Motion artifact
In plain language
Image blur or distortion caused by movement during a scan; its importance depends on whether the study remains diagnostic.
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3 things to know first
- It is an image-quality issue. Motion can blur or distort details.
- It does not automatically invalidate the scan. The report should say whether assessment is limited.
- The affected area matters. A radiologist may still answer the main clinical question.
What it is
Motion artifact is an unwanted image pattern caused by movement while pictures are being acquired. Breathing, heartbeat, swallowing, or moving a limb can create blur or streaks. Different scans respond to movement in different ways.
Why it appears on your report
The radiologist mentions motion when it reduces confidence in viewing a particular structure. A report may describe mild motion but still provide a clear conclusion, or it may state that evaluation is limited and suggest another scan.
How serious is it
The artifact itself is not a disease. Its significance is whether an important finding could have been obscured. Read the limitations and impression rather than assuming every scan with motion must be repeated.
When to seek care urgently
The word does not create an emergency. Seek urgent care for serious symptoms such as new weakness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, regardless of image quality.
What usually happens next
- Check whether the report calls the study diagnostic or limited.
- Ask whether the main clinical question was answered.
- Discuss repeat or alternative imaging only if recommended.
A simple analogy
A photograph taken while the camera or subject moves can look blurry. The picture may still show the main subject but hide small details.
Further reading
See this term explained on your own scan
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