| It may be scary for those who need to undergo their | | | | require some time for you shake it off. If they do not |
| first MRI scan. An MRI is a giant machine that uses | | | | wear off, see your doctor about your ailments. |
| powerful magnetic fields and electromagnetic waves | | | | The second problem is those who have |
| to scan you. Even though the doctor continues to | | | | claustrophobia, or a fear of enclosed spaces. In fact, |
| reassure that it is a perfectly safe procedure, you are | | | | about a quarter of patients that need an MRI test |
| still unsure what to expect and what side effects the | | | | have claustrophobia. Because this is relatively common, |
| MRI might have on your body. | | | | your doctor will be able to help you. The easiest way |
| While you it is a painless procedure, you should be | | | | to avoid any side effects is to sedate you and then |
| aware of a few things. The entire process will take | | | | talk you through the whole test. |
| about half an hour with you on your back. The scan | | | | Finally, there is the safety issue of gadolinium. |
| requires you to lie still inside the center of the large | | | | Gadolinium is used in contrast agents that are injected |
| machine, which does not give much room at all for you. | | | | into the body to enhance the images produced by the |
| And during the process, the MRI machine can be very | | | | MRI machine. In most cases, you are not risk. |
| loud. | | | | However, possible gadolinium side effects have been |
| Needless to say, an MRI scan can be a little | | | | linked to causing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in the |
| uncomfortable. This can lead to side effects such as | | | | body - a potentially fatal disease which causes the |
| headaches, dizziness, light-headedness and nausea. | | | | tightening of the fibrous tissue in the body. |
| Any lingering, sick feelings you have afterward will | | | | |