Question:
The doctor at the hospital told me and my son that an MRI of the head is 10 times more harmful than an X-ray and it is better not to do it at a young age (son is 5 years old). Something I do not understand how an MRI is associated with an X-ray? Or is the magnetic field so strong there? How much harm will this procedure do to my child?
Answer:
Good afternoon. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) procedure is performed according to strict indications, so the attending physician will not prescribe it unless absolutely necessary. MRI of the head is performed if neoplasms, aneurysms and other vascular pathologies of the brain, abnormalities are suspected development, as well as to exclude demyelinating and inflammatory diseases (multiple sclerosis, meningitis, encephalitis and etc.). For trauma, CT is usually recommended.
This is due to the fact that soft tissue structures and vessels are better visualized on MRI scans, and on CT scans, on the contrary, bone elements.
Magnetic resonance imaging is based on the application of a magnetic field and the movement of protons (hydrogen ions) in it. This method is not associated with radiation exposure and does not carry any radiation. At the same time, a diagnostician can obtain very thin sections that allow detecting even small organic changes in soft tissues and the brain.
Among the absolute contraindications for MRI are:
- The presence of metal plates, pacemakers, prostheses in the patient's body;
- Acute period of mental illness with a high likelihood of harming yourself during the study;
- Intolerance to contrast agents.
For children, MRI can be performed under anesthesia, the main reason for this is the inability for the child to be in the supine position for a long time without the slightest movement. The harm from anesthesia is greater than from the study itself. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging is recommended for children only when it is no longer possible to do without this procedure.
Content
Question:
The doctor at the hospital told me and my son that an MRI of the head is 10 times more harmful than an X-ray and it is better not to do it at a young age (son is 5 years old). Something I do not understand how an MRI is associated with an X-ray? Or is the magnetic field so strong there? How much harm will this procedure do to my child?
Answer:
Good afternoon. The MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) procedure is performed according to strict indications, so the attending physician will not prescribe it unless absolutely necessary. MRI of the head is performed if neoplasms, aneurysms and other vascular pathologies of the brain, abnormalities are suspected development, as well as to exclude demyelinating and inflammatory diseases (multiple sclerosis, meningitis, encephalitis and etc.). For trauma, CT is usually recommended.
This is due to the fact that soft tissue structures and vessels are better visualized on MRI scans, and on CT scans, on the contrary, bone elements.
Magnetic resonance imaging is based on the application of a magnetic field and the movement of protons (hydrogen ions) in it. This method is not associated with radiation exposure and does not carry any radiation. At the same time, a diagnostician can obtain very thin sections that allow detecting even small organic changes in soft tissues and the brain.
Among the absolute contraindications for MRI are:
- The presence of metal plates, pacemakers, prostheses in the patient's body;
- Acute period of mental illness with a high likelihood of harming yourself during the study;
- Intolerance to contrast agents.
For children, MRI can be performed under anesthesia, the main reason for this is the inability for the child to be in the supine position for a long time without the slightest movement. The harm from anesthesia is greater than from the study itself. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging is recommended for children only when it is no longer possible to do without this procedure.