Magnetic Resonance Imaging
You play a major role in your MRI exam and we are here to
make sure you have a good experience. From thetime you call to make an
appointment until your procedure is completed, someone will be available
to answeryour questions and help you. When you arrive at the hospital, our
receptionist will help you with paperwork andshow you where to leave your
personal belongings during the exam. When it’s time for your scan, our
technologist will explain the procedure and remain with you to answer any
questions you have during your exam. If you’ve never had an MRI
before – and most of us haven’t – you probably have lots of questions.
We’re here to make sure you get the answers you need.
WHAT DOES MRI SEE?
MRI has become a preferred method for diagnosing potential problems in any
different parts of the body. While x-rays are best for showing bones, MRI
creates pictures that can show differences between healthy and unhealthy
tissue. Doctors use MRI to examine soft tissue – like organs, muscle,
cartilage, ligaments, and tendons in many parts of the body. That means
MRI is helpful when looking at the brain, spinal column, breast, abdomen,
pelvic region, and joints like your knee and elbow.
YOU WON’T FEEL ANYTHING
Having an MRI doesn’t hurt… during the scan or afterwards. Millions of
patients have had MRIs and the procedure has proved extremely safe. Unlike
x-rays and some other imaging technologies, MRI doesn’t use radiation.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE YOUR MRI?
There’s no special preparation necessary before having an MRI exam. Unless
your doctor specifically requests that you not eat or drink anything
before your exam, there are no restrictions on food. You won’t be allowed
to wear anything metallic during the exam, so it would be best to leave
watches, jewelry, or anything else containing metal at home. Even some
cosmetics contain metals, so don’t wear make-up when you go to the
hospital. When
you leave for your MRI exam, be sure to have your insurance forms and your
doctor’s prescription for the MRI exam with you. That will help reduce the
time spent on paperwork while you’re at the hospital.
IS THERE ANYONE WHO CAN’T HAVE AN MRI?
People of all ages, from very young children to very elderly people, have
had MRI examinations. Because of the strong magnetic field and radio
frequencies, people who have a heart pacemaker or any kind of metallic
implant in their body shouldn’t have an MRI unless their physician knows
about the metallic appliance and has approved the MRI exam. You should
also be sure that the hospital knows about any metal fragments that may
remain in your body from an old accident or war wound. If you have had an
occupation that poses the risk that you may have metal fragments, you
should be sure that the hospital is aware of this. You may be required to
have a screening orbit (an X-ray procedure) performed prior to your MRI to
ensure that no fragments remain in your body. If you have had a screening
orbit performed, be sure to bring these films with you to the hospital.
You should also inform the hospital before your exam if you have
claustrophobia, or a fear of enclosed spaces. Occasionally, patients
require a sedative prior to their MRI exam. Young children are normally
given a sedative in order to obtain a successful exam.
WHAT IS THE MRI PROCEDURE LIKE?
The examination itself is performed in a room that houses the MRI
equipment. You’ll be asked to lie down on a comfortably padded table that
gently glides you into the magnet. While the scanner is operating, you’ll
hear humming and occasional thumping sounds. These are normal and
shouldn’t worry you. In some cases, your doctor may have requested that
you receive an injection of a contrast agent to give a clearer picture of
the area being examined. The most important thing for you to do is relax
and lie still. Most exams take between 30 and 45 minutes, although some
may take as long as 60 minutes. You’ll be told ahead of time just how long
your scan is expected to take.
WHEN WILL YOU KNOW THE RESULTS?
Once your MRI exam is completed, the pictures will be looked at by a
Radiologist, a specially trained physician who is able to interpret the
scans for your doctor. The Radiologist will send your doctor a written
report. You should contact your physician within a day or two of your scan
to make an appointment to go over your results and discuss your next step. |
Click on the below link for more information
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