Open MRIs provide patients with many benefits over closed MRIs.
What is an Open MRI?
Though any MRI is painless, an open MRI is more pleasant for patients who are claustrophobic and for people who are physically too large to be in a closed MRI tunnel. Aside from the fact that it is open, an open MRI is basically the same thing as a closed MRI. It is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to view internal structures of the body.
Benefits of an Open MRI
An open MRI provides many benefits over a closed MRI including:
- Patients are able to see the room surrounding them, which minimizes claustrophobia.
- An open MRI allows the patient to be positioned in the center of the magnet, producing the best images.
- Open MRI scanners aren’t as noisy as closed MRI scanners, making the experience more peaceful for the patients.
- Open MRI scanners have a lower magnetic field strength, so patients with metal implants are able to get clearer pictures.
- Patients are able to move more in open MRI scanners because, not only are you not closed off, but images are less likely to be distorted by patient movement.
What to Know Before Getting an MRI
There are a few important things to know before going to an MRI to make the experience more comfortable and relaxing.
- Avoid wearing metal if possible.
- Stay relaxed throughout the process is important.
- An MRI doesn’t hurt and is not invasive.
If you have any other further questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center, please call (214) 345-6905 or request an appointment online today.