WHAT IS AN MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an amazing technology that creates images for a radiologist to interpret from the water in your body. Giant magnets allow your body to receive radio waves and “echo” them back. A computer uses the information within the echoes that bounce back from your body to create images.

The images created are unique to a patient, depicting their anatomy and any disease that may be present. The whole process is safe and painless. Some patients are so comfortable inside of the magnet that they actually fall sleep while this imaging magic take place.

Short-Bore MRI

The radiologist may administer Valium, a relaxing medication, for patients experiencing anxiety or claustrophobia so that the examination will be a more acceptable experience. Family members or friends who can drive the patient home after the exam must accompany patients who receive intravenous Valium. These patients are advised not to drive or operate dangerous equipment for the remainder of the day.

The powerful magnet inside of the MRI machine is shown suspending a wrench in mid air. Even though this powerful force is present, humans cannot feel or sense it.

IS THERE ANY RISK?

Magnetic resonance imaging is very safe. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine. However, some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field, so it is important for you to tell us if any of the following apply to you or someone accompanying you into the exam room:

• cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator (AISCD) or artificial heart valve
• metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
• intrauterine device, such as Copper-7 IUD
• insulin pump or other infusion pump
• aneurysm clips
• previous gunshot wound
• middle/inner ear implant
• ever been a metal worker (had metal in eye)
• permanent (tattoo) eye-liner
• pregnant *
• artificial joints or metallic plates **

Any metallic substance on your person can affect the quality of the diagnostic images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in the magnetic field, and may exclude you from the exam.

Also, be sure to tell us if you are pregnant.

* Pregnant patients should discuss the examination with the radiologist prior to the appointment/examination. Although there are no known side effects on the developing baby, it is recommended that a pregnant woman wait until the second trimester for MR imaging. There are some exceptions to this rule.

** You can safely undergo MRI if you have orthopedic metallic hardware in your joints - such as a metallic plate or hip replacement. However, if the metal device is located close to the part of the body being examined, the images can be seriously degraded and useless.

WILL I NEED AN INJECTION?

In most cases an MRI exam does not require an injection. In some situations, however, a substance known as a contrast agent may be needed to enhance the ability of the MRI to see into your body. All contrast agents are FDA-approved and are considered safe.

Very anxious patients and small children may be given a sedative to help them relax and lie still during the exam. If you think you will require a sedative, please contact our office prior to appointment. You will need to bring someone to drive you home.