• Question: Is a MRI scan bad for you?

    Asked by Beverley to Anna, Hayley, Iain, Rebecca on 15 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Iain Bethune

      Iain Bethune answered on 15 Jun 2015:

      No. MRI uses magnetic fields to image inside your body, so until a CT or X-Ray, there is no radiation exposure. And taking an MRI might help doctors figure out what’s wrong with you – so it’s definitely a good idea!

      I had an MRI done once when I was a student as part of a linguistics experiment. I was in the scanner for about half and hour with headphones on a screen in front of my eyes responding to words and sounds with a finger clicker. There were no bad effects, and I got paid £25 too.

    • Photo: anon

      anon answered on 15 Jun 2015:

      I’ve taken part in a similar MRI experiemt, too – and it was good fun!

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