Patient Information and
Magnetic Resonance
Advantages and disadvantages of magnetic resonance
Advantages:
 | High contrast resolution between tissues |
| Imaging in different planes possible |
| No ionizing radiation |
| To date, no known allergic reactions to the contrast media used |
Disadvantages:
| Narrow examination tube, into which patient must enter, sometimes gives rise to claustrophobia |
| Longer examination times |
| Not an effective technique for examining moving organs, such as the heart, intestines, etc…. |
| More expensive technology |
| NO application in patients with metal prostheses and/or postoperative (vascular) clips |
Patient preparation:
It is not necessary to be sober for an MRI examination. However, it is very IMPORTANT that the patient leaves all metal objects he has with him before entering the magnetic scan room. This is a giant electromagnet and the smallest metal object can become a dangerous projectile due to its speed.
The examination lasts an average of 10 to 20 minutes. During that time, the patient must lie quietly in the “tunnel.” Because the device makes quite a lot of noise, it is necessary to protect the ears. This is done through ear protection or earplugs. The part of the body to be examined can be wrapped with a cylindrical piece, this is the antenna needed to obtain good imaging.
For safety reasons, the patient is given a small “pear”, with this he can give an alarm signal to the nursing staff in case of emergency. This for example in case of acute occurrence of claustrophobia.
Indications for an MRI examination:
| MRI is undoubtedly one of the better method of detecting neurological disorders, think scans of the brain and spinal cord. |
| Detection of injuries of the bones, of the tendons and muscles, as well as, for example, of the meniscus. |
| Studying the auditory nerves and the inner ear is also an application that lies ahead for the MRI. |
| Furthermore, MRI is often used to obtain further evaluation of lesions already detected by another technique. For example, a lesion in the liver or chest. |
| Another application that is gradually replacing conventional techniques is: MR angiography where blood vessels are assessed. Here a good picture of the course and shape of the blood vessels can be obtained with a minimum of contrast. Through 3D reconstruction, one can get a good idea of how the blood vessels are doing in a particular region. |