| | | |
| | What
is MRI?
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|
| Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced, modern technology that produces detailed
pictures of the inside of the human body. MRI detects subtle differences between
healthy and diseased tissues that cannot be visualized on a normal x-ray examination.
By using a large magnet, radio waves and a highly sophisticated computer, your
doctor can see inside the human body. MRI is usually a non-invasive test. Sometimes,
however, an injected contrast material is required.
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| | What
is MRA/MRV?
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|
| MRA/MRV
scans use a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide detailed
images of arteries & veins to evaluate them for stenosis (abnormal narrowing),
aneurysms (vessel wall dilatations at risk of rupture), or venous thrombosis (the
formation of a clot within a vessel). This procedure utilizes MRI technology to
detect, diagnose and aid in the treatment of stroke and blood vessel diseases.
The procedure is painless and images can be obtained without using any contrast
material, although a special form of contrast agent is often given to make the
MRI images even clearer. In most cases the MRI and the MRA are completed in the
same visit. |
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| | What
about Exam Preparation?
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| | Follow
your normal daily routine. You may eat, drink and take any medications that you
normally use unless instructed by a Wellington Diagnostic Center staff member.
Most scans do not require any diet restrictions. Please do not wear any eye makeup
for a head scan because it might contain metallic particles that could degrade
the images. Please bring any previous x-rays, CT scans, nuclear scans or ultrasounds
of the body part being examined so the doctors can compare them with the MRI.
For more on preparing for your scan, please follow this link, Preparing
for your MRI.
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|
| What
clothing should I wear?
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| | Wear
loose, comfortable clothing. Make sure they do not have metal zippers, snaps or
clasps. This will allow you to stay in your own clothes. The examination room
is sometimes a little cool so you may want to wear warmer clothes like a sweat
suit. You will be asked to remove jewelry as well as any other any metal objects.
You will be provided a locker to put these things in. ATM and credit cards should
also be placed in the locker as the MRI scanner will erase their magnetic codes.
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| | How
Long is the Exam?
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| | Because
MR examinations are tailored specifically to each patient, the scan time will
depend on the amount of information your physician is seeking and the body part
being scanned. The length of the test varies from 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hour. When
the exam is over, you may resume normal daily activities.
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| | What
can I expect once I arrive?
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| | After
filling out some registration paperwork a technologist will escort you to a comfortable
padded table. Once you are situated, the table will slowly move into the center
of the machine. Depending on the body part being examined, you will enter the
magnet either head first or feet first. Once the machine is in operation, you
will hear a knocking or thumping noise on and off throughout the procedure. Don't
be alarmed - the noises you are hearing are from the scanner taking pictures of
you. These noises are very loud so you will be given ear plugs earphones with
music to help block the noise. |
|
| How
will the test feel? | |
| | An
MRI exam causes no pain. If you are very anxious or have difficulty lying still
you may need a prescription for an oral sedative. Excessive movement during the
scan can blur the MRI images. You may request a blanket or pillow if needed. | |
| | |
 | Will
I receive an injection/shot? |
| | Some
MRi exams require the administration of a contrast agent named Gagolinium per
the physician's request. This contrast "dye" is utilized to give nehanced
images to help the radiologist depict the differences in some tissues. Images
are taken before and after the injection in order for the radiologist to view
any changes that occur with the use of the gadolinium. | | |
| What
if I'm claustrophobic? |
| | Wellington
Diagnostic Center utilizes a short-bore MRI machine that is shorter in length
than the older versions, therefore, more of your body will be outside of the machine
during the scan.If you feel that the support and comfort of our staff will not
be enough to get you through your MRI we recommend that you speak with your referring
physician and have him/her prescribe you an oral sedative to be taken prior to
the exam. Please be sure to have someone with you to drive you home after the
scan. |
| What
are the risks? |
| | There
is no ionizing radiation involved in MRI and there have been no documented significant
side effects of the magnetic fields and radio waves used on the human body to
date. If you are pregnant please tell the technologist prior to the scan. The
effects of a magnetic field on a fetus are still not well known. Your doctor may
recommend postponing the exam or choose an alternative exam.If your scan requires
an injection there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction.People have been
harmed in MRI machines when they did not remove metal objects from their clothes
or when metal objects have been carried into the room. Please refer to the list
on the "Exam Prep" prior to your exam.
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| |
Can
I talk during the exam? | |
| | During
your exam, the technologist will be in constant communication with you and can
hear you at all times through a two-way intercom system. The technologist will
check on you from time to time and update you on the progress of your scan. | |
| | When
do I get my results?
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| | Your
images are studied within 24 hours by a radiologist who is specially trained in
MR interpretation. These results will be sent to your physician who will notify
you of the results.
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| | Fees
and insurance?
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| | Most
insurance policies cover MR examinations. Many require approval before the exam.
Please contact us at (513) 721-7226 or (800) 597-3071 (toll free) |
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