Why would a doctor order an MRI?

Asked by: Natalia Carroll  |  Last update: December 1, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (14 votes)

Generally, an MRI can help your doctor identify what is causing your health issue so that he or she can diagnose you accurately and prescribe a treatment plan. Depending on your symptoms, an MRI will scan a specific portion of your body to diagnose: Tumors. Heart damage.

What is the most common reason for MRI scan?

The MRI scan is used to investigate or diagnose conditions that affect soft tissue, such as: Tumours, including cancer. Soft tissue injuries such as damaged ligaments. Joint injury or disease.

Why would my doctor send me for an MRI scan?

In some situations, your doctor may suggest MRI if a CT scan hasn't been able to give all the information they need. In some cancers, such as cervix or bladder cancer, MRI is better than CT at showing how deeply the tumour has grown into body tissues.

What would a doctor use an MRI to look for?

MRI can check for tumors or other abnormalities of many organs in the body, including the following: Liver and bile ducts. Kidneys. Spleen.

Is an MRI something to worry about?

Even though an MRI machine looks intimidating, there is nothing to fear. Getting an MRI exam is a painless, safe and common procedure. For example, according to the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, about 10 million patients get MRIs every year.

Why Would My Doctor Order an MRI?

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How long does it take for MRI results to be serious?

This means it's unlikely you'll get the results of your scan immediately. The Radiologist will send a report to the doctor who arranged the scan. They'll discuss the results with you. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for the results of an MRI scan to come through, unless they're needed urgently.

Is it serious if I need an MRI?

If you're told you need an MRI scan for an important organ like the brain or the heart, you may immediately jump to the worst possible conclusion. But in reality, MRIs are used as a diagnostic tool for a wide range of conditions and can even be used to rule out the serious issues you may be worried about.

What not to do before an MRI?

What Should You NOT Do Before an MRI?
  • Maybe Not Eat or Drink. In some cases, you may be asked not to eat or drink before having the MRI scan done. ...
  • Maybe Limit Your Bathroom Trips. ...
  • Always Listen to Your Preparation Instructions. ...
  • Do NOT Keep Metal on Your Body. ...
  • Tell the Technicians About Any Pre-Existing Conditions.

What does an MRI show best?

Metastases to the bone and brain also show up better on an MRI. This imaging is also used for many purposes unrelated to cancer, including injuries to soft tissue or joints, and injury or disease of internal organs including the brain, heart, and digestive organs.

Does MRI show nerve damage?

Does an MRI scan show nerve damage? A neurological examination can diagnose nerve damage, but an MRI scan can pinpoint it. It's crucial to get tested if symptoms worsen to avoid any permanent nerve damage. Alliance MRI is located all over the Houston area and provides affordable MRI tests.

Why would a doctor order an MRI instead of an xray?

MRIs are more versatile, and doctors use them for examining many medical conditions. For example, x-rays are used more for examining broken bones, but they can also help detect diseased tissue. MRIs are better for evaluating soft tissues such as tendon and ligament injuries, brain tumors or spinal cord injuries.

How long does an MRI take?

MRIs Take 15 to 90 Minutes. MRIs typically take between 15 and 90 minutes. However, scans of different parts of the body have unique time requirements based on the number of images that the MRI machine must capture. Whether or not a contrast dye is needed also affects the time.

What symptoms would warrant an MRI?

Conditions an MRI of the Brain Can Detect
  • Aneurysms or Hemorrhages. An MRI of the brain can be used to detect aneurysms and hemorrhages in the brain, which can be life-threatening issues. ...
  • Brain Edema. ...
  • Cysts or Tumors. ...
  • Traumatic Brain Injury. ...
  • Hydrocephalus. ...
  • Multiple Sclerosis. ...
  • Spinal Cord Disorders. ...
  • Stroke.

What disorders can an MRI show?

1). MRI can be used to detect brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, developmental anomalies, multiple sclerosis, stroke, dementia, infection, and the causes of headache.

What symptoms warrant an MRI?

When is it considered medically necessary to have a brain imaging study?
  • swelling of the optic nerve.
  • abnormal reflexes.
  • weakness on one side of the face or body.
  • unsteady gait.
  • double vision.
  • vision loss.
  • abnormalities of the pupils.
  • confusion.

How accurate is an MRI test?

In one study, tumors were correctly diagnosed in 93% of MRI scans compared to 48% of biopsies.

What part of the body is best evaluated with MRI?

Healthcare providers can “look at” and evaluate several different structures inside your body using MRI, including: Your brain and surrounding nerve tissue. Organs in your chest and abdomen, including your heart, liver, biliary tract, kidneys, spleen, bowel, pancreas and adrenal glands.

Can an MRI tell if a tumor is benign?

MRI is very good at zeroing in on some kinds of cancers. By looking at your body with MRI, doctors may be able to see if a tumor is benign or cancerous.

Why can't you drink water for MRI?

If You Have an Overactive Bladder

This feeling of urgency can make it harder to hold urine in. While you may still experience this urgency to a degree, not drinking for several hours before your procedure can make you less likely to experience incontinence during the scan.

Why can't you wear deodorant for an MRI?

Although deodorants are refreshing, they do not go along well with MRIs. Most deodorants contain metals like aluminum. Since the MRI machines are magnets, it is best to not apply deodorants, antiperspirants, perfumes, or body lotions before the examination.

Should you wear deodorant for an MRI?

Can a subject wear deodorant for an MRI scan? It is recommended to refrain from wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant and/or lotions on your underarms and chest area prior to the procedure. This is to prevent the possibility of localized burns because these items may have metal in them.

Will a radiologist tell you if something is wrong?

During and after your scan, your radiologist will not tell you if something is wrong based on your images. If your radiologist notices something on your scan that requires emergency treatment, they will get you that treatment immediately. Your doctor will receive your CT scan results within 24 hours of your scan.

Do you get results right away after MRI?

If you get MRI results that are bad or serious, your doctor will likely contact you right away. Their priority is your wellbeing and safety and they want to get you the care you need as fast as possible. If your results are not serious, they will be ready within 1-2 weeks.

What do you wear to an MRI?

100% cotton clothing is safe and preferred for MRI!