If You Need an MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is invaluable to medical professionals today. It allows doctors to examine the internal state of the body without having to physically look inside by performing surgery on a patient. A much less invasive procedure, MRI creates an image of the afflicted area of the body, which radiologists can analyze to determine the source of the patient’s pain and the degree of injury. Doctors then use this information to determine the best method for treating the patient.

The Advantages of an MRI

An MRI can be used in many different medical situations in which the doctors need to know what is going on inside a patient’s body. This sophisticated type of imaging has been used for treating brain damage, muscle and bone injuries, and cardiovascular problems. It has even been used to detect tumors and diagnose patients who have cancer. Your doctor may recommend an MRI if you are facing any of these health complications or other internal injuries.

The Role of Gadolinium and Associated Risks

Currently, MRI scans use a contrast agent to help clarify the resulting image. These contrast agents contain Gadolinium, an element that can enhance internal features during an MRI. Some patients react negatively to the Gadolinium-based contrast agent and may develop nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), which causes painful hardening of a patient’s tissues and organs and loss of essential functions. Patients with kidney problems are believed to be at a higher risk of developing NSF after receiving a Gadolinium-based contrast agent.

If your doctor has recommended an MRI to further investigate an injury or illness but you have had kidney problems in the past, consider talking to him or her about other imaging options available to you. If you have already had an MRI and are suffering from the symptoms of NSF, report these problems to your doctor immediately and contact a personal injury lawyer. You may be a victim of medical malpractice and may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages

Contact Us

To learn more about the negative effects of Gadolinium and injury liability, please contact the experienced Gadolinium attorneys of Williams Kherkher today at 800-761-3187.