Statista reports that, in 2021, for every 1,000 medical exams in the United States, a little more than 107 exams included an MRI or magnetic resonance imaging. Yet, people with mobility problems may struggle with traditional MRI machines. Open MRI scans are an outstanding alternative.
If you sustain an injury from a car accident or work-related incident in New York City and have mobility problems, visiting an imaging center in Brooklyn for an open MRI scan can help with your diagnosis and treatment. Here’s how.
How Open MRIs Work
Given the restrictive nature of conventional MRI machines, they’re not ideal for everyone. For instance, about 5% of people have some type of claustrophobia, and about 13% of patients have a poor MRI experience from panic attacks, according to a report from The Washington Post. Conventional MRIs can also be problematic for obese patients and those with mobility issues.
Open MRIs have no small, enclosed space. The machine can still take detailed images of soft tissues throughout the body, yet the experience is more comfortable and accessible for patients.
Top Benefits of a Brooklyn MRI for People With Mobility Problems
According to the CDC, about 12% of adults in the country have a mobility disability that prevents them from walking or climbing stairs without difficulty. Whether mobility problems stem from an injury, medical condition, or obesity, it can be difficult for patients to comfortably get into an enclosed machine for a body or brain MRI.
Open MRI exams are the exception. They’re suitable for all patients thanks to these benefits:
- Patients will have less anxiety, leading to higher-quality images.
- The machine is more accommodating to people with mobility problems.
- The open MRI experience is more comfortable and less stressful for all patients.
- Patients can be in different body positions to produce accurate scans of the brain, abdomen, spine, and joints.
Start Your Path To Healing With Medical Imaging From Brooklyn Open MRI
We at Brooklyn Open MRI offer excellent diagnostic imaging services to NYC patients. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection) — call (718) 400-6369 for an appointment with Brooklyn Open MRI. Same-day appointments may be available.
If you’re unable to have a traditional MRI scan, an open MRI for anxiety and claustrophobia may be best. Contact us today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Open MRIs
Learn more about open MRI scans with the answers to these common questions.
What Must You Do To Prepare for an Open MRI Scan?
Due to the open MRI machine’s magnetic field, you must remove everything metal from your body to prepare for your scan. That includes hearing aids, jewelry, credit cards, and hair clips.
Are Open MRI Scans Claustrophobic?
Open MRI machines are usually not claustrophobic since they’re open on the top, front, and back.
How Long Will an MRI Diagnosis Take?
On average, an MRI diagnosis will take between 15 and 90 minutes. The duration depends on the size of the scanned area and how many images the technicians take.