 OVERVIEW & PATIENT INFORMATION |
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Overview
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses
a strong magnetic field and radio waves to image the body.
MRI allows a physician to see inside the body without
surgery. It uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and
computer technology to create detailed images of the soft tissues,
tendons, muscles, nerves, and bones. An MRI is frequently used to
locate possible spinal disc problems, brain tumors, and joint,
ligament, and tendon ailments.
An MRI scan is performed inside a large cylindrical
magnet which has a patient table in the center. As there is a
strong magnetic field, it is important to let the technologist
know of any metal on or in your body.
Conventional
MRI | |
Some MRI exams require an injection of
an MRI contrast or dye. Typical MRI studies require 30 to 60
minutes. It is important not to move during the exam. All MRI
exams are interpreted by a board-certified radiologist with
extensive experience in MRI.
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No special preparation is required for the
exam.
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Patient Information
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> Frequently
Asked Questions
> Types
of MRI Exams
> How
to Find Us
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 Frequently Asked Questions on
MRI |
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Is any
special preparation required?
Most MRI exams do not require
any preparation. If special preparations are necessary you will be
told when you schedule your appointment.
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How long will
the exam take?
The average exam takes 30 minutes. It may take
more or less time depending on what part of the body is being
studied.
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I'm
claustrophobic. How far do I go into the scanner?
In order to
get the best pictures possible, the part of the body being studied
has to be in the middle of the scanner. Therefore, if you are having
a brain MRI, your head will have to be in the middle of the scanner.
If you are having an ankle MRI, your ankle will be in the scanner,
but your head will not be. If you have
severe claustrophobia, ask your doctor for some
medication to help you relax during the scan. Please have someone
accompany you who can drive you home if you do take any
medication.
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Do I really
have to hold still?
Yes. An MRI exam is composed of a series
of images. Each series takes 3 to 5 minutes. Any movement during
this time causes the pictures to be "blurry" and limits the
radiologist's ability to interpret the study. The
exam focuses on a specific part of the body. If you move, the area we are
focusing on may no longer be in the proper
position.
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I have metal
in my body from prior surgery. Can I have an MRI?
Most people
who have metal in their body after surgery can have an MRI. For
example, patients with hip or knee replacements can have an MRI
almost immediately after surgery. Other implanted devices may require
more time after
surgery. However, certain devices can never go into an MRI machine.
Heart pacemakers and some implanted pumps and nerve stimulators
cannot go into the MRI scanner. Some brain aneurysm clips
(particularly older ones) also cannot go into the scanner. If you
have had any prior surgery, you must let the technologist know prior
to the scan. Also, if there is any chance there may be metal in any
part of your body from a prior injury or from grinding metal, please
inform the technologist prior to the scan.
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How and when
will I get the results of the exam?
After the scan is
finished, a board-certified radiologist will interpret the
study and send a report to your doctor usually within 24
hours.
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Types of MRI Exams |
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Brain
MRI
An MRI of the brain produces very detailed pictures of
the brain. It is commonly used to study patients with headaches,
seizures, weakness, blurry vision, etc. It also can further evaluate
an abnormality seen on a CT
scan. During the brain MRI, a special device called a head coil
is placed around the patient's head. This
device is what helps to produce the very detailed pictures of the
brain.
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Spine
MRI
This test is most commonly used to look for a herniated
disc or narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) in patients
with neck, arm, back and/or leg pain. It is also the best test to
look for a recurrent disc herniation in a patient who has had prior
back surgery.
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Bone and
Joint MRI
MRI can evaluate virtually all of the bones and
joints, as well as the soft tissues. Tendon, ligament, muscle,
cartilage and bone injuries can be diagnosed using MRI scans. It can
also be used to look for infections and masses.
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Abdomen
MRI
MRI of the abdomen is most frequently used to further
evaluate an abnormality seen on another test, such as an ultrasound
or CT
scan. Thus, the exam is usually tailored to look at specific
organs or tissues, such as the liver, adrenal glands or
pancreas.
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Pelvic
MRI
For women, pelvic MRI is used to evaluate the ovaries and
uterus as follow-up to an ultrasound
exam which showed an abnormality. It is also used to evaluate
endometrial cancer. For men, pelvic MRI is sometimes used to
evaluate prostate cancer.
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MRA
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a specialized MRI exam used to
evaluate blood vessels. The blood vessels in the neck (carotid
and vertebral arteries) and brain are frequently studied by MRA to
look for areas of narrowing or dilatation. In the abdomen, the
arteries supplying blood to the kidneys are also frequently examined
with this technique.
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