mri, mri misconceptions,open mri, norfolk mri, radiology

There are a lot of questions when it comes to MRI’s. What are they? How do they work? Why do they make such weird noises? How much radiation will I be exposed to? We're constantly hearing patients ask us questions, but two misconceptions seemed to be across the board with each patient. So, we've decided to finally debunk these myths and set the record straight.

Myth 1: All MRI machines are created equal.

We cannot begin to stress how completely 100% incorrect this statement is. Think of your MRI results as a picture, and the machine as the camera, because that’s essentially what it is. In order to determine whether there’s anything wrong, a clear and high quality image must be produced. In order to produce a sharper, higher quality image, you’ll need a higher quality camera. Anyone who’s used a cheap point and shoot camera and then picked up a DSLR can tell you that not all cameras are the same, and likewise not all MRI machines are the same. The better the image needed, the nicer the machine has to be.

Myth 2: People who have had joint replacement can’t get an MRI.

With MRI’s, there’s a lot of emphasis placed on completely removing any metal on the body. Piercings, belts, zippers on jeans, etc. Anything that’s remotely metal must be removed before someone can enter the MRI machine because of the strength of the magnets. This causes concern for people who have had procedures such as joint replacements done where the implanted devices could contain metal. For the most part, medical devices such as these are not affected by the magnetic field of the MRI machine and should not provide a problem when scanned. Patients undergoing MRI’s who have had medical implants should discuss this with their doctor prior to the MRI procedure just to make sure that it is safe for them to proceed, but for the majority of cases this shouldn’t cause an issue.

If you've fallen victim to either of these myths, don't worry you aren't alone! Just remember to keep this information in mind before you schedule an MRI. Make sure that the facility you go to has a quality machine (like ours!) and that you discuss any prior medical procedures with the doctor. If you're needing an MRI, contact us here. We would love to handle your needs at Northeast Nebraska Imaging.