In February of 2022, there were 2,382 people injured in car accidents in New York City. Car accident injuries affect many parts of the body and can be challenging to diagnose.
Serious injuries can take time before symptoms present. It is essential to have a comprehensive health examination when you are in an accident. Your life could be at risk from an undetected condition.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important medical imaging scan that provides detailed pictures of internal anatomy. The diagnostic capabilities of an MRI scan after a car accident give physicians a clearer picture of a person’s physical state and help them determine the best course of treatment.
What Is an MRI?
An MRI is a non-invasive test that produces high-resolution images of the human body. It employs radio waves, a magnetic field, and computers to assess bodily structures and functions.
The detailed images this test creates show tissues, organs, blood vessels, and bones. Medical professionals rely on this sophisticated test to determine many medical issues because it pinpoints problem areas.
Typically, when you visit an MRI center, a technologist assists you through the test process. A radiologist reviews the results and delivers the test information to your physician. The test is painless, but you have to remain still while undergoing the procedure.
Why do You Need an MRI after a Car Accident?
The force of impact on the body in a car accident can cause significant trauma. Most injured people receive immediate medical care. However, some injuries become apparent over time.
People may begin to have physical symptoms weeks after the event. Some of these can be quite serious if they involve the brain or internal organs. There are also chronic conditions that arise after the fact.
An MRI scanner creates images of every part of the body from different angles, which is a significant advantage. The directional diagnostic benefits are invaluable to physicians.
MRIs also show greater contrasts in soft tissues. Many car accident injuries involve soft-tissue damage.
The technology used in MRI scanning is continually advancing, and this enhances the capability to diagnose conditions accurately and promptly. Updates in computer software have made the testing process faster.
Additionally, open MRI technology is helping patients who struggle with claustrophobia when placed in a traditional tunnel.
What Car Accident Injuries Does an MRI Diagnose?
What do MRI images show? This is a frequently asked question by people who need medical answers. This type of imaging can reveal information about these common auto accident injuries:
- Soft tissue damage
- Concussions
- Cervical injuries
- Disc herniations
- Nerve compressions
- Spinal injuries and disorders
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Vascular trauma
Undiagnosed symptoms are often frustrating and sometimes dangerous health concerns. There are over 40 million MRI scans performed each year in the U.S. The technologies employed in these tests are essential tools to find the answers to your questions.
When Do Symptoms Require Further Testing?
Symptoms that arise or worsen after a car accident need assessment. These are symptoms that frequently require testing and treatment:
- Blurred vision (or any visual irregularities)
- Headaches (persistent)
- Intense brain fog or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Numbness
- Sharp or dull aching body pain
- Loss of mobility or range of motion
- Internal discomfort
- Inflammation (swelling that persists)
Search for an MRI center with board-certified medical professionals. You need a team that performs your MRI exam with care and knows what to look for based on your symptoms. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, so you understand the scope and purpose of the test.
Why is an MRI Essential for Detecting a Traumatic Brain Injury?
If you suffered head trauma in a car accident and are not healing properly, ask your radiologist this important question: “What does an MRI show about brain injury?” The answer will likely be “a lot.”
Traumatic brain injuries appear on an MRI through changes in the brain’s structure and functions. It may also detect issues from old TBIs by identifying areas of atrophy.
Auto accidents cause 14% of TBI cases annually in the U.S. Since this test is excellent for diagnosing tissue damage and abnormalities, it has much to offer with brain injuries caused by impact trauma.
Does an MRI Diagnose Bone Injuries?
While MRIs are well known for their clinical advantages in diagnosing soft tissue injuries, these tests provide essential details about bone injuries.
Orthopedic doctors order imaging tests for a closer look at bones and other connective tissues, such as ligaments, cartilage and tendons. An MRI reveals fractures, dislocations, bruises, and impingements. It also identifies tears in ligaments and tendons and damage to cartilage.
What Should You Know About the Procedure?
While you may be understandably concerned about your medical condition, you don’t have to worry about your MRI procedure. Trained professionals prepare you for the testing process. There is no pain, and an MRI machine does not expose you to radiation like x-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans.
How Do You Prepare?
These are good tips for test day:
- Eat as you normally would before your procedure and take your medicines as directed (unless your physician advises otherwise).
- Wear comfortable clothing because you need to remain still throughout the test.
- During the test, be sure to remove all electronic or metallic objects (including dentures and hearing aids).
- Notify your physician ahead of time if you have implants or devices in your body that are not safety-approved for MRI machines.
What Happens After Your MRI?
You can resume activities as usual once the procedure is complete. The radiologist prepares and sends a report to your doctor. You follow up with your doctor as needed.
Visit an MRI Center after a Car Accident
Brooklyn Open MRI is the team you need for an MRI after a car accident. We are board-certified medical professionals who specialize in advanced diagnostic testing.
Our AIRIS II MRI System has an open design that produces high-quality images at variable depths. It collects a series of these images from various angles so your physician knows how to proceed with your care.
We provide diagnostic imaging for children and adults. You enjoy a comfortable atmosphere as a technologist guides you through the procedure. Our MRI facility accepts no-fault insurance, workers’ compensation, PIP, and most insurance plans. Our goal is to provide excellent patient care, and we welcome your questions. Contact us to learn more about our services.