Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

MRI is a type of imaging technique that provides valuable information to your physician.  Most people are familiar with the use of x-rays to obtain images, but MRI is different:  It uses no x-rays, but rather your body’s natural magnetic field to produce images.  Special equipment including a computer, a large, powerful magnet and radio waves piece together information about the body’s tissues and structures based on the natural magnetic fields emitted by the body.  MRI may be used in addition to or along with x-rays or CAT scanning to help diagnose and treat your symptoms.

What will the exam be like?

An MRI is painless.  The individual who will perform the MRI study is known as a Radiologic Technologist.  He or she has completed a rigorous course in Radiologic Technology and additional training in MRI imaging.

You will be asked to complete a screening form prior to your exam.  The technologist will have you change into a gown, if necessary, put your personal belongings in a secure locker, and then assist you onto the examination table.

MRI scanning is performed with you lying on a padded table that moves through a donut hole-like opening in the MRI unit.  The part to be imaged must be in the center of the MRI scanner.  This area may seem close for some patients.  If you are claustrophobic you may need to talk to your ordering physician about sedative options.   You must relax and lie still during scanning.  A headset can be used so you can listen to music during the scan.  If you like you may bring your favorite CD from home.  (There are certain exams for which the headset can not be used.)

MRI scanning can be noisy.  During scanning you will hear tapping noises at intervals.  These sounds are normal and occur while the scanner is operating.  You will be issued earplugs to help minimize the noise.

Some MRI scans are performed after the injection of an intravenous contrast into a vein in your arm.  The “contrast” is a solution that highlights certain tissues on the images, which may provide additional information to the Radiologist when analyzing the tissues and organs.  When the exam is complete, the table will slide out of the MRI unit.

A word about Metallic Objects and MRI

Because of the way MRI works, certain metallic objects cannot be present in the MRI unit.  While we will have you remove jewelry, medication patches, and other metallic objects before entering the scanner, you may still have metal inside your body.

Examples include:

A pacemaker, joint or bone pins or metal plates, unremovable bullets, shrapnel or BB shot, inner ear implants, aneurysm clips, surgical clips, or stents, metal fragments from welding.

Some metals, even some of those items listed above, don’t present a problem for scanning.  However, due to the potential consequences, it is critical to know about ANY metal objects inside your body prior to having an MRI.  Again it is to be stressed, the strength of the magnet is very powerful and it is vital that any and all information concerning metallic objects is discussed with the technologist prior to entering the MRI magnet room.

How do I prepare for the exam?

Generally, there are no special preparations prior to an MRI exam.

How long will the exam take?

Most MRI’s take about 45-60 minutes for each body part imaged.

Following the exam:

You should have no discomfort or pain from this exam.  You may return to your normal daily activities unless otherwise instructed.

Exam results?

A Radiologist will study the images and a typed report will be sent to your designated health care provider.

Special note:

Women should always inform their doctor or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

If you should have any questions regarding this procedure, please call 815-942-2932 ext. 7130.