What are the risks of an MRI examination?
December 23, 2023 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Helma Rothwiller
Dear Doctor,
My name is Sebastian Hemminger and I have a question regarding an upcoming MRI examination. I have heard from friends that there can be certain risks associated with an MRI examination and therefore I am somewhat concerned. I hope you can alleviate my concerns and provide me with more information on this matter.
My current situation is as follows: My treating physician has recommended an MRI examination to obtain a more precise diagnosis for my health complaints. I have already informed myself about the procedure and know that it is a painless and non-invasive examination where magnetic fields are used to create detailed images of my body.
Nevertheless, I have concerns regarding potential risks. I wonder if there are any side effects or complications that I should be aware of during the MRI examination. I am worried about potential health effects of the magnetic fields or contrast agents that may be used. I also wonder if there are risks for individuals with implants or metal parts in their body.
Could you please explain in detail what risks could be associated with an MRI examination and how they can be minimized? Are there any specific precautions I should take before undergoing the examination? I want to ensure that I am well informed and not taking unnecessary risks.
Thank you in advance for your support and understanding. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Sebastian Hemminger
Dear Mr. Hemminger,
Thank you for your question regarding potential risks associated with an upcoming MRI examination. It is understandable that you are concerned and worried about your health. I will now explain in detail what risks could be associated with an MRI examination and how they can be minimized.
First and foremost, I would like to point out that an MRI examination is generally considered safe and painless. No ionizing radiation is used, but rather strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your body. This means that there are no direct health effects of an MRI examination.
However, there are some points to consider. One possible risk is that metal objects in the body such as implants or screws may heat up due to the strong magnetic field. Therefore, it is important to provide all information about existing implants or metal parts to the treating physician or medical staff before the examination. In some cases, it may be necessary to use alternative imaging techniques such as CT or ultrasound to avoid potential risks.
Another point to consider is contrast agents that may be used in some MRI examinations to make certain structures in the body more visible. These contrast agents are usually well tolerated, but can rarely trigger allergic reactions. If you are known to be allergic to certain substances or have had negative experiences with contrast agents, please inform the medical staff before the examination.
It is also important to mention that patients with certain pre-existing conditions such as kidney problems or pregnancy should take special precautions. In such cases, the MRI examination may be adapted or avoided to minimize potential risks.
In summary, MRI examinations are generally safe and rarely cause side effects or complications. By sharing all relevant information about your health and any potential risk factors with the medical staff, potential risks can be minimized.
I hope that this information was helpful to you and alleviated some of your concerns. If you have any further questions or need additional information, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Helma Rothwiller
