Has your doctor just requested an MRI scan, and you are curious why having an MRI scan is better compared to other imaging modalities such as CT or x-ray? Or wondering what it means and what to expect.
I’m sharing my experience as a diagnostic radiographer on this matter! As always, I draw on the results of the research teams working on this subject.
You will find the links to the scientific publications I rely on at the end of the article!
Happy reading!😀and feel free to ask questions in the comments or share your own experience.🙏
Last updated: June, 2025. Written by Juliet Semakula, a diagnostic radiographer.
▶️What does an MRI scan stand for and what does it do?
MRI in full stands for Magnetic resonance imaging which is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create x-ray images (Serai 2021)
Unlike X-rays or CT scans, it does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option.
Because it uses magnets and radio waves rather than radiation, it is especially effective at showing “soft” structures that X-rays or CT scans might miss (Bull 2011)
An MRI scanner is a large machine with a short tunnel through it, and a flatbed that moves through the scanner as seen in the image below.
▶️What can MRI scans detect that a mere plain x-ray could not detect: advantages
As radiographers we use MRI scans to diagnose a wide range of conditions across different parts of the body.
MRI is the “gold standard” for imaging the nervous system because it can clearly distinguish between different types of tissue.
Here are situations when a doctor could request for an MRI scan.
⚫Brain and Spinal Cord
♦️Patients who come with neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy are easily detected on an MRI scan.
♦️Acute Injuries such as strokes if they are caused by a clot or bleed, traumatic brain injuries, and brain aneurysms can easily be identified on an MRI scan.
♦️ Spine Issues such as herniated discs, spinal cord compression (pinched nerves), and spinal tumours.
⚫Bones and Joints
♦️MRIs are superior for complex injuries involving “soft” parts of the musculoskeletal system, usually patients are sent for an MRI scan for more investigations.
♦️Sports Injuries such as torn ligaments (like an ACL tear), torn cartilage (meniscus), and tendon injuries are easily seen on an MRI scan (Beaufils 2017)
♦️Chronic conditions such as arthritis, bone infections (osteomyelitis), and stress fractures that don’t show up on X-rays are easily seen on an MRI scan.
Source: Sander 2012
⚫Heart and Blood Vessels
♦️Vascular Issues such as blockages in blood vessels, narrowing of the arteries, or the risk of an artery bursting (rupture).
♦️Heart valve problems, and congenital heart defects can easily be seen on an MRI scan.
Source: Santini 2020
⚫Internal Organs
♦️MRI scan can identify disease such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and liver cirrhosis (Lightner, 2020)
♦️MRI can identify inflammation, infection, or structural abnormalities in the abdomen and pelvis issues like fibroids.
I remember when an ultrasound could not clearly see my fibroids, my doctor recommended an MRI scan because it’s good at identifying endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian masses
▶️Why do doctors prefer MRI scans over CT?
Doctors do not always prefer MRI over CT; rather, they choose the tool that best fits the specific medical question.
However, MRI is often preferred when a doctor needs to see highly detailed images of soft tissues or wants to avoid radiation exposure.
While CT scans are faster and better for looking at bones and emergency trauma, MRIs excel at “problem-solving” by showing subtle differences between types of tissue
▶️Why can an MRI scan be better for you?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan can be better for your diagnosis because it provides a level of detail that other imaging methods, like X-rays or CT scans, simply cannot match in certain areas as we have seen above.
Here are some of the reasons why MRI is sometimes recommended for some patients.
♦️MRI can clearly differentiate between different types of soft tissues, such as fat, water, and muscle. This makes it easier to spot subtle abnormalities like tumours, inflammation, or torn ligaments.
♦️Unlike X-rays and CT scans, MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves, meaning you aren’t exposed to radiation.
♦️MRI can capture images from many different angles and create high-resolution 3D pictures. This allows doctors to examine complex anatomical structures more thoroughly for precise surgical planning.
♦️ Advanced techniques like functional MRI (fMRI) can even show how your brain is working in real-time by monitoring blood flow during specific tasks.
♦️Good at early disease detection:
▶️How long does an MRI scan take?
| Note! The exact duration will depend on the body part being scanned, the number of images required, and whether specialized techniques like contrast dye are used. |
Here are some of the typical scan durations I normally see in MRI
➡️ Brain/Head scans can take 30 to 60 minutes. Some quick “limited” brain scans can be done in under 15 minutes.
➡️Knee or Shoulder MRI scans can take 20 to 40 minutes.
➡️Spine (Lumbar/Cervical) scans can take 20 to 45 minutes.
➡️Heart (Cardiac): 45 to 90 minutes
▶️Factors That Can Change the Duration of your scan to 1 to 2 hours.
When patients come to us for an MRI scan, these are some of the preparations done that normally make the scan longer.
🟣Preparation will include checking in, completing safety questionnaires, and changing into a hospital gown.
🟣If your doctor requires Contrast Dye to improve image detail, an injection is given which can add about 15–30 minutes to the procedure.
🟣If you require medication to help you relax (e.g., for claustrophobia), you will need to arrive early and may need to wait for a few hours after the scan until the effects wear off.
🟣The scan is sensitive to movement. If you keep moving, the radiographer may need to repeat a sequence, which extends the session.
🟣The scanner makes loud tapping, thumping, and whirring noises. You will be provided with earplugs or headphones, often with the option to listen to music.
🟣You will have a call button (buzzer) to squeeze if you feel uncomfortable, and you can speak to the radiographer via an intercom.
▶️How to prepare for an MRI scan and tips to help you overcome claustrophobia during the procedure.
Are you preparing for an MRI scan of a specific body part, or would you like tips on managing claustrophobia during the procedure
| Preparing for an MRI scan is generally straightforward, but because the machine uses powerful magnets, there are strict rules regarding metal and electronic devices to ensure your safety |
Before Your Appointment it is important to disclose your medical history in these situations:
1️⃣If you are pregnant (especially in the first trimester).
2️⃣ If you have kidney disease it is relevant if contrast dye is to be used.
3️⃣Have any metal implants (e.g., pacemakers, cochlear implants, or surgical clips) inside your body.
4️⃣If you are nervous about enclosed spaces, talk to your doctor beforehand. They may prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax.
5️⃣For most scans, you can eat, drink, and take your regular medication as usual.
However, some abdominal or pelvic scans may require you to fast for 4–6 hours
6️⃣Avoid applying deodorant, perfume, hairspray, or makeup (especially mascara) on the day of the scan. These products can contain metallic particles that interfere with the images or even cause skin irritation.
7️⃣Wear loose, comfortable clothes without metal zippers, buttons, or snaps, still you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
8️⃣Leave jewellery, watches, and piercings at home if possible. You will be asked to remove these, along with glasses, hearing aids, and dentures, before entering the scan room.
8️⃣ Bring your ID, insurance info, and your doctor’s referral.
🟣You cannot have an MRI scan, or may need special precautions, if you have certain metal implants, electronic devices (like pacemakers), or metal fragments in your body due to the intense magnetic field.
🟣Some people wonder if dental fillings are on for an MRI scan, the answer is YES! you can generally have an MRI with metal dental fillings, as they are not typically affected by magnetic fields
🟣Other reasons include severe claustrophobia, pregnancy, kidney issues (if contrast dye is needed), or severe allergies to the dye.so it is important to disclose all your medical history before the scan.
▶️After your scan some people wonder if they can drive themselves home.
♈ In most cases, you can resume normal activities immediately after the scan unless your doctor does not permit in your case.
♈Most patients I see drive themselves home after the scan unless you were given a sedative, in which case you must arrange for someone else to drive you.
♈If you received contrast dye, drink plenty of water to help your body flush it out.
In case you are unsure about anything after your MRI scan, always speak to the radiographer doing the test.
▶️Here are some tips to help you deal with claustrophobia during an MRI scan.
The truth is going into an MRI scan when your claustrophobic is genuinely tough, but there are several practical ways to make the experience much more manageable.
⚪Eyes covered:
Patients I see, who are claustrophobic are normally given an eye mask before the procedure to help prevent the tunnel vision that triggers panic.
⚪ Ask for Prism Glasses:
These allow you to see past your feet and out the end of the tunnel rather than looking at the machine’s ceiling.
⚪ Request Music or Podcasts:
Most modern clinics provide headphones and can play music or a podcast of your choice to help drown out the machine’s loud whirring.
⚪Focus on your breathing.
You can practice Box Breathing-inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold for 4. This helps to calm your nervous system and gives your brain a task to focus on
⚪Use the emergency buzzer
Knowing you can stop the scan instantly by squeezing it often provides a crucial sense of control.
⚪Rationalise the Situation:
Remind yourself that the tunnel is open at both ends, the room is well-lit, and you are never truly trapped.
⚪ Discuss Sedation:
If your anxiety is severe, talk to your GP well in advance. They can prescribe mild sedatives
⚪ Inquire About “Feet-First” Positioning:
Depending on what is being scanned (like knees or hips), you might be able to go into the machine feet-first, so your head remains outside
⚪Ask for a Pre-Scan Visit:
Many facilities allow you to visit the department early to see the machine and meet the staff, which can demystify the environment.
⚪Request for an open” MRI:
Standard machines have a 60cm tunnel, if available or an open MRI, which is open on the sides.
…….
We have come to the end of this article, hope I have answered some of your questions, any comments let’s meet in the comments section. Wishing you a quick recovery!🙋
📚Source:
What is an MRI scan and what can it do? Drug Ther Bull. 2011 Dec;49(12):141-4. doi: 10.1136/dtb.2011.02.0073. PMID: 22170411.
Serai SD, Ho ML, Artunduaga M, Chan SS, Chavhan GB. Components of a magnetic resonance imaging system and their relationship to safety and image quality. Pediatr Radiol. 2021 May;51(5):716-723. doi: 10.1007/s00247-020-04894-9. Epub 2021 Apr 19. PMID: 33871725.
Sander R. Using MRI scans to detect osteoarthritis in patients’ knees. Nurs Older People. 2012 Oct 26;24(9):11. doi: 10.7748/nop.24.9.11.s9. PMID: 27751162.
Santini F, Gui L, Lorton O, Guillemin PC, Manasseh G, Roth M, Bieri O, Vallée JP, Salomir R, Crowe LA. Ultrasound-driven cardiac MRI. Phys Med. 2020 Feb;70:161-168. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2020.01.008. Epub 2020 Feb 4. PMID: 32032800.
Beaufils P, Pujol N. Management of traumatic meniscal tear and degenerative meniscal lesions. Save the meniscus. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2017 Dec;103(8S):S237-S244. doi: 10.1016/j.otsr.2017.08.003. Epub 2017 Sep 2. PMID: 28873348.
Lightner AL. Perianal Crohn’s Disease. Dis Colon Rectum. 2020 Aug;63(8):1023-1026. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000001748. PMID: 32692067.