The Karen Hospital

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The Karen Hospital has taken giant strides in ensuring that nothing short of world class medical services are available in all its branches. It boasts of top of the range medical equipment and excellent medical care. We have a 3 Tesla Magnetic resonance imaging scan (M.R.I). It is the best in the country. This is a medical technology that uses magnetism to check for any problem in the body function. It can be used to check for abnormalities in the brains, blood vessels, heart, liver, spinal cord, joints, soft tissues, ligaments among others.

Dr. Geoffrey Ikundu, a radiologist at The Karen Hospital, said that the MRI scan has the ability to produce very clear images. When it comes to imaging the spine, it is the best method to use because one will be able to look at the nerves, blood vessels, vertebral column and everything else.

The difference between the M.R.I and other imaging technologies like the X-ray, CT scan and mammogram is that it uses magnetic frequencies while the above mentioned uses radiation for imaging. This means that the MRI is safer and can be used as many times as necessary with zero side effects.

Depending on what part of the body needs to be examined, a substance called contrast may be administered intravenously. This is to ensure that the area being imaged is enhanced and will be very clearly seen.

Before one can undergo an MRI, there are certain things that must be put into consideration. First, one’s medical history is to be noted. This is because certain conditions may result in complications. For instance people who have a history of renal failure cannot undergo an MRI. They may develop severe complications as a result of the type of contrast administered.  Therefore it is recommended that another imaging method be used or opt for an MRI scan that will not require the administration of a contrast. People with prosthetics and implants will be evaluated to see if whatever they have is compatible with the MRI or if an alternative has to be considered.

Due to the high levels of magnetism involved it is paramount that all metal objects and cards with magnetic stripe like ATM cards should be removed.  A walk through or handheld metal detector is used to ensure that no metallic objects go into the imaging room to avoid injuries and possible destruction of the equipment. There have been cases of serious injuries, fatalities and destruction to the machine after the strong magnet attracted metal objects. There are people who cannot have an MRI done; they include people with cochlea implants, pacemakers, bullets and gunshot pellets, sternum wires among others. Giving your full medical history honestly is very important.

The MRI is safe with pregnancy and it has been used to identify fetal position and anomalies. However, it is not recommended in the first trimester and contrast is not to be administered. This is because the possible effects to the developing embryo are still unknown. A doctor and a radiologist can evaluate the risks and advice on the best course of action depending on the gravity of the situation.

Depending on the area that needs imaging one, may be asked to refrain from food consumption for a few hours.

There are people who are claustrophobic and may not be comfortable during the MRI. Dr. Ikundu said that counseling is often offered. The patient is told what is expected and the importance of the imaging. Good news is, The Karen Hospital has a wide bore MRI with a diameter of 70 cm. This makes things more comfortable and less enclosed.

People with morbid obesity may have trouble fitting properly in the MRI machine.

For conclusive results it is important that one be as still as possible during the entire process. If it is absolutely necessary for imaging to be done on children who cannot sit still for long duration of time then they can be sedated.

“Obesity, lack of proper imaging techniques, uncooperative patient and interference by radio frequency noise may render the results inconclusive,” said Dr. Ikundu.” At The Karen Hospital, the MRI scanner is preprogrammed therefore the problem of lack of proper imaging techniques for instance using the wrong sequence is done away with,” he added.

One should expect their MRI results within 24 hours.

Being a top notch technology and the extremely helpful services that come with it means that it is slightly more expensive when compared to other imaging technologies such as X-ray, ultrasound and CT scan.

Clearly, The Karen Hospital measures up to world class medical care.