if you know that you’re more likely to get lung cancer from smoking habits or family history.
Most diseases are best caught early in their development. If you have an MRI body scan and find something wrong in the early stages, likelihood is that your treatment will be effective. It has been found that cancer survival rate three times higher amongst cases where the cancer had an early diagnosis. It makes a full-body MRI scan sound far more interesting.
What to expect when you get an MRI
When you have an MRI scan, it is necessary to be prepared for the process. You will be asked to remove all jewellery, as an MRI uses magnets as part of the imaging process. For this reason, it is also important to tell your doctor or radiologist if you have a pacemaker or other magnetic implant.
As for How long You will be in the MRI scanner, depending on the part of the body being scanned. For a full body scan, you’ll normally be there for an hour. However, if you only scan a small part of your body, it only takes 10 minutes. During the process, you won’t be allowed to move, and you’ll probably be given headphones or earplugs to distract and protect you from the loud noises made by the MRI scanner.
As scary as the machine may sound, it is important to remember that an MRI is safe and painless. You should not endure any pain or discomfort during the scan, and it is very non-invasive.
How to move forward
If you receive an MRI result and find that something is having a serious impact on your health, you may be scared. This is utterly normal. A terrific way to move forward after receiving negative news is to research your treatment options. Your doctor and radiologist will have the ability to guide you on the way to health and should be available for questions along the way.
However, it can all the time be helpful to do some additional fact-finding for yourself and look into the best clinics and specialists in your area. Whatever your outcome, it is important to stay open and think positive.
