Even if you’re lucky enough to walk away from a car accident and feel perfectly fine, it’s wise to rule out soft tissue injuries and other hidden ailments. Undergoing an MRI exam in Brooklyn, NY, is an excellent way to diagnose common injuries and conditions.
Is it safe to have a post-car accident MRI scan? What might the results mean for your health going forward? Get answers to these questions and more below.
Understanding MRI Scans and How They Work
Physicians often rely on magnetic resonance imaging to identify conditions and injuries affecting the body’s soft tissues. While X-rays show fractures and other bone abnormalities, an MRI detects hidden issues with internal organs, ligaments, blood vessels, and more. Healthcare professionals may use this type of imaging to rule out everything from minor ligament tears to serious internal bleeding and brain injuries.
The average scan length is 30 minutes, depending on the area of the body being examined. You’ll lie very still on a table that will move you beneath a large scanner. Images of your body’s tissue forms as radio waves pass through the scanner’s strong magnetic field.
Cureus reports that American healthcare teams perform around 40 million MRI scans annually. The prevalence of this diagnostic imaging modality explains why MRI technologists are projected to experience 5% job growth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Addressing MRI Safety Concerns for Car Accident Victims
After a car accident, MRI images may offer the only insight into your injuries. But is a post-accident MRI safe? MRIs are indeed among the safest imaging techniques used in healthcare.
X-rays and CT scans create images using radiation, which in rare cases can pose serious health risks for anyone exposed to large amounts. Since an MRI scanner uses magnetic fields and radio waves, patients can rest assured they will not be exposed to any harmful radiation. This is particularly beneficial for anyone needing multiple scans.
It doesn’t matter if you’re undergoing imaging as part of a whiplash assessment or to diagnose a traumatic brain injury. The process is safe and enables healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Explore the Benefits of Getting an MRI After a Car Accident
Post-car accident MRIs aren’t just safe; they can also be incredibly effective at diagnosing hidden injuries. By undergoing an MRI after a car accident, you could:
- Receive an accurate diagnosis: Experts can confirm a hidden injury even if you don’t experience any symptoms.
- Begin treating your injuries right away: Once your doctor diagnoses you, they can prescribe a treatment plan that may include surgery, physical therapy, or other medical interventions.
- Prevent your injury from worsening: Going days or weeks without treatment for internal bleeding or other soft-tissue injuries can lead to long-term health problems. A prompt MRI and subsequent treatment can prevent the problem from escalating.
- Support a personal injury claim: Consider getting an MRI shortly after your accident for injury documentation if you plan to file a personal injury insurance claim.
- Discover other underlying health issues: While scanning your body for injuries from an auto accident, doctors may detect other abnormalities that require treatment.
- Gain peace of mind: Whether experts find a minor injury or give you the all-clear, prioritizing your health can help you feel at ease.
The National Safety Council reports that car accidents result in 5.1 million medically treated injuries per year. Don’t let yours go undetected. Ask your healthcare provider about receiving magnetic resonance imaging to rule out various injuries after a crash.
How To Prepare for an MRI
Once you schedule a post-car accident MRI, you may be wondering what to expect and how you can prepare for the exam. Tips include:
- Provide a full medical history: Practitioners need to know whether you use any medical devices, such as pacemakers or cochlear implants, prior to the scan.
- Follow your care team’s instructions: Depending on your situation, you may need to avoid certain medications or limit your food and water intake just before the MRI.
- Remove accessories and devices: Do not enter the scanner wearing any jewelry or select medical devices.
- Try to relax: The scan may induce anxiety in some patients. Focus on your breathing or listen to music to try to help you relax.
Consult City Wide Radiology for an MRI in Brooklyn, NY
Not all injuries are apparent after an auto accident. Contact City Wide Radiology if you’re interested in undergoing a post-car accident MRI in Brooklyn, NY. The technology can help detect hidden injuries so you can effectively treat them and begin your healing journey.
Our compassionate staff has a complete understanding of 3T MRI scans, digital X-rays, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic imaging methods. You’ll find state-of-the-art equipment at our medical facility, and you’ll receive results as quickly as possible.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To request an appointment, submit our online contact form or call us at (718) 236-6800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? Get answers to common patient questions below.
Can Anyone Get an MRI After a Car Accident?
Most people can get an MRI after a car accident at their doctor’s recommendation. Those with implanted pacemakers, joint replacements, or metal plates may need to seek alternative imaging, as the magnetic scanner could affect the placement and function of their devices.
What Is the Difference Between an Open MRI Exam and a Closed MRI?
An open MRI exam offers more space for the patient but can yield lower-quality images due to its weaker magnetic field. A closed MRI features stronger magnets for high-resolution images, though it confines patients to a smaller space and may trigger anxiety or claustrophobia.
What Types of Injuries Could a Post-Car Accident MRI Detect?
An MRI can detect common car accident injuries like internal bleeding, torn ligaments, compressed spinal cords, and traumatic brain injuries, among others.