| What is an MRI Scan? 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? No special preparation is needed, unless your
doctor has given you other instruction. We will
provide you with MRI approved clothing.
What happens during an MRI Scan? After
our technologist has made sure you are safely screened
and dressed, they will take you into the MRI room.
You will be positioned on the MRI table and the
appropriate coil for your exam will be placed. The
table will then slide into the scanner. You will
be able to communicate with the technologist at all
times. For clear pictures, you will be asked to
hold very still. While
the machine is taking the pictures, you will hear loud
thumping noises coming from the walls of the scanner.
Ear plugs or listening to music will help dull this.
These thumping noises will start and stop several times.
You must hold still unless the technologist tells you it
is ok to move. The entire exam will take approximately
20 - 40 minutes.
What if I have metal in my body? If the
metal is in the area we are scanning, it can affect the
quality of the images, otherwise most metals are safe and won't
interfere with the scan.
What if I am Claustrophobic? 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. If you
feel you need medication, we can request a prescription
for valium from your Doctor. This needs to be arranged
ahead of time and you will need to come 30 minutes early
and bring a driver to take you home.
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? 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.
The contrast media used for MRI is called Gadolinium. It
does not contain lodine and is less likely to
cause side effects or allergic reactions than lodine
based contrast medias. What can I expect if
contrast is needed for my exam? The
contrast is injected into the blood stream through a
vein and excreted through the kidneys. Some patients
will need to have lab tests done prior to the injection
of Gadolinium to asses appropriate kidney function. You
will be advised in advance if lab tests are needed.
Patients with compromised glomerular filtration rate
(GFR) or that are pregnant are unable to recieve
contrast. There are no dietary restrictions, however if
a patient is breastfeeding, special instructions will be
given ahead of time to prepare for the injection. EDUCATION WEB SITE:
http://www.RadiologyInfo.org |
