Cost of MRI Scan in India
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What is an MRI Scan?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan, also known as MRI Scan, is a type of imaging used to assess various medical conditions. It is a painless, safe, non-invasive test without radioactive tracers/ionising radiation. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create high-quality dimensional images of the brain and brain stem and guides examining the brain’s anatomy.
A 3D MRI scan combines images to create a 3-D picture of your internal structures, so it’s more effective than other scans at detecting abnormalities. This test usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
Why is an MRI Scan done?
Doctors can use MRI scans to see what’s happening inside the body. Unlike CT scans and X-rays, these scans do not emit radiation. The images created by MRI scans are created using strong magnetic forces and radio waves. They can scan bone, organs, and tissue, making them ideal for a complicated body part like the head. A doctor may also advise this test to detect-
- Infections
- Tumours
- Seizures
- Multiple sclerosis
This test can also be done before or after brain surgery or when any abnormality is suspected.
Who should get an MRI Scan done?
Men and women of all ages can get an MRI scan done. Pregnant women in their first trimester should avoid this scan as the baby will be in a strong magnetic field. Due to the use of the strong magnet, MRI cannot be performed on patients with implanted pacemakers, Intracranial aneurysm clips, and Cochlear implants.
What precautions should I take?
- Please follow the instructions suggested by your doctor.
- Inform if one is on any medications or if there is any ongoing treatment.
- Inform the doctor if you have any history of previous surgery.
- Show your old reports, if any.
- Inform if one is pregnant or breastfeeding or menstruating.
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to the dye.
What does an MRI Scan measure?
An MRI can help evaluate problems like chronic headaches, dizziness, weakness, blurry vision, or seizures, as well as to detect certain chronic nervous system diseases like multiple sclerosis. It generates clear and detailed images of various delicate structures and organs present in the body. Since the brain is one of the vital organs of the body, experts prefer the MRI scan to measure any brain or spine deformities. These conditions include-
- Cysts
- Diagnose brain cancer
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Developmental and structural abnormalities
- Infections
- Inflammatory conditions
- Problems with the blood vessels
- It can determine if a shunt is working and detect damage to the brain caused by an injury or a stroke
- MRI of the brain can be useful in evaluating problems such as persistent headaches, dizziness, weakness, and blurry vision or seizures
- Detect certain chronic diseases of the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis
- Detect damaged brain tissue
- An injured skull
- Impaired blood vessels
- To detect mental illness
MRI scan is also used to diagnose issues in other systems of the body like the heart to see blocks in arteries, to detect tumours, infections, in other organ systems.
What are all tests included in the MRI Scan?
Your radiologist will perform an MRI scan sometimes using a contrast dye. Before undergoing the test, your kidney function or creatinine will be tested.
MRI Scan Preparation
While going for the MRI Scan, little preparation is required.
- Before undergoing the test, it is essential to inform the doctor if you are pregnant/breastfeeding or have claustrophobia.
- You must inform the doctor and staff at the centre about any of your implants, pacemaker devices, vascular stents, etc.
- You are not allowed to take any metal objects or electronic devices in the test area.
- You must remove all the jewellery before undergoing the test.
- You may eat, drink and take medications as usual for most MRI exams.
- You will be asked to wear a hospital gown before undergoing the test.
- It is important to inform the doctor if you have had any allergic reactions to contrast dye in the past or are suffering from kidney disease.
MRI Scan Procedure
The licensed lab technician at the centre or hospital will guide you best for the test process. Here are the steps of the MRI scan procedure-
- It is important to stay still during the procedure to obtain clear images.
- You will lie down on a table that slides into the MRI machine. The table slides through a large magnet shaped like a tube. You may have a plastic coil placed around your head.
- Children who have difficulty staying still may need sedation.
- After the table slides into the machine, a technician will take several pictures of the concerned body part, which will take a few minutes.
- There will be a microphone in the machine that allows you to communicate with staff.
- The test normally takes 30 to 60 minutes.
What to expect after the MRI Scan is done?
An MRI with contrast will, in most cases, have no immediate or long-term consequences. If you have any unusual or severe symptoms, including an abnormal heart rate, breathing problems or the injection site with severe pain, redness, swelling, or discharge; talk to your doctor.
After the test, your technicians may ask you to wait if they need to take more images after the MRI scan. Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.
When will I get the MRI Scan report?
The reports and the images of the scan can be made available within 1 to 2 days. The doctor or the radiologist will review your scan and prepare a report that explains them.
Disclaimer: The time may vary based on your condition and the availability of the radiologist.
How will I get the MRI Scan report?
To receive your report, you will have to visit the radiology clinic or lab where the test was done. Once there, your radiologist or lab technician will provide you with the MRI Scan Report with all the accompanying images and explain the results to you. In most cases, results can’t be given directly to the patient or family at the test time. If the MRI was done on an emergency basis, the results could be made available quickly. You can also access your reports online through MFine.
How to interpret the MRI Scan report?
A radiologist will interpret your MRI with contrast scans, putting the results in context with previous scans and your medical history. Within a few days, they’ll send you a radiology report, which you’ll go over with your healthcare provider. Typically, each image will be categorised as one of the following:
- Normal
- Abnormal
- Inconclusive
Is there any risk involved?
There is no risk of radiation during an MRI procedure because radiation is not used. However, due to the use of a powerful magnet, MRI cannot be performed on patients going through the following conditions:
- Drug infusion pumps that have been implanted
- Clips for intracranial aneurysms
- Certain prosthetic devices
- Implants for the cochlea
- Pacemakers
If you are pregnant or planning for the same, make sure to inform your health expert. MRI is not recommended for pregnant women since the radiation can harm the fetus growing inside the mother’s womb. Other conditions such as allergies, asthma, anaemia, hypotension (low blood pressure), and sickle cell disease may be affected by the contrast dye.
What equipment or instruments are used for MRI scans?
Several pieces of equipment are used to conduct the MRI scan. A typical MRI machine is a large tube with a hole at both ends. A magnet surrounds the tube. You lie on a table that slides into the tube. Your body is not completely inside the MRI machine. Only the part of your body that’s being scanned is inside, and the rest of your body is outside the machine.
How long does the MRI Scan take?
The entire process of MRI scan procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
How do I book the MRI Scan through MFine?
For further assistance
Frequently asked questions on MRI Scan
Why Is MRI Important?
MRI Scans are highly effective in detecting internal disorders. It can lead to early detection and treatment of disease and has no known side effects. It will be easier for your physician to determine the most appropriate treatment for you.
What are the uses of MRI scans?
Several advanced conditions can be detected through the MRI scans, including brain, spinal cord, skeleton, chest, lungs, abdomen, pelvis, wrists, hands, ankles, and feet. In some cases, it can provide clear images of body parts that can’t be seen as well with an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound.
How long does an MRI scan take?
An MRI usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If contrast is used, the exam may take longer. The staff will let you know how long the exam should take when you arrive.
Are MRI Scan results available immediately?
It’s unlikely that you’ll get your scan results right away. The radiologist will send a report to the doctor who scheduled the scan, who will talk to you about the results. The results of an MRI Scan scan usually take 2-3 days or sometimes even a week to arrive, unless there is an emergency.
What are the common conditions that may require an MRI Scan?
Some of the common conditions that may require an MRI Scan are as follows-
- Disorders of the eye and inner ear.
- Aneurysms of cerebral vessels.
- Brain injury from trauma.
- Spinal cord disorders.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Tumours.
- Stroke.
- Soft tissue infections
- Blocks in coronary arteries
Is there any need to alter my diet before an MRI Scan Scan?
There is no need to fast before the procedure unless the doctor indicates to you. Before the test, avoid drinking for the first hour before your appointment.
What are the common head injuries that may require an MRI scan?
The common types of head injuries that may require MRI Scanning are:
- Concussion
- Contusion
- Intracranial hematoma
What are the side effects of an MRI Scan?
There are usually no side effects of an MRI Scan. However, it might sometimes result in mild symptoms like hives, vomiting, dizziness, itching, nausea, or severe symptoms like increased heart rate. However, many people will not react after an MRI Scan is taken.
For how long does the contrast dye stay in your body post-MRI Scan?
With normal kidney function, the majority of the contrast material is excreted in the urine within 24 hours. If you have acute renal failure or severe chronic kidney disease and are given a contrast agent, it may remain in your system for a few days until your kidneys process and remove it. Please inform your doctor if you have any kidney issues.
Do I get to go home immediately after an MRI Scan?
Yes, once the MRI Scan is done, you can go home immediately. In case you experience mild symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or any other side effects or if you suffer from any chronic condition, your doctor may ask you to stay back for a while to ensure there is no complication.
Can children undergo MRI Scan Scan?
Yes, MRI Scan scans are completely safe for children and infants.
What are the questions you should ask before getting an MRI scan?
Some of the common questions that you should ask before getting an MRI scan are as follows-
- Is there any reason why I shouldn’t have an MRI scan? If you have any implanted devices, be sure your doctor knows about them.
- What information will the MRI scan provide?
- Will my exam involve a contrast agent?
Do I need to remove clothes before the MRI Scan?
There is no need to remove clothes before going for the MRI Scan or during the entire procedure, but you may need to change into a hospital gown.
What is the cost of an MRI Scan on the MFine app?
The cost of an MRI Scan varies from city to city in India. At the MFine app, the average cost starts from ₹449 onwards.
How can you calm yourself before an MRI scan?
There are several ways to keep yourself calm before an MRI scan. These are as follows-
- Simple meditation is like focusing on your breathing.
- Close your eyes or wear a sleeping mask
- Choose your tunes
- If nothing suits, talk to your technicians
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.