Modern medicine is developing rapidly, and for several years now, as diagnosticians have proposed a special comprehensive study of the parts of the body on a special MRI device. Magnetic resonance imaging allows you to scan any organ. As a rule, such a diagnosis is carried out in case of emergency, when other diagnostic methods are not effective. Based on the study, doctors confirm or, on the contrary, exclude suspicions about the alleged disease. Sometimes it becomes necessary to re-analyze this complex device or scan another organ in a short time. And a logical question arises about how often you can do an MRI, is it dangerous?
How does the device work?
Recently, everyone has been talking about magnetic storms and their negative impact on human health. The manifestation in the atmosphere of this phenomenon can cause a headache in a person. The radiation produced by the tomograph is also magnetic. Therefore, people who are assigned to the study are worried - is it harmful to do an MRI in principle?
It is no secret to anyone that this device is one of the most informative diagnostic methods. And although MRI creates a high-frequency magnetic field, it does not emit x-rays, causing more significant damage to the human body. A tomograph is safer in this respect than a mobile phone that people use every day. Specialists asked how often you can do an MRI, they have the opinion: "Everything that is too - not useful." However, this apparatus does not cause a person any changes either during the procedure or after it. And if, for any reason, a second study is scheduled, you can safely diagnose as much as required.
Precautions
Before carrying out this procedure, the doctor always clarifies the factors that may serve as a contraindication, both absolute and relative:
- The first trimester of pregnancy, since a negative effect on the fetus is possible.
- Metallic objects present in the human body. It can be orthopedic constructions, clips on organs, artificial joints, pacemaker or defibrillator.
- The procedure can be prescribed in an open device if the person has claustrophobia.
- If at the time of diagnosis a person suffers from ENT diseases.
- Severe condition of the patient.
- Tattoos, including metal elements - earrings, balls.
- Electronic or metal implants.
- Clips on the vessels of the brain.
An independent patient cannot prescribe a procedure for himself. All these factors are considered by the doctor, and only he can decide how often MRI can be done and whether to re-diagnose. Perhaps it is strictly prohibited even once.
In what cases and how many times can you do an MRI?
There are no restrictions for tomography, unless there are special contraindications. For example, the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis requires repeated MRI procedures in order to control its spread to the spinal cord and brain. More than once in a short period of time, the study can be performed after surgery or in preparation for surgery. Often, organs must be scanned in the process of treating cancer, chemotherapy, in order to detect metastases, tumors. After injuries of the spine or damage to the musculoskeletal system, it is also recommended to undergo a second examination.
How is magnetic resonance imaging
A man changes into replaceable clothes that he can take with him. All things, metal objects need to be removed, put out of pockets excess.
The patient goes to the equipment room and is correctly located in the tomograph. During the procedure, a person should lie still. Sometimes it is this condition that causes slight discomfort to the patient. But this is not a doctor’s whim, but a necessity. Any, even a small movement can adversely affect the quality of the picture.
The inside of the device is illuminated, a fan is built into the device so that the patient is not stuffy in an enclosed space.
Routine preparation before scanning is not required. An exception is those cases when a contrast agent is used during the examination. Special preparation is needed in the diagnosis of abdominal organs and pelvic. A few days before the procedure, you should start a carbohydrate-free diet. Before MRI, do not drink tea and coffee, but 5-6 hours before starting to stop drinking and eating. You should drink a tablet of activated charcoal, if there is flatulence, and take a medicine to relieve spasm.
Opinions about the MRI procedure, reviews of people
As a rule, many of us are afraid of something new and unknown to ourselves. Some people who have been prescribed tomography for the first time cautiously go for an examination. But the result is that there is nothing wrong with this procedure. So what do people say about MRI? Reviews of patients who have undergone this procedure come down to one thing - there is nothing scary and dangerous in it. Moreover, here we are talking about the state of your health. The only nuance that can become an obstacle to the study is the question of how often MRI can be done. After all, if a person needs repeated repetitions of procedures, then it is worth knowing for sure.