A magnetic resonance imaging or an MRI is a technique used to visualise detailed internal structures of the body. It utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio waves and provides high resolution images of organs and tissues in our body.

Worried about the risks and side effects of an MRI? Here’s what you need to know all about an MRI.

Mykare health is here for you to provide detailed information about various risks and side effects of an MRI so that you are well aware of the whole procedure before going for it. Let’s first understand how it works and what its uses are.

How an MRI Works?

The MRI machine produces a powerful magnetic field that aligns the protons in the body's hydrogen atoms. This is followed by an application of a radio frequency pulses, which temporarily moves the protons out of alignment.

When the protons try to realign themselves with the magnetic field, they emit signals that are detected by the MRI scanner. A detailed cross section of the body is seen through a computer.

Uses of an MRI

An MRI is used to Diagnose brain tumors, strokes, and other neurological conditions. It is also used to Evaluate spinal cord injuries, and spinal stenosis.

Besides these it is also used to assess joint disorders, and muscle tears. It is also used to detect heart disease and detect organs such as the liver and kidneys.

Allergic Reactions to Contrast Material

There may be some allergic reactions seen by the use of the following materials in an MRI.

• Gadolinium-based contrast agents are most commonly used in MRI scans. When Gadolinium is used with other substances, it becomes safe.
• Iodine-based contrast agents are also used in CT scans, but occasionally used in some specialized MRI techniques also.

Symptoms of Allergic Reactions

Symptoms of allergic reactions can range from mild such as rash, itching, dizziness or severe such as difficulty in breathing, rapid heart beat or loss of consciousness.

Implanted Medical Devices

The powerful magnetic environment of an MRI can interact with metallic and electronic medical implants, causing serious health issues.

The MRI’s magnetic field can interfere with the normal operation of electronic devices such as pacemakers, causing them to malfunction. Metal implants can heat up during the MRI scan, causing tissue damage. Metal implants can create a hindrance on MRI images, deviating the scan results.

You can consult with the device manufacturer’s guidelines to determine the MRI safety status and any specific scanning protocols needed.

Pregnancy Concerns

The safety of MRI during the first trimester of the fetal organ development is less certain. MRI is usually avoided during the first trimester unless it is very important.

If possible, alternative imaging methods that do not involve magnetic fields, such as ultrasound, are usually preferred for pregnant women.

Metallic Foreign Bodies

The strong magnetic field can cause some materials to move within the body, causing tissue damage, or pain. Metal objects can create a hindrance on MRI images, causing a distorted image instead of a clear image.

You can consider alternative imaging methods such as CT scans, ultrasound, or X-rays, which do not involve strong magnetic fields and are safer for patients with metallic foreign bodies.

Claustrophobia and Anxiety

• You might have seen an MRI scanner, it is a narrow, tube-like structure that can evoke feelings of discomfort in patients prone to claustrophobia.
• The duration of MRI scans can last anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, requiring patients to remain still in the confined space for extended periods.
• Patients must be still on the scanning table, which can give rise to feelings of anxiety and helplessness.
• You should allow patients to see and even enter the MRI room before the scan as it can help them become more comfortable with the environment.
• You can also provide patients with headphones to listen to music, or guided meditations during the scan to distract and relax them.

Thermal Injuries

An MRI can cause tissue heating. Metallic objects can induce currents when exposed to an MRI, leading to heating. Longer MRI scans increase the risk of thermal injury.

You can use cooling fans to help dissipate heat during the scan. You can also take breaks during long scans to allow the patient’s body to cool down.

Hearing Damage

MRI scanners produce loud knocking, or tapping, noises due to the switching of magnetic gradients and RF pulses.

Noise levels inside the MRI bore can reach a noise, which is comparable to a jet engine at takeoff. People with pre-existing hearing impairments, or tinnitus, are more prone to hearing damage from MRI noise.

You can provide patients with earplugs to reduce exposure to MRI noise. You can also Select MRI sequences and protocols that minimize the duration and intensity of noise exposure while maintaining diagnostic quality.

False Positives and Negatives

In medical diagnostics, false positives and false negatives are errors which occur when test results incorrectly indicate the presence or absence of a condition, respectively.

False Positives is a test that incorrectly indicates that a condition is present when it is actually absent, such as a screening test for a specific cancer that shows positive results in a patient who does not have the disease. False Negatives is a test that incorrectly indicates that a condition or disease is absent when it is actually present. Improper sample collection can lead to false negatives, such as blood tests for certain infections that fail to detect the pathogen. You can develop tests with improved sensitivity and specificity to minimize false positives and negatives.

Contrast Extravasation

Improper needle during contrast injection can increase the risk of extravasation. Fragile veins, especially in elderly patients or those with vascular diseases, are more prone to this.

Contrast administered through peripheral IV lines carries a greater risk of extravasation compared to central lines. Patients with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease are at increased risk.

Clinical Manifestations

Patients may report pain, or burning, at the injection site. Visible swelling around the injection site can also be seen.

Severe cases of extravasation can lead to tissue necrosis and permanent damage. In cases involving joints or sensitive areas, functional impairment or nerve damage may occur.

Doctors should assess the extent of extravasation and monitor for signs of complications. You can consult with a specialist, such as a plastic surgeon or vascular specialist, in case of severe cases. A follow-up should also be scheduled for regular monitoring of the affected area.