Like most people, I look at x-ray and MRI imaging like a deer looks into headlights. Yes, it's a knee....well, I think it's a knee....wait, I don't know what I'm looking at! It looks more like an old-time picture of a tree root, or a treasure map of an old Caribbean island. Regardless, it takes sharp expertise and a keen eye to interpret these things.
That doesn't mean a patient should stand wayside and forsake his or her obligation to be involved in their healthcare decisions. My inquisitive nature has given me a gradual understanding of these images (mostly the image reports, that is) and I believe anyone can grasp the basics if you follow a few simple guidelines:
1) First and foremost, ALWAYS REQUEST A COPY of the x-ray/MRI report. You don't necessarily need the images per se, but having an interpretive report beforehand can prepare your questions and concerns accordingly. A copy of the images can be helpful too, especially if you decide to seek an outside opinion.
2) Don't get scared. There's a lot of intense wording that may sound perplexing to the lay person. Most of this is medical jargon is there to better convey the specifics of what the interpreting doctor perceives from the imagining results (note: all x-rays, MRI's, CT-scans, etc. are interpreted by a professional radiologist).
3) Understand orientations. The planes of view are critical when looking medical images, It's important to determine your view in relation to the images, otherwise you could mistake your @$$ from a hole in the ground...literally. There are 3 axial planes to know: transverse (axial), sagittal and coronal:
That doesn't mean a patient should stand wayside and forsake his or her obligation to be involved in their healthcare decisions. My inquisitive nature has given me a gradual understanding of these images (mostly the image reports, that is) and I believe anyone can grasp the basics if you follow a few simple guidelines:
1) First and foremost, ALWAYS REQUEST A COPY of the x-ray/MRI report. You don't necessarily need the images per se, but having an interpretive report beforehand can prepare your questions and concerns accordingly. A copy of the images can be helpful too, especially if you decide to seek an outside opinion.
2) Don't get scared. There's a lot of intense wording that may sound perplexing to the lay person. Most of this is medical jargon is there to better convey the specifics of what the interpreting doctor perceives from the imagining results (note: all x-rays, MRI's, CT-scans, etc. are interpreted by a professional radiologist).
3) Understand orientations. The planes of view are critical when looking medical images, It's important to determine your view in relation to the images, otherwise you could mistake your @$$ from a hole in the ground...literally. There are 3 axial planes to know: transverse (axial), sagittal and coronal:
4) There's positioning within the planes as well, such as anterior/posterior, proximal/distal, lateral/medial. No need to commit these to heart, but understand where they are in relation to each other. I'm an avid fisherman so fish provide a great example since their fins are dorsal:
5) Lastly, when in doubt, GOOGLE it! The internet may not be the most credible source of information on all things medically relevant, but it will point you in the right direction. You aren't looking for interpretation, just a general understanding to be prepared with when you enter the doctors office to go over your results. Search for terms you're unfamiliar with in the report, click on a few different links to give you perspective and possibly a consensus on what you're reading. At the end of the day, your heath is in your own hands. The more educated you can become on the subject, the more likely you'll be able to make better, informed decisions about your health.