What is a Full Body MRI Scan?
A full-body MRI, also referred to as a whole-body (WB) scan, is an imaging technique which is noninvasive and painless that takes clear images of the structures inside of the entire body from head to toe.
Whole body MRI (WB-MRI) is an effective imaging modality utilised for the identification of pathogens and characterisation of pathologies in other organs. This provides a broad coverage of the body without subjecting it to harmful radiation. This is normally employed in the detection of cancer lesions in the body and involves the combination of anatomic T1-weighted (T1W) MRI and T2-weighted (T2W) MRI.
T1W suppresses the water signal and increases the signal of fatty tissues, while T2W increases the signal of water. It is used to screen and observe nodal and bone metastasis.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, which employs a magnetic field as well as computer-generated radio waves to produce images of an entire patient’s body. MRI never employs radiation in scanning; therefore, it is regarded as the health expert’s favourite body scan. This method is also highly sensitive for body scanning compared to CT scans or X-rays. MRI scans can either be performed with or without contrast. Medical professionals can recommend contrast MRI scans in case they require images with increased quality for purposes of diagnosis.
When Do You Need a Full-Body MRI Scan?
A whole-body MRI is beneficial to individuals who desire a complete picture of their body status. It can be employed to diagnose a variety of symptoms, such as sudden episodes of dizziness and tingling in the patient’s toes. It is also beneficial in detecting the early signs of the diseases. Full-body or whole-body MRI is the current best option for people to have the information for any abnormality in the body, which can be asymptomatic.
The Full-Body MRI Scan is Used to Detect
A whole-body MRI scan, also referred to as a full-body MRI scan, takes cross-sectional images of various parts of the body to reveal any abnormalities in any area of the body. Once any abnormalities have been detected, the patient is able to consult with the doctor about the report. A full-body MRI scan will involve scanning of:
A brain/head MRI scan reveals any injury, damage, fluid leakage, skull, nerves or any abnormality in the head. The result may reveal the following abnormalities:
- Inflammation and swelling.
- Structural Issues.
- Brain tumours.
- White matter disease.
- Brain Haemorrhages.
- Whole Spine MRI
A whole spine MRI scan provides a clear idea of related abnormalities of the cervical spine, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, coccyx, vertebrae, etc. The result may reveal the following abnormalities:
- Tumors
- Injuries or fractures
- Nerve compressions
- Vertebrae collapse
- Discs
- Whole Abdomen MRI
A whole abdominal MRI comprises an overview of abdominal organs such as the kidneys, liver, spleen, gallbladder, pancreas, etc. The scan will reveal the abnormalities associated with these organs:
- Tumours
- Cirrhosis
- Gallstones
- Pelvis MRI
Pelvis MRI is also referred to as musculoskeletal, and the scan comprises the region of the pelvic girdle, muscles and ligaments. The scan will reveal abnormalities such as:
- Infections.
- Fractures.
- Tumours.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Cardio or Heart MRI
A heart MRI will also involve scanning your heart and the surrounding related areas, such as heart valves, pericardium, heart walls and blood vessels. The scan will reveal malformations such as:
- Cardiomyopathy.
- Tumours.
- Valve-related heart diseases.
- Infections of the heart.
- Congenital heart diseases.
- Lower Body MRI
The remaining body, including the leg joints, feet and lower back region, will also be scanned in the entire body MRI scan, and the scans of the disease, such as:
- Tumours.
- Injuries.
- Structural anomalies.
- Infections.
- Fractures in the bones.
When to Get a Full-Body MRI Scan?
Full-body or whole-body MRI is recommended by medical professionals due to many reasons, such as to diagnose the disease or disorder concerning various regions of the body simultaneously. The patient may also choose to get the scan in order to visualise any concealed or undetected injury, infection or disorder in the body. These scans are also employed to monitor that recovery from the surgery is proceeding properly. Full-body MRI provides the concept of the entire body and updates the patient on the functions and organs of the body.
Preparation for Full-Body MRI Scan
Prior to visiting for the test, a patient must see a healthcare specialist because he may recommend certain conditions prior to visiting for the test. MRI employs powerful magnets and radio wave pulses that may lead to the heating and potential movement of metal objects within the head or body. These implants may result in health and safety problems, so it is essential to refer to the medical professional prior to an MRI and make him aware of any such implants. Apart from these, the patient is also instructed to take all the jewellery, watches, or any wearing metal home or remove them prior to the MRI scan. These tend to interfere with the magnetic field of MRI and result in burns or injuries with harm projections.
Things that may interfere with the magnetic field of an MRI and need to be talked about prior to going for an MRI are:
- Cardiac pacemaker.
- Middle ear prostheses.
- Implants in any area of the body.
- A clip used for whole-body aneurysms.
- Vagal nerve stimulator.
- Metal shavings in your head or inside your eyeball.
- Jewellery, watches, credit cards and hearing aids — all of which can get hurt.
- Pins, hair metal items, underwires in bras and metal zippers can warp MRI pictures.
- Dentures, removable dental work.
- Pens, pocket knives and glasses.
- Body piercings.
- Cell phones, electronic watches and tracking devices.
Apart from this, your doctor must also know things such as:
- The patient is pregnant.
- Capable of lying on the back for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Patients suffer from fear of enclosed narrow places (claustrophobia).
What is the cost of a full-body MRI Scan in Delhi?
The price of full-body MRI scanning in Delhi varies based on the region, medical facility and quality of medical provider. You can opt for carebox for finding the best full-body MRI screening tests in Delhi since they have partnered with the best facility centres, which offer quality assurance and government certifications and have a high level of expertise in healthcare with reasonable costs and discounts provided.
How to Select the Best Full-Body MRI Scan Centre in Delhi?
There are various MRI diagnostic centres around Delhi. You have to verify some centre information before proceeding with the scanning. You must ensure government accreditation, the latest machines, doctors available at your disposal, good technical personnel, and previous experience in healthcare. The diagnostic centre must be spick and span and hygienic and should give complete information to the patients, or you can trust carebox to find the best MRI scan centre near you.
Conclusion
A whole-body MRI scan, also known as a whole-body (WB) MRI scan, is a noninvasive, painless diagnostic test which gives good images of the internal body structures.
The MRI covers all parts of the body and the internal organs collectively. Whole-body scanning can be opted for by patients to detect any asymptomatic disorder or disease and maintain an eye on the entire body. MRI also has various purposes and types depending upon the condition of the patient. Patients have to search for certain facilities, accreditations and expertise while deciding on any MRI diagnostic centre.
FAQs
What is a full-body MRI?
Full body MRI is an imaging, non-surgical medical diagnostic machine for disorders and diseases involving the entire patient body.
What are the uses of full-body MRI?
Full-body MRI is used to screen for cancers, tumours, haemorrhage, leakage of fluid, infection, disorders or diseases anywhere in the body.
An MRI scan is different from a PET scan.
MRI utilises magnetic fields and radio waves, whereas PET scans utilise radioactive tracers to detect abnormalities.
When to opt for a full-body MRI scan?
Do not neglect the body disorder symptoms; undergo regular screening to prevent any delay in treatment and diagnosis.
What are the risks of MRI scans?
There are no such risks involved in a full-body MRI scan if it is done in the presence of a medical expert and at a good medical facility with proper guidelines and protocols.