Gold Coast MRI

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a medical imaging system that is used for the diagnosis and examination of a patient’s internal body structure. Using a strong magnetic field combined with radio waves, an MRI scan is able to generate images that are more detailed than those produced by x-ray machines, ultrasound, or CT scans. When trying to diagnose a sports injury, for example, doctors can use MRI scans to more accurately examine the tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and joints of a patient. MRI can also help in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions such as tumors, strokes, aneurysms, multiple sclerosis, eye problems, inner ear problems, and issues with the spinal cord.

One of the best things about using magnetic resonance imaging systems is their capability to detect, examine, and produce detailed images of soft tissue and the nervous system. Of course, being able to collect all of these information without exposing a patient to radiation is also a huge plus. An MRI scan can help diagnose the condition of organs such as the pancreas, liver, kidneys, prostate (for men), and breasts and ovaries (for women). There is also a special MRI test called a functional MRI (fMRI) which can map brain activity by analyzing the flow of blood to examine which areas of the brain become active when doing specific tasks.

A patient undergoing Gold Coast mri scan typically won’t have to do any special preparations beforehand. If you’re scheduled for an abdominal or pelvic MRI, however, you may be asked to skip eating or drinking for three to four hours beforehand. Additionally, to make it easier for everyone involved, you might want to avoid wearing any metal objects or jewelry when you’re scheduled for an appointment. Otherwise, you’ll be requested to remove all earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, and other metal objects on your body. You will also be asked to fill out a checklist to indicate if you’re wearing a pacemaker, cochlear implants, prosthetics, or metal plates/rods.

Women patients may be asked if they are wearing any copper IUDs. Although copper is relatively safe to wear during an MRI, doctors will still need to adjust the strength of the magnetic field to account for the metal inside the patient’s body. Typically, an MRI scan will run at 3.0 Tesla units (the measurement for MRI strength). For a patient wearing a copper IUD, the strength will usually need to be adjusted down to around 1.5 Tesla.

It is also advisable for women who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant to inform their doctor beforehand. Medical science hasn’t yet fully understood the exact effects of MRI scanning on a fetus inside the womb, therefore the physician might recommend alternative tests instead of an MRI, or postpone the test altogether until the patient gives birth.

For patients who are concerned about their first Gold Coast mri exam, they should rest assured that the procedure is painless, does not use any radiation, and is non-invasive. The MRI scanner is basically a big metal tube with a table or bed. The patient will lie down on the table, which will then slide inside the tube so the examination can start. Some “knocking” noises will be heard during the exam, so the patient will typically be provided with earplugs or muffs to soften or deaden the noise.