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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be sure that you are providing the highest quality images?
Will I feel anxiety or claustrophobia?
What if I am a bit large or heavy, or claustrophobic?
Do I need a referral from a doctor to have an MRI exam?
How do I prepare for my MRI examination?
What happens during the MRI examination?
Will I hear any noise during the MRI examination?
Do I need to tell the technologist anything before my MRI examination?
How soon will the results of my MRI examination be available?
Is the quality of an Open MRI scan the same as that of a traditional closed MRI?
Are there people who should not or can not have an MRI examination?
Can my child have an MRI examination?
Who interprets the MRI images?
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 non-invasive method of examining the
soft tissue of the body including organs, muscles and tendons.
Is MRI safe?
The strength of the magnetic field and the frequency of the radio waves have
no known harmful effects. There are some patients who may not be able to
have an MRI test due to certain pacemakers or other metallic objects in the body.
However, not all metallic or implanted devices prevent you from having an MRI. Consult your doctor or MRI Technologist for
clarification.
I heard that MRI's could make you feel claustrophobic.
This is a common occurrence with the "tunnel" style MRI's. Our open MRI is
spacious, comfortable and quiet. Most patients who could not tolerate the
"tunnel" have no trouble, and do not feel claustrophobic in the open MRI.
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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.
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.
How do I prepare for an MRI Scan?
Generally, you will not have any restrictions on eating or drinking before your scan.
Certain scans of 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. |  |
What happens during an MRI Scan?
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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. An 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. |
Will I hear any noise during the scan?
You will hear a faint knocking sound during the scan. Earplugs are
available. We provide an assortment of music to help you relax. You are welcome to
bring your own CD or cassette! There is a two-way intercom providing
communication between you and the technologist.
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.
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 within 24 hours of your examination,
usually sooner.
Is the Image Quality the same as a Closed MRI?
Yes, the images from our General Electric Ovation MRI System are comparable, if not
better to images from a closed system. When open MRI systems were new, about 10
years ago, there were some problems with the quality. But new state-of-the-art
technology has dramatically improved the quality.
Are there any people who can not, 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.
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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.
Click here to meet our Board Certified Radiologists.
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.
