Personally, I'd opt against getting an MRI. I'm probably being too cautious, but I would never get an MRI unless I have strong reason to believe the outcome wil

Personally, I'd opt against getting an MRI. I'm probably being too cautious, but I would never get an MRI unless I have strong reason to believe the outcome will benefit me. "...genotoxic (i.e., potentially carcinogenic) effects of MRI scanning have been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, leading a recent review to recommend 'a need for further studies and prudent use in order to avoid unnecessary examinations, according to the precautionary principle'." [1] "Medical societies issue guidelines for when physicians should use MRI on patients and recommend against overuse. MRI can detect health problems or confirm a diagnosis, but medical societies often recommend that MRI not be the first procedure for creating a plan to diagnose or manage a patient's complaint." [2] [1] Hartwig, V., Giovannetti, G., Vanello, N., Lombardi, M., Landini, L., and Simi, S. (2009). "Biological Effects and Safety in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Review". Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 6 (6): 1778–1798. doi:10.3390/ijerph6061778. PMC 2705217. PMID 19578460 [2] Consumer Reports; American College of Physicians. presented by ABIM Foundation. "Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question" (PDF). Choosing Wisely (Consumer Reports). Retrieved August 14, 2012.