MRI Scan - Common Medical Tourism Procedures

Definition:

The Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a medical diagnostic procedure that helps to create pictures and view of body organs using a strong magnetic field and radio waves. The MRI scan is especially used for scanning brain and spinal cord abnormalities.

Additional Information about MRI

The MRI scanning is a non invasive painless medical procedure performed by MRI technologist that usually takes 15-40 minutes.

Preparation for procedure

• Inform the doctor about the medical conditions, previous surgery, having metal or electronic device in the body, before the procedure
• Remove metal jewellery

During the procedure:

• Patient needs to lie down on a narrow table that goes inside the MRI scanner. Patient’s head, chest and arms may be strapped to keep patient still during the procedure. Some patients may require mild sedation.
• In some cases contrast dyes may be injected, through an IV line into the patient’s arm; to enhance the visibility of any abnormalities.
• Patients are provided with the ear plugs to protect ear from the noise produced during scanning.
• The technologist sits in the adjacent room and monitors the patient through glass window and communicates with the patients through intercom.

Uses of MRI    

• The MRI scan is advised to scan brain, spinal cord, chest, abdomen, blood vessels and bones to diagnose various diseases.
• It helps to evaluate and detect abnormalities such as tumors, infection, injuries of various body parts.
• It helps to detect the problem or abnormalities that have been not detected by other test such as x-ray, CT scan or Ultrasound scan.

Travelers guide

• The MRI scan is an outpatient procedure and doesn’t require hospital administration. Medical tourist can return home and resume normal activities on the same or next day.
• Patients who have received sedatives should not drive after being discharged and stay at the hotel room for a day before traveling back.
• Make arrangement for the delivery of the report if planning to leave immediately, as the complete results may take 1-2 days. However the initial results of MRI scan can be discussed with the radiologist.