Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless way of imaging the internal organs of the body. It produces pictures in "slices"--much like a CT scan--but does not use ionizing radiation. In certain cases, it can even visualize parts of the body not seen by other imaging techniques.

How does an MRI work?

The MRI machine generates radio waves that record signals from the body's atoms; the machine then transforms these signals into images. This is accomplished by placing your body into a cylinder that is the center of a large magnet.

What should I expect?

MRI exams take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on which part of the body your doctor wants to examine. You will not feel any pain during or after the MRI scan. In fact, sometimes, patients fall asleep during the scanning process. During the scan, you will hear a rhythmic tapping sound; this is the normal sound of the magnetic fields as it scans. You may receive an IV (intravenous) injection of a contrast agent to enhance a particular body structure. MRI is considered safe at the levels of magnetic field strength used.

What precautions are taken?

It is very important for us to know if you have any metal in your body before your MRI scan is performed. The MRI uses a very strong magnet that may create movement of certain metal objects in your body. This can be very dangerous and even life-threatening, and may also interfere with the scan. Please let your physician and the MRI staff know if you:

• Have a pacemaker or Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD)
• Have had a mitral or aortic valve replacement
• Have any implanted mechanical or electrical device (i.e. Cochlear or Stapes ear implant, magnetic dentures, spinal stimulator, etc.)
• Have brain aneurysm clips
• Have a history of shrapnel or metallic fragments in your eyes
• Have a history of claustrophobia
• Are pregnant or think you could be pregnant

What do I need to do to prepare for an MRI?

Generally, no preparation is necessary for an MRI scan. If your physician gives you a script or films, please bring them to your appointment. You may eat or drink before the exam and continue your normal activities afterward. If your exam is scheduled with sedation, please check with your physician or the MRI department for further instructions.

You should not take and metal objects into the examination room, including watches, partial plates, dentures, hearing aids, credit cards, pocket knives, lighters, calculators, hair pins, etc.

Items such as wigs and eye makeup may also interfere with brain scans. If you wear a wig or hairpiece, inform the technologist before the exam begins. Also, please do not wear eye makeup if your are scheduled for a brain scan.

How will I find out the results?
Your MRI is supervised and interpreted by a radiologist, a physician specially trained in reading MRI scans and in other diagnostic modalities. The radiologist will consult with your physician on the findings of your MRI exam and send a report. You should receive the results from your physician.