What are the consequences of excessive motion during an MRI scan?

Excessive motion during an MRI scan can significantly impact the quality of the images obtained. When a patient moves, it can cause blurring and distortions in the resulting images, which may obscure important anatomical details. These artifacts can lead to misinterpretation of the results, making it difficult for radiologists to accurately assess the patient's condition.

For instance, movement can affect both the spatial resolution and the contrast of the images, resulting in incomplete or unclear data that could potentially lead to misdiagnoses. It is crucial for patients to remain as still as possible during the imaging process to ensure high-quality images are acquired that will assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions based on accurate diagnostics. Therefore, the correct understanding of the consequences of motion is essential for optimizing MRI outcomes and ensuring patient safety.