Health & Medical Medicine

Preparing For a Brain MRI

If your doctor has recently informed you that you need a brain MRI, you are probably experiencing a wide array of emotions - fear, worry, and others.
This is not at all unusual.
If you take the time to learn as much as you possibly can about the brain MRI that you will be having done, you will feel much more comfortable about the testing process.
MRI stands for "Magnetic Resonance Imaging".
This means that while it scans the brain and obtains a number of images, it is considered a noninvasive testing procedure.
Medical professionals are able to obtain images that display the brain as well as the nerve tissue that surrounds the brain.
In this guide, you will learn how to prepare for a brain MRI.
What is a MRI? The MRI is a technologically advanced machine that uses extremely powerful magnets in collaboration with radio waves in order to obtain detailed images of the brain and the surrounding area.
The magnetic field produced by a MRI machine is immense.
The actual scanner of the device contains the magnet.
When in full operation, the actual magnetism produced has been estimated as being approximately ten thousand times more greater than that of the whole planet earth.
The hydrogen based atoms in the body are lined up in an organized fashion when the body is subjected to the magnetism of the machine.
Radio waves then progress towards these atoms and then revert back to the machine.
The computer that is attached to the MRI machine then catches the image that is brought back.
This is how doctors are able to obtain clear images of the brain.
Basic Preparation Strategies There are many basic preparation strategies that are normally required before taking a brain MRI.
Your doctor will typically inform you of specific steps that need to be taken for appropriate preparation.
These steps may include any or all of the following: • Many are not permitted to consume any food or drinks for up to eight hours prior to the test time.
• Most are advised that they should avoid indulging in smoking prior to the test.
• If other health conditions are present, an evaluation may need to be performed prior to taking the brain MRI to determine if the test will be safe.
There are many medical devices and other objects that contain metal that may prove to be quite dangerous in the testing area.
If you have medical devices in your body such as clips for brain aneurysms, heart valves that are artificial, and artificial joints, you may not be able to engage in this type of test.
Additionally, you should not have anything on you that contains metal.
Examples include credit cards, jewelry, hair accessories, hearing aids, and dental work that may be removed without complication.
If you are scheduled for a brain MRI, preparation is essential.
While this test is painless and noninvasive, it is important to know and understand what to expect and risks that may jeopardize your health and safety beforehand.


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