For answers to medical mysteries, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is one of the most sophisticated and effective imaging exams for viewing soft tissues within the body, including the spine and musculoskeletal system, brain, fatty tissues, blood vessels and internal organs. MRI provides greater detail of many of these structures than other exams, particularly when used with a contrast agent, such as gadolinium, which further highlights the area(s) being studied.
If your doctor or clinician has ordered an MRI to get to the bottom of a health condition, you likely have questions about what to expect. You may also wonder about the differences between closed and open MRI, so let’s get into the basics.
What Is MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging uses a powerful magnetic field combined with radio waves to capture highly detailed images, which are used by specialized software to create multidimensional pictures of the spine and bones, heart, brain, liver, bowel, vascular system and other structures. Non-invasive, radiation-free MRI is precise enough to spot even tiny abnormalities, and so safe it can be used to study fetal development within the womb. Its accuracy and safety make MRI an extremely valuable tool for healthcare practitioners and patients alike.
Traditional MRI
Traditional, or “closed,” MRI is considered the gold standard of its type, because it is able to capture the greatest detail and uncover the widest range of issues. For closed MRI, you simply lie down on a padded table, which slides into the imaging tube. Closed MRI surrounds your body to capture details from every possible angle. Depending on the area(s) being scanned, MRI can last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. Generally, the higher the power of the machine, the quicker it is able to complete a scan.
While MRI is safe, accurate and painless, its capsule-like shape can create issues for some patients. Larger people often need more space than traditional MRI provides. And some patients find remaining completely still inside a tube for minutes on end creates feelings of claustrophobia, even panic. A mild sedative or anti-anxiety medication can often alleviate these feelings, enabling the test to be performed more comfortably.
Open MRI
Open MRI provides options for many who for one reason or other can’t tolerate the enclosed space of regular MRI. Open MRI limits its magnetic field to the machine’s top and bottom areas only, allowing for the sides to remain open. Obviously, this creates more room for larger people, and helps prevent feelings of being penned in.
The Similarities of Closed and Open MRIs
To prevent blurred images, open and closed MRIs require absolute stillness. It is important that you remain still throughout either exam. If your exam is on the longer side, that may be a challenge.
Both open and closed MRIs can also be noisy. As the magnets and radio waves do their work, they create a lot of tapping, knocking and other noises. Ear plugs can help minimize these distractions. (At RAO, we offer headphones and an array of music choices, or you can bring in your own CD to listen to at a few select locations.)
Which MRI Type Is Right For Me?
Whether a closed or open MRI exam is best for you will be determined by your referring clinician based on your particular circumstances. Naturally, given a choice, most people would elect to have an open MRI, but your doctor must consider which is the optimal method for your case. To give you a greater understanding of the decision-making process, let’s review the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
The Facts About Closed MRI
Best clarity and detail. Because its magnetic fields are more powerful, closed MRI delivers the highest quality images. High-field MRI may be considered necessary for exams requiring extreme detail, such as investigation of nerves, single vessels, tiny structures and minute lesions or tumors.
Can be used for more conditions. Because it surrounds the patient more completely, closed MRI can be used to capture more highly detailed images.
Quicker scan times. The enhanced power enables reduced scan times compared to open MRI.
May make you feel claustrophobic. While most patients are able to tolerate closed MRI, some find it challenging. Wearing an eye mask and/or taking a mild sedative can help.
Can be a tight squeeze. Larger people and those with certain disabilities may not fit within the traditional MRI enclosure.
The Facts About Open MRI
More comfortable. Having open sides is more accommodating both physically and mentally. For many, open MRI provides imaging options that size or disability once made impossible, providing superior care to countless patients.
Better for kids. Open MRI’s larger space and visual access to the nearby parent/guardian makes it a valuable option in many children’s imaging exams.
Works with metal implants. Closed MRI is sometimes contraindicated for people with metal-containing implants or elements, such as pacemakers, plates, shrapnel, etc. Because open MRI has a lower magnetic field, it generally produces fewer metal-related flaws, or artifacts, for clearer pictures and improved diagnoses in such patients.
Reduced resolution. Since open MRI’s magnetic field is significantly lower, it doesn’t produce the same clarity and detail as closed MRI. Certain conditions and problems require high-field imaging, making open MRI less effective for them.
Can’t reach as many areas. Because its sides are open, an open MRI can’t direct a magnetic field to certain areas of the body. Therefore, it may not be the most optimal choice for every condition.
Longer scan times. Because of the reduced power, imaging may take longer than standard MRI.
Whichever type your clinician orders, rest assured that MRI is safe and completely painless, and provides the detail and accuracy needed to get to the bottom of a host of diseases and functional problems. Unless otherwise instructed, MRI exams require little to no preparation. You can eat, drink and take medications as you would normally. However, because you will have to remove your metal jewelry, wristwatch, etc. before the exam, it is wise to leave them at home.
MRI From RAO
Whatever your MRI needs, RAO has you covered. We offer the latest in both high field and open MRI technologies, plus a highly-experienced team of Board-certified, fellowship-trained radiologists who subspecialize in areas such as diagnostic MRI, musculoskeletal MRI, body MRI, breast MRI and other services. Talk to your doctor about the MRI exam that might be best for you.
