1. What is MRI?
  2. Is MRI safe?
  3. I have heard that MRI's can make you feel claustrophobic?
  4. What if I'm a bit heavy or can't tolerate closed spaces (claustrophobia?)
  5. Does my doctor need to refer me for an MRI?
  6. How do I prepare for an MRI Scan?
  7. What happens during an MRI Scan?
  8. Will I hear any noise during the scan?
  9. What do I need to tell the technologist before the scan?
  10. How soon will I receive the results of my MRI?
  11. Is the Image Quality the same as a Closed MRI?
  12. Are there any people who cannot, or should not have an MRI?
  13. Can my child have an MRI?
  14. What if I'm pregnant?
  15. Who Interprets the MRI Scan?
  16. What is Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)?
  17. What is the difference between MRI and CAT Scan?

 

1. What is MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. An MRI offers a safe and efficient method for medical diagnosis of many conditions, without the use of harmful x-rays. In many cases, MRI can lead to early detection and treatment of disease without surgery or biopsy. It is a noninvasive method of examining the soft tissue of the body including organs, muscles and tendons.

 

2. Is MRI safe?

The strength of the magnetic field and the frequency of the radio waves have no known harmful effects. However there are some patients who cannot have an MRI test due to certain medical conditions such as pregnancy and metallic or electronically implanted devices. Not all metallic implanted are contraindicated for MRI. Consult your doctor or MRI Technologist for clarification.

 

3. I have heard that MRI's can make you feel claustrophobic?

This is a common occurrence with the "tunnel" style MRI's. Our OPEN MRI systems are spacious, comfortable and quiet. Most patients who could not tolerate the "tunnel" have no trouble, and do not feel claustrophobic in the OPEN MRI.

 

4. What if I'm a bit heavy or can't tolerate closed spaces (claustrophobia?)

Our MRI system is open on all sides making it airy, bright, and OPEN. You should not have that "closed-in" feeling. The openness allows a friend or family member to sit with you, even hold your hand. Our scanning table has no weight limit. Patients are made comfortable with the help of cushioned pads, pillows and specially formed sponges.

 

5. Does my doctor need to refer me for an MRI?

In order to perform the study we need a referral from your physician. Your doctor will provide us with the necessary information to perform the most accurate study.

 

 

6. How do I prepare for an MRI Scan?

You will not have any restrictions on eating or drinking before your scan. (Certain scans regarding the abdomen or pelvis might have restrictions.)

We have lockers and locking dressing rooms for your personal belongings, clothing, jewelry and other metallic items. Jewelry and other metallic items should be kept at a minimum because it might interfere with the scan. Clothing with zippers, hooks and snaps will need to be removed. We have gowns and scrubs for you to change into. If you prefer, you may wear your own sweats, shorts or other loose clothing.

 

7. What happens during an MRI Scan?

You will be asked to lie down on the scanning table, usually on your back. We will make you comfortable with the aid of pillows, blankets and sponges. A MRI coil is placed around the part of the body to be scanned. This acts as an antenna directing the magnetic energy to that area. You will be asked to lie still for the duration of the scan approximately 30-45 minutes. You will hear the faint knocking sound while the system is scanning.

 

8.Will I hear any noise during the scan?

You will hear a variating knocking sound during the scan, which is a biproduct of the scan process. Earplugs are available, and we will provide an assortment of music to help you relax. You are also welcome to bring your own CD or cassette! There is a two-way intercom system providing communication between you and the technologist.

 

9. What do I need to tell the technologist before the scan?

Advise the technologist of any pacemaker, or other implanted devices in your body. Also make the technologist aware of any previous surgeries, including heart surgery for pacemaker or other implanted devices, brain surgery for aneurysm clips, back surgery, cochlear implants, pregnancy, history of working with metal, or in the metal trades.

 

10. How soon will I receive the results of my MRI?

Our policy is to have a preliminary report faxed to your doctor as soon as the radiologist reads your film, usually the same day. The full, transcribed report is sent to your doctor the next business day.

 

11. Is the Image Quality the same as a Closed MRI?

Yes, the images from our Hitachi OPEN MRI Systems are comparable to the images from a closed system. Using state-of-the-art technology, and aggressively pursuing the latest protocol developments have dramatically improved the quality of scans generated by Open Advanced MRI.

 

12. Are there any people who cannot, or should not have an MRI?

MRI poses no danger to the majority of patients. Certain medical conditions will prevent someone from having an MRI. The strong magnetic field can cause disruption to internally placed devices such as pacemakers, heart valves, aneurysm clips.

 

13. Can my child have an MRI?

Yes, your child can have an MRI. Children under 5 years old are generally given a mild sedative during the scan to keep the child from moving. With the open MRI system, a parent may stay in the scan room with the child, and hold their hand during the scan. This is a great way to relieve any apprehension the child or the parent may have about the procedure.

 

14. What if I'm pregnant?

MRI is usually not recommended for pregnant patients, particularly in the first trimester, although there are no known side effects from MRI.

 

15. Who Interprets the MRI Scan?

A board certified radiologist is a medical doctor specifically trained to read diagnostic images including X-rays, CAT Scans, Ultrasounds and MRI's. Many radiologists who work with Open Advanced MRI only read cross-sectional images.

 

16. What is Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)?

This is a way to look at the blood vessels in the neck and brain and evaluate the characteristics of blood flow. In the neck, areas of irregularity or narrowing in the carotid arteries can be associated with symptoms of temporary blindness, weakness of the extremities, amnesia or loss of speech.

Within the brain, MRA can be used to screen for the presence of vascular malformation, aneurysm and vasculitis.

 

17. What is the difference between MRI and CAT Scan?

One of the most basic differences between the two tests is that CAT Scanning uses x-rays and MRI does not. In most situations, MRI is superior to CAT in the demonstration of soft tissue pathology. Your doctor can best advise which test would be most appropriate for you.

Advantages of CAT
Usually faster scanning times
Usable in patients with pacemakers and non-removable implants
Better visualization of chest and abdomen areas.

Disadvantages of CAT
Uses x-ray
Chance of allergic reaction to intravenously administered dye.

Advantages of MRI
No X-rays
Best for imaging Spine, Joints, Pituitary Tumors, and Multiple Sclerosis
Reduces anxiety for claustrophobic patients (Open MRI Systems)
Able to scan large patients (Open MRI Systems)


Disadvantages of MRI
Longer scanning times
Patients with pacemakers, intra-cerebral aneurysm clips, can not be scanned.