MRI FAQs
What is an MRI Scan?
What do I need to do to prepare?
What do I need to do to prepare?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method of looking inside the body. Instead of X-rays, the MRI scanner uses magnetism and radio waves to produce remarkably clear pictures of your head, spine or other parts of your body. There is NO Radiation involved.
What do I need to do to prepare?
What do I need to do to prepare?
What do I need to do to prepare?
No special preparation is needed, unless your doctor has given you other instruction. We will provide you with MRI approved clothing.
What if I have metal in my body?
What do I need to do to prepare?
What if I have metal in my body?
If the metal is in the area we are scanning, it can possibly affect the quality of the images. Some sequences have metal reduction to assist with image quality. Most metals are safe and will not interfere with the scan.
What if I am Claustrophobic?
What if I am Claustrophobic?
What if I have metal in my body?
Claustrophobia is defined as "a fear of being in a confined or enclosed place." Many people can complete the scan without medication, keeping in mind that you are not completely enclosed - our machine is open at both ends and has a large bore.
What if I am Pregnant?
What if I am Claustrophobic?
What if I am Pregnant?
We normally do not scan pregnant patients in the first trimester, unless there is a serious medical condition to warrant the scan.
Will I need contrast?
What if I am Claustrophobic?
What if I am Pregnant?
Contrast is not needed on all MRI exams, but is used during certain exams in conjunction with the routine sequences to assist with the diagnosis.
MRI Safety
Magnetic Resonance is a non-invasive and safe way to scan. As MR works with a strong magnet and radio waves, you will need to tell us if any of the following applies to you.
The following are things we are unable scan:
Cardiac Pacemaker
Implanted Cardioverter
Defibrillator
The following things need safety clearance before scanning:
Aneurysm Clips
Electronic implant or device
Neurostimulator or Biostimulator
Spinal Cord stimulator
Cochlear implant or implanted hearing aid
Aortic or Carotid Artery Clips
The following are things we can scan, but need to know about:
Insulin or infusion pump
Any type of prosthesis or implant
Artificial or prosthetic limb
Hearing Aid
Aortic or Carotid Artery Clips
Metallic stent, filter, or coil
Shunt (spinal or intraventricular)
Eyelid spring or wire
Wire mesh implant
Radiation seeds or implants
Joint replacement
Metal Rods, Plates, Screws, Clips, Staples, Sutures or Pins
Dentures or partial plates
Shrapnel or Gunshot Injury
IUD/Diaphragm or Penile Implant
Tattoo's, Body Piercing
Transdermal Patch
Have you ever worked grinding metal?
If yes, we may need to do an x-ray before the scan.
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