Common MRI Side Effects

Introduction:

Despite the intricacies and complexities of the technology involved in an MRI machine, it is a safe and painless procedure.  The test is non invasive and the magnetic fields and radio waves used are not strong enough will not cause permanent damage to your body.  As long as you follow the precautions before using an MRI, you will be fine.

However, it is still possible to deal with a few MRI side effects once the procedure is complete.  Because there is no physical harm to the patient, the side effects are, for the most part, psychological due to the nature of the MRI scan (it is not as scary as it might sound.)

Concerns During MRI Scan

To scan your body, you are required to lay down on a patient table, which then slides you into the center of the MRI machine.  The whole procedure can take about a half an hour, in which you will be flat on your back the whole time.  The opening in the chamber where you will be will be quite small.  It is probably no greater than 4 feet in diameter.  For these reasons, the procedure can cause a lot of discomfort for the patient.

Laying on your back for a prolonged period of time might cause some pain in your back.  It could also cause in other areas from lying on an uncomfortable patient table.  These issues are temporary, but it is worth noting for those with chronic pain in certain joints or areas.

During the test, you must lie still in the very small cavity of the MRI machine.  If you have to undergo a scan that requires your whole body to be placed in the center, those with claustrophobia will have a problem going through with the MRI scan.  This is relatively common among people needing an MRI scan, so your radiologist or technician will understand your issue.

Possible solutions are to take medication that will suppress your nerves or just sedate you altogether.  The best option is to use an open MRI machine, which will not encase you and avoid your claustrophobia.  Other than these two options, if your claustrophobia is not very serious, the next best thing is to close your eyes, take deep breaths and imagine you are on a sunny and peaceful beach.

The MRI machine is quite loud during the scan, so the noise can cause problems.  For example, people that suffer from migranes will not be take a liking to the loudness.  Common MRI side effects include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Fatigue

Fortunately, these symptoms are temporary, mostly caused by discomfort.  Again, tell your doctor about any concerns you may have to avoid these side effects and make the process as easy as possible.

All should know that in a research they said that frequent MRI scans to children may leads to blood cancer and further as bone cancer.

SOURCE: http://mri-side-effects.net/