What
does MRI do for you and your medical team?
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one form of imaging modality used
by physicians to look inside the human body to obtain clinically useful
diagnostic information. Incorporating an advanced technology, MRI
produces images of the anatomy without the use of radiation
required with other imaging modalities such as x-ray and CT scanning.
MRI
combines the physical properties of strong magnetic fields with
radio waves to produce computer generated soft tissue images
within any plane of the body. This widely used imaging technique
can be used as a primary diagnostic tool to provide a quick and
accurate diagnosis for your physician. In some situations, this
procedure can reduce the need for further diagnostic procedures
or invasive procedures such as exploratory surgery that may have
associated complications.
MRI
is a non-invasive procedure with no known side or after effects.
The procedure is painless; in fact, you won't see or feel
anything. A faint knocking sound will be heard, which is simply
the imaging process in operation.
The
benefits of magnetic resonance imaging are many, with new applications
continually being developed through on-going research. The procedure
is used for all parts of the body and is effective in the clinical
evaluation of the following conditions:
- Brain
disorders
- Traumatic
injuries
- Eye
abnormalities
- Spine
diseases
- Tumor
detection
- Liver
and other abdominal diseases
- Knee
and shoulder injuries
- Musculoskeletal
disorders
- Facial/Neck
abnormalities
- Infection
- Cardiac
malformations
- Blood
flow and vessel disorders
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How
does MRI operate, and what should you expect?
MRI
images are formed when signals, emitted by body tissue, are processed
by software and turned into clinical images. These signals are generated
using a safe magnetic field in combination with radio waves of a specific
frequency. Different tissue characteristics are revealed through this
process and translated into different contrast levels on the image.
A typical procedure averages 30 minutes, or longer depending
on the type of information required by your physician. You can help
to make your images spectacular by simply relaxing and remaining
as still as possible during the exam. In fact, some patients
fall asleep during the MRI exam.
During your MRI examination, a technologist will be with you and
will be able to see you at all times. For your convenience, an intercom
system is built into the MR imager so that if you need anything,
the technologist will be right there. We can also provide music
through specialized headphones. Listening options include: tapes
and CD's that you may bring, local AM/FM radio, or XM Satellite
Radio ,
which offers over 150 channels of digital music.
In certain instances, a contrast agent may be administered to enhance
the study. There are no extra precautions if your physician requires
this type of study. Consult the physician or technologist if you
have any questions.
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What
do you have to do to prepare for the MRI?
No
special preparation is required prior to the MRI exam. You may
eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take
any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed
Prior
to entering the scan room for your exam, you will be asked
to leave those items that are not compatible with a magnetic
field in a safe place outside the scan room. A list of some
of these items is listed below.
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Glasses
- Credit
cards
- Hearing
aides
- Keys
- Hair
pins
- Other
metal objects
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You
may also be asked to remove make-up and dentures and to wear a hospital
gown to avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles and zippers.
Once you are situated on the table, make sure you are comfortable
so that it is easy to remain still for the duration of the examination.
Breathe normally. Once the examination has begun, you will hear
a knocking sound that represents changes in the magnetic field that
are a normal part of the imaging process. At the conclusion of the
exam, the technologist will assist you out of the scan room.
As mentioned previously, you will be asked to leave items that are
incompatible with the magnetic field outside of the scan room. Other
items to consider are the presence of implants and similar items.
Check with your physician or MRI technologist if you have had any
brain, ear, eye or other surgeries or any of the following:
- Pacemaker
- Neuro-stimulator
(Tens-unit)
- Metal
implants
- Intrauterine
device (IUD), etc.
- Aneurysm
clips
- Surgical
staples
- Implanted
drug infusion device
- Foreign
metal objects in the eye
- Shrapnel
or bullet wounds
- Permanent
eyeliner
If you are pregnant, please notify your physician.
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