DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING - MAGNETIC RESONANCE (MRI)

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a relatively new medical technology that uses a strong magnetic field and radiowaves to allow physicians to visualize certain anatomical structures more clearly. The pictures produced by this new technology may help your physician detect, and define, the differences between healthy and diseased tissue. Conditions that a few years ago might only have been detectable from physical signs and symptoms, may now be seen clearly, giving physicians more time, and better information, to determine the most appropriate treatment.

How Does it Work?
Your physician has referred you for a MRI examination. After reading this information, you will better understand how to prepare for your exam, what it will be like, and when you can expect results.

On the Day of Your MRI Exam
Preparing for your MRI exam is simple. You may eat normally, and take any prescribed medication. Plan to arrive at the center 15-20 minutes before your appointment. When you arrive, you will be asked questions regarding your medical history. In order to provide you with the best possible care, you will be asked if you suffer from claustrophobia, and whether you are pregnant. (MRI scans are generally not recommended for pregnant women.)

You will also be asked whether you have any medical devices, such as Copper-7 (IUD), cardiac pacemaker, cerebral aneurysm clip, metal implants or other surgical clips, neurostimulators, or hearing aids; and whether you have any metal shrapnel in your body, or metal fragments in your eyes.

Metal devices cause interference with the MRI machine, and their presence during the MRI procedure may cause injury to you. It is important for you to inform the MRI staff if these devices are present. You will then be asked to remove any metallic objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, eye glasses, wig (if it has metal clips), nonpermanent dentures, and makeup. The MRI center will provide you with a safe place for your belongings. You may also be asked to change into a patient gown, and then will be escorted into the exam room.

The MRI Examination
The MRI machine may look intimidating because of its size, but there is no need to be frightened. Before the scan, the technologist will help you onto the examination table. You will be positioned comfortably, generally with your arms at your sides. The examination table will then slide into the magnet. While the machine is in operation, you will hear intermittent humming and thumping sounds -­ these sounds are normal, and are no cause for alarm.

The exam takes around 45 minutes or less, depending on the part of the body being imaged. If you need assistance throughout the exam, all you have to do is ask. Providing the image quality is acceptable, you may get dressed, and prepare to leave and resume your normal daily activities.

When Better Images are Needed
In some cases, however, the physician may decide to order an image enhancement agent. This agent is a liquid that is injected into a vein in your arm or leg, which makes the details of MR images clearer. If an enhancement agent is needed during your MRI exam, it does not mean that your condition is more serious or that anything is wrong with you; it simply means that your physician would like a clearer picture.

When Can You Expect Results?
The images produced will be reviewed by a radiologist. A report will be sent to your physician within a few days of your exam, and the radiologist and your physician will discuss the results. Your physician will then discuss a course of treatment with you, based on your medical history, symptoms, radiologist's report, and any other test results.

If You Have Questions
Please feel free to speak with your physician, or the staff in Diagnostic Imaging, if you have additional questions. They are happy to help you, or your family, better understand the MRI exam.