Diagnostic Imaging Near Me
When symptoms arise, many of us struggle to conceptualize and make sense of what the root of the problem may be. Diagnostic imaging allows doctors to take a peek inside of your body for clues as to what medical condition may be causing you pain.
Through a variety of machines and techniques, trained specialists can create pictures of the many structures inside of the body. The type of imaging used will depend wholly upon your symptoms and the part of the body being examined.
Ready to find a great diagnostic imaging center near you? Simply browse diagnostic imaging center near me on the map below and find a list of great diagnostic imaging centers in your local area. Need a bit more information on diagnostic imaging? Read on for interesting facts, trivia and more!
Diagnostic Imaging Near Me – Find it on the Map
Diagnostic Imaging Near Me – Trivia
True or false: Diagnostic imaging tests are painful.
The last thing anyone wants when dealing with medical symptoms it to endure more pain through a diagnostic imaging test. But are diagnostic imaging tests actually painful? Read on as you search diagnostic imaging near me for the truth. Here’s the thing- there are many types of diagnostic imaging tests.
For the most part, imaging tests are completely painless and easy. You won’t experience much in the way of distress or physical pain. However, some tests do require you to stay still for a long time inside of a machine or contraption. While this won’t cause you any pain, it can be quite uncomfortable and may be anxiety inducing to those who hate small tight spaces.
Certain tests may also require you to be exposed to a small amount of radiation. Additionally, some imaging tests may require a small camera be inserted into a long thin tube into your body. The tube itself is called a scope. The scope is moved through a body passageway or opening to see a particular part of the body. For example, the hearts, lungs, and colon, may all be seen through a scope. When a scope is being used, you will almost always be put under anesthesia.
What is the most common type of imaging exam?
Diagnostic imaging is so common that most people will undergo some kind of testing at some point in their lives. What is the most common type of imaging exam? Keep this in mind as you search diagnostic imaging near me. Without question, the most common type of imaging exam is the sonography. You might know it as an ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging depends on high frequency sound waves to create images from inside the body captured in real time. These images hold the potential to show the movement of internal organs and blood through the vessels in the body itself. Unlike many imaging tests, ultrasounds to not require any radiation.
This is a key difference between the sonogram and the other common imaging exam, the X-ray. Ultrasound imaging has been used for more than 20 years and holds an amazing safety record. Common ultrasound procedures include: fetal ultrasound, doppler ultrasound, abdominal ultrasound, bone sonometry, breast ultrasound, doppler fetal rate monitors, and echocardiograms.
Do ultrasounds hurt? Not at all, in fact, ultrasounds are completely painless. At most, you may feel a little discomfort from the cold gel or lubricant also used during the ultrasound process. This will only last a few seconds until the gel heats up from the warmth of your body.
Diagnostic Imaging Near Me – Facts
How long does an MRI last?
Another common imaging test is the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Often times, those who search diagnostic imaging near me are fearful of an MRI as it is often quite claustrophobic. Doctors use magnetic resonance imaging to view the internal structures of the body.
The MRI itself relies on strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create comprehensive images which come about from the protons found in fat and water molecules in the body. When an MRI is taking place, a painless electric current passes through wires which creates a temporary magnetic field in your body.
Though it sounds scary, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure itself. Radio waves are then sent to and from the machine. These waves and signals help to create the digital images of the area being canned. In some cases, doctors may use intravenous drugs or dies to change the contrast of an image.
How long does the average MRI last? Well, that depends on what the doctor may be looking for and your exact symptoms. Generally speaking, an MRI can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 90 minutes. While searching diagnostic imaging near me, consider your comfort level with an MRI. In some cases, doctors may be able to prescribe an anxiety medication that can be taken before the test to ease any feelings of panic that may occur due to the nature of the test.
Is diagnostic imaging bad for you?
In all the years that the various forms of diagnostic imaging have been around, few have proven to be detrimental to a patient’s health in any long term capacity. Since you’re not in these imaging tests for long, the body cannot accrue any long term damage.
The riskiest form of a test is probably an X-ray, despite how common the test actually is. Why is an x-ray risky? X-rays rely on radiation to help create the images that are then viewed by your doctor. Some studies show that prolonged exposure to radiation can be a risk factor in the development of cancer or tissue effects like cataracts, skin redding or hair loss. Keep in mind, the amount of radiation you’re exposed to in an x-ray is minimal.
The risk for developing cancer from an x-ray is extremely rare. The only true issue that is common amongst those searching diagnostic imaging near me is adverse reactions to the contrast dye used in tests such as the MRI. Though you may experience an allergic reaction, the effects are not lasting and with treatment they will go away on their own. Doctors may also be able to swap out any reaction causing contrast dye for something better suited to your body.