Yeah, I got my brain scanned for science. And you should too! (If you’re eligible, that is.)
Basically, I got an MRI scan of my brain done recently as part of a study at the GT/GSU Center for Advanced Brain Imaging (CABI). And while I was kind of nervous about the process, I wanted to write about the experience to help other people. If you’re about to get an MRI scan for medical reasons or for a study, I hope this article can relieve any fears or answer any questions you might have!
So, what is an MRI? MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI machine looks like a very large tube with a donut sized hole on the end. During an MRI, you lay down in front of the donut and the technician moves you into the machine. By using magnets, the machine is able to take 3D images of your organs (in my case, my brain!). Since an MRI is so detailed and there’s no radiation risk, it is often used by doctors to detect tumors and look at brain injuries. There’s a version of an MRI called an fMRI, which shows which areas of your brain are activated. The f in fMRI stands for function, and fMRI images are able to help scientists understand how we think.
Since an MRI uses a really powerful magnet, you can’t bring anything metal in there. So, people with pacemakers, metal stents, braces, etc. might not be able to get an MRI. And when I say a powerful magnet, I mean it. The MRI machine at CABI is behind a heavy, access locked door with two large signs looking like the one on the right:
And if you have a morbid curiosity as to what would happen if you did bring in metal on or in you, check out this video: MRI vs Metal Coins (American Currency) DO NOT ATTEMPT To Replicate. Notice that just by being near the MRI, the camera goes all wonky. Some other metal things that you might not consider:
- Some tattoo inks that include metal
- Earrings
- Hearing implants
- Magnetic eyelashes
- Those metal fasteners on pants
If you have any of these, it doesn’t mean you’re automatically disqualified from getting an MRI, but it’s important to bring it up to the technician or radiologist.
After I made sure I was metal free, I stepped into the MRI control room. There was a giant window where the researchers and technician would be able to see me laying in the MRI in the next room. I took off my jacket and shoes, feeling a bit jittery now. I was going to be INSIDE that giant thing.
The research assistant made her way over to me with a Vitamin E capsule and some tape. At my confused look, she explained, “Vitamin E shows up really brightly on the MRI, so we are gonna put this on your left forehead. That way, when the scans come in, we can tell which side is the left.” Makes sense to me. But that didn’t make it feel less weird when I put it on my head.
The technician led me into the MRI room, where I laid down on the extended platform. It felt like the kind of examination table they have at the doctor’s office, but it was more padded. That was to discourage people from moving around and messing up the scan. After I laid down, I felt the technician place down more padding around my head and feet. She also gave me earplugs and a bulb that I was supposed to squeeze if I needed anything once I was in the machine. As she did all this and wheeled me into the darkness of the machine, she told me what she was doing. This helped calm my nerves a lot, considering I couldn’t see what was going on.
Finally, the technician turned the machine on, and I immediately appreciated the earplugs. The beeping reminded me of an alarm clock. I heard that some people can fall asleep during an MRI, but that wasn’t me. It wasn’t earsplitting, but just loud enough that it never faded into the background.
My earplugs were attached to an earpiece. After a burst of static, I heard the research assistant over the beeps.
“Okay, we’re going to do the first part of the MRI and take a picture of your brain’s structure. Do you feel okay?”
I nodded. There was a pause. “Wait, sorry,” I said, smiling sheepishly to myself in the dark of the machine. Obviously, they couldn’t see me. “Yes, I’m all ready.”
The actual imaging itself was boring, but I passed the time imagining the magnetic beam hitting all of my cells. After a while, I could almost feel the beam on my skin. There wasn’t actually anything, of course. Then, the fMRI was done. The beeping was a different rhythm–more pleasant, in my opinion.
While the scan was being performed, I completed a memory task as part of the study. A screen was put in front of me while I was still in the scanner, with the image projected from a computer screen in the control room using some mirrors. Using a control pad of buttons, I was even able to manipulate what was on the screen. I didn’t even know you could do all that while in an MRI machine!
Soon, I was able to be released from the dark void I had been in previously. The whole process took around half an hour–much shorter than I expected. Other than some numbness from staying as still as possible, I felt alright. And I was excited to see what my brain really looked like!
And there it was–all of my consciousness, my memories, my thoughts, my emotions, dreams, fears all up on that screen. It looked so complicated and fragile and beautiful. As a neuroscience major, I saw pictures of brains every day. But nothing hits quite like seeing your own brain up there in black and white. And there I was, using my brain to understand that what I saw in front of me was itself. It’s such an indescribable feeling!
And that reason, beyond just the contributions to science, is why I recommend getting an MRI done as part of a study. After this experience, I felt myself thinking about my own brain with more affection. This squishy, bumpy organ is me, and I should treat it with the study and love that it deserves.
References
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Magnetic-field-warning-sign_fig1_345758192
