Why is it important to minimize movement during an MRI scan?

Minimizing movement during an MRI scan is crucial for ensuring high-quality images. MRI relies on powerful magnets and radiofrequency pulses to generate detailed images of internal structures. Any movement, whether from the patient or from external sources, can introduce motion artifacts—distortions that degrade the clarity of the images produced. These artifacts can obscure important diagnostic information, making it difficult for radiologists to interpret the results accurately. Maintaining stillness helps to capture a clean and precise representation of the anatomical details under examination, which is essential for accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment planning.

Other factors such as machine damage, scan time, and noise may be considerations in the context of MRI, but they do not directly impact the quality of the images in the same way that movement does. Therefore, the focal point of this question is the necessity for high-quality imaging, which is achieved through minimizing movement during the scanning process.