MRI
MRI is short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. (If your doctor has sent you for an MRA [Magnetic Resonance Angiography], this is also a kind of MRI.) MRI is an advanced technology that lets your doctor see internal organs, blood vessels, muscles, joints, and more -- without x-rays, surgery, or pain. MRI is very safe; in fact, it makes use of natural (magnetic) forces and has no known harmful effects. It's important to know that MRI will not expose you to any radiation.
The MRI machine creates a magnetic field, sends radio waves through your body, and then measures the response with a computer. This creates an image or picture of the inside of your body that is much clearer than can be obtained with most other methods. Our brand new MRI machine was installed in May 2008, and has since also under gone software and hardware upgrades, ensuring it is up to date and providing state-of-the-art image quality.
PREPARATION
In most cases, no special preparation is needed. You can eat and drink your usual diet, work, or play sports (unless you have an injury!) - and take any prescription medications you need. However, there may be some circumstances in which you'll be given specific instructions to follow before the exam and our staff will inform you if necessary.
Musculoskeletal scans usually require no special preparation.
The MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field, which will move objects made with iron or steel. You must let your doctor know if you have:
- A pacemaker
- Aneurysm clips
- Cochlear implants
- A neuro-stimulator (Tens-unit)
- Metal implants
- Steel surgical staples or clips
- An implanted drug infusion device
- Any implant made partially or wholly of iron or steel
Also, if you're pregnant, let the doctor know.
Even metal objects made of iron or steel can interfere with the exam - so don't bring any of the following into the examination room (a secure place to store your valuables will be provided):
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Keys
- Dentures or partial plates
Magnetic waves can also erase the code on bank cards and credit cards, so don't bring any to your exam.
Last of all, you may be asked to change into a patient gown.
We understand that some patients are anxious about having tests performed. If you do have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask our staff. It is important that you are on time for your appointment to ensure there is sufficient time available to perform the procedure. Please remember to bring any relevant previous x-ray films and your referral to your appointment.
SCANNING
To begin the exam, you will lie down on the scanning table. When the machine starts to work, you'll hear some loud knocking sounds. These sounds occur whenever the MRI pictures are being taken. Think of them as the clicks a VERY large camera would make when taking pictures! You will be provided with headphones with music to help block out the knocking sounds. While you're having your scan done, you can communicate with the technologist at any time through an intercom system.
In any case, although it's a little noisy, an MRI exam is completely painless. The only thing you must do is HOLD STILL. When you take a picture with a camera, your subject must keep still or the picture will come out blurry. It's the same with an MRI machine. If you move, the scans will be out of focus - and we may have to repeat the exam.
Occasionally, only if necessary, you may be injected with a solution called a contrast agent. This allows the doctor (radiologist) to see the image more clearly. MRI contrast agents typically have few or no side effects, and the injection most often will feel like a slight pinch. You will be asked to give your consent to this injection, if required.
The exam can usually takes 20 min to half an hour.
After the exam, you may feel very well rested since you've just been lying on a table and doing absolutely nothing! (In fact, some people even fall asleep during the exam.) Other than that, you'll feel perfectly normal and can go back to your everyday activities. If you have further questions about your MRI exam, our staff will be glad to answer them.
RESULTS
Most MRI scan results will be ready in less than 2 hours, however, some MRI scan results can take a lot longer, due to the amount of data that is processed and the complex array of images. Our staff will inform you if it is possible to wait for your results, or if you should return and pick up the films and report at a later time. Norwest Medical Imaging strongly advise that you return to your referring doctor, in order for your doctor to discuss your radiology report with you.
