Why does my Doctor want me to have an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most sophisticated diagnostic tools available.
Your doctor uses the images for early discovery and treatment planning for many conditions and diseases.
MRI often replaces invasive tests that may be risky, less accurate, more expensive, or require hospitalization.

The technologist will simply ask you to lie down on a cushioned table which will automatically move into the magnet after you have been comfortably positioned for the scanning.
Our highly skilled medical technologists will carefully monitor the operation of the MRI,and will be able to both see and talk to you at all times.

When the MRI scan begins, you will hear a muffled thumping sound which will last for several minutes.
Just relax-take a nap, or bring your favorite CD for us to play on our state-of-the-art sound system, but lay as still as possible since any movement during this time will blur the picture.

What Happens After The Exam?

After the exam, you may return to work or home and resume normal activities. The radiologist will promptly review and interpret the images. A report will be delivered to your physician as soon as it is available.

How MRI Works

MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves and a computer to produce images of the region of interest requested by your physician.

Radio signals given off by the body are digitally processed to produce images based on both the body’s anatomy and its chemical composition.

Unlike X-rays and some other imaging technologies, there is no radiation involved in the MRI exam.

For some patients, an injection of a contrast agent may be required. Don’t be concerned. It may simply help make the details of your MRI images clearer.

Important notes

Metallic objects often give a bright or blank spot in the picture. Prior to the exam, you can remove any of the below mentioned items, and leave them in your dressing room. Please remember to collect these items at the conclusion of your MRI.

• Credit Cards
  
• Watches
  
• Jewelry

• Eyeglasses

• Hearing aids

• Any removable dental work

• Any metallic or magnetic substance

Usually, there are no dietary restrictions before an exam.

For Your Personal Safety

If you are pregnant, please inform the doctor who ordered your MRI exam. Also, it is important that you immediately inform the doctor who ordered your MRI exam if you have any of the following:

• pacemaker

• a metal plate, pin or other metallic implant

• cochlear/ear implants

• aneurysm clips

• an artificial heart valve

• an intrauterine device (IUD)

It is also important to know if you have been exposed to metallic fragments;

• through a war wound

• as a metal worker

• through construction work, or housepainting/cleaning, etc.?