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Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)
What is Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) and how does it work? back
to top
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most
accurate methods of diagnostic imaging available
today. MRI enables your physician to view the human
body without the use of x-rays or invasive procedures
and obtain precise diagnostic information.
MRI utilizes a strong magnetic field and radio
frequency waves to construct a computer image. The
image is then printed on a special film that is
reviewed by a radiologist.
For some MRI procedures contrast media, commonly
referred to as "dye", is sometimes given intravenously
during certain scans to provide the physicians with
additional information.
Is a MRI for everyone? back to
top
Although MRI is an effective diagnostic tool, certain
medical conditions will prevent individuals from
having an MRI. Please inform your physician and our
center personnel at the time of scheduling if you have
either of the following:
- Cardiac Pacemaker
- Implantable Cardioverter
Difibrillator (ICD)
- Cochlear Ear Implant
Other certain medical conditions
may prevent individuals from having an MRI.
Please inform your physician and our center personnel
at the time of scheduling if you have any of the
following:
- Metal fragments located in one or
both eyes
- Metal fragments or prosthesis
within the body
- Pregnancy
- Certain type aneurysm clips
- Other certain type of electrical
or magnetic activated implants
It is very important that if you are
pregnant or there is a possibility of pregnancy, or if
you are breast feeding, that you inform your physician
and the center personnel prior to your MRI.
If any of these conditions exist, your physician
and/or the center radiologist will determine if you
can be safely imaged or recommend an alternative
diagnostic imaging procedure that can be safely
performed for your condition.
How do I prepare for a MRI?
back
to top
- We request that you arrive at
least 15-30 minutes prior to your scheduled
procedure time to complete paperwork and to change
clothes if necessary.
- Please wear loose-fitting clothes
without zippers or snaps or metal objects. We may
request that you to change into a clinic gown.
- Please bring the written
prescription your physician gave you for this
procedure.
- You will be requested to complete
a detailed MRI screening questionnaire asking
certain safety questions. This includes questions
relating to pacemakers, implantable cardioverter
defibrillator's (ICD's), cochlear ear implants,
aneurysm clips, metal implants, metallic foreign
bodies, pregnancy, breast feeding, body piercing,
and tattoos.
- You should take all of your usual
medications, but inquire about taking sedation or
pain medication prior to your procedure if you have
a fear or anxiety of small spaces or cannot lie
still for 30-60 minutes at a time due to pain an/or
anxiety condition.
- If your MRI procedure requires
sedation or pain medications, please bring a driver
and notify our scheduling department.
- Most MRI procedures do not have
eating or drinking restrictions; however, our staff
will inform you of any dietary restrictions that may
be required at the time your procedure is scheduled.
- No metal objects are allowed in
the scan room. This includes, but is not limited to
jewelry, watches, credit or bankcards, hairpins,
clips or barrettes, wigs, hearing aids, beepers,
keys or key chains, and loose pocket change.
- You should remove all eye make-up
before your procedure. Some make-up contains metal
that may distort the images.
- It is recommended that all body
piercing jewelry be removed prior to the procedure.
Some body piercing jewelry contains metal that can
be a safety concern or can distort the images.
- You will be provided a locker to
store your personal items; however, we recommend
that you leave all unnecessary valuables at home.
- We strongly encourage you to
ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have
prior to your procedure. We strongly believe that
communication with our patients is an important part
of the service we provide.
-
Patients who are scheduled for an MRI, who have a
history of renal failure or insufficiency,
hypertension, diabetes, severe liver disease or
transplant and those over the age of 60 will be
asked for blood test results. The blood test should
have been performed no more than 30 days prior to
their exam. Patients should speak to their referring
physician to make these arrangements as certain
patients with the above conditions may not be able
to receive the intravenous contrast associated with
the MRI exam.
What should I expect
during a MRI? back
to top
- You may be asked to change into a
clinic gown and escorted to the MRI room.
- A MRI technologist will assist
you on to the padded exam table and position you for
the procedure.
- During the procedure, you will
need to lie as still as possible; movement can cause
blurred images requiring the MRI technologist to
repeat part of the procedure.
- You will hear knocking sounds
during the procedure. Earplugs, headphones, or music
will be provided for your comfort.
- The MRI technologist will be in
constant communication with you during the procedure
using a two-way microphone system.
- For your comfort, blankets and/or
pillows will be provided upon request. The MRI exam
room is typically cool in order to ensure that the
computer system operates properly.
- Some patients may require an
intravenous injection of a contrast material to
enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood
vessels.
- Our goal is to provide you with a
pleasant and comfortable MRI procedure. If you are
uncomfortable in any way, please inform your MRI
technologist.
How long will
the MRI procedure take? back to top
A typical MRI procedure will last 30-60 minutes
depending on the specific procedure requested by your
physician.
When do I get my results? back
to top
Our certified MRI technologist will prepare your MRI
Images for the radiologist to evaluate. The
radiologist will interpret your results and dictate a
written report, which will be forwarded to your
physician generally within 24 to 48 hours of
completion of your procedure. Your physician will
convey the results of the MRI to you. |
