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MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Exam
Frequently Asked Questions - MRI
What Is
an MRI?
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an exciting new technology which
allows your doctor to have the clearest possible look at your
internal anatomy. MRI does not use x-rays or radiation. MRI uses
a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to provide
computerized images, which appear as "slices" of the anatomy,
for the radiologist to determine the differences between healthy
and abnormal tissue. Your doctor will use this information to
help determine the course of your treatment.
Originally, MRI
exams were only performed in a tunnel-like structure (Closed
MRI). Some patients experienced symptoms of claustrophobia. At
Austin PET & Imaging Center & Medical Imaging our Open MRI system are open
on three sides. This allows you to speak with staff and family
members during the procedure, and generally makes for a more
pleasant experience. This can be particularly helpful for small
children and those who feel uncomfortable in tight or confined
spaces.
Why Is
MRI Performed?
MRI is performed
to provide information about internal tissue that cannot be
viewed through x-ray. With MRI, the smallest structures in the
body can be imaged.
What
Can I Expect During An MRI Examination?
A technologist
will explain the MRI procedure to you when you arrive. You will
be asked to remove and store any objects containing metal so
that there is no interference with the magnet. These include
coins, watches and other jewelry, hair clips, keys, credit
cards, and dentures. Depending on the part of your body to be
scanned, you may be asked to change into a gown. You will be
asked to lie flat on a padded table. Because of the Open MRI,
you will be able to see and hear clearly.
Some patients,
but not all, need an injection of contrast as part of the MR
examination. When the radiologist decides that contrast is
necessary, a pharmaceutical agent, called Gadolinium is
administered. The Gadolinium contrast is used to make specific
organs, blood vessels, or tissues stand out. This helps
highlight the structures to better assess for disease or injury.
The referring doctor provides Austin PET & Imaging Center & Medical Imaging
with information about each patient’s specific medical
condition. The decision to use, or not use an injection of
contrast is made on an individual basis, based on all the
information, and the body part being examined.
If Gadolinium is
necessary, a small needle (a butterfly) is inserted into a vein
in the arm or hand, and removed immediately after the injection.
As with any medication, there is a very slight chance of an
allergic reaction. Side effects are very uncommon with
Gadolinium.
During the exam
you may hear a tapping noise. This is normal and is created when
some of the parts of the magnet (the gradient coils) are turned
on and off, very rapidly, to measure the MRI signal that comes
from the patient’s body. The knocking may be loud enough to
require ear plugs or head phones. During the examination, you
will be able to listen to music through the headphones, and to
communicate with the technologist at all times via intercom.
Only the portion
of the body that is being imaged must be in the center of the
magnet. For example if the head is being imaged, it must be in
the magnet. If the knees are being imaged, they must be in the
center. However, in our state-of-the-art open magnet, patients
are not contained within a tunnel, allowing for maximum comfort
during the study.
You should try
not to move when you are in the magnet, especially while you
hear the knocking noise. It is particularly important that you
not move the body part being imaged during the study. If you
need to stretch a muscle, you may do so in between image
acquisition, when the knocking noise has stopped.
You may talk to
the technologist, via intercom, at any time during the study.
It’s best to talk, however, in between the pictures, to minimize
any motion.
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How
Long Will My MRI Examination Take?
In our MRI
Center, we offer a wide array of examinations. Depending on the
type of exam you receive, the length of the procedure will
typically be between 30 to 60 minutes. The technologist will
discuss the specifics of your exam, prior to your test
Is The
MRI Examination Safe?
MRI does not use
x-ray or radiation, and does not present any apparent risks. If
you are pregnant or nursing you should consult your physician
before having an MRI scan.
Our MRI
technologists are certified and our Radiologists are board
certified with specialized training in MRI.
Will I
Need An X-Ray?
MRI uses no
radiation, but does use a very strong magnetic field to acquire
pictures. This strong magnetic field can pull on metallic
objects. For safety reasons, the MRI staff must determine if you
have metal in your body. Some patients may have small pieces of
metal in their eyes, metallic implants, prosthetic devices that
contain metal, surgical clips, or other implanted devices that
could be sensitive to the magnetic field. Occasionally, x-rays
may be necessary, to screen for metallic objects, prior to the
MRI.
Is It
Safe To Have An MRI If I Have Dental Fillings?
MRI will not
affect the fillings. However, occasionally, the metal within the
fillings will distort the images, if the scan is of the facial
area.
Can I
Have An MRI If I Am Pregnant?
MRI is considered
a safe test, and there is no ionizing radiation used. However,
conclusive evidence showing how safe MRI is for pregnant women
and the fetus, is not yet available. MRI is generally not
performed during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy (first
trimester).
Generally, we do
not perform MRI on pregnant women, unless there is a strong
medical indication. Prior to the test, you may want to discuss
this with your obstetrician, and the radiologist. Depending on
the condition, other tests, including ultrasound, may be
available to diagnose a medical condition.
Who
Cannot Have An MRI?
Almost everyone
can have an MRI with complete safety. The technologist will ask
certain questions about your medical history to ensure the best
possible results from your exam.
Patients with
the following conditions are not candidates for MRI:
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Patients with cardiac
pacemakers, neuro-stimulators or other electrical devices in
their bodies.
-
Patients with cerebral
aneurysm clips are sometimes excluded.
-
Pregnant women are
generally not recommended for MRI scans. Be sure to inform
your physician and the MRI Center staff if you are pregnant.
If I Am
Nursing An Infant And Have Had An MRI With Contrast, Can I
Resume Nursing After The Exam?
We recommend that
patients wait for 24 hours after receiving the Gadolinium
injection, before resuming breast feeding. Patients may wish to
pump breast milk prior to the exam, and store it for use during
this one day period. You may wish to discuss this further with
your doctor, or the radiologist.
Do I
Need A Referral (Prescription) To Have My MRI Examination?
Yes, your doctor
must provide a referral (prescription) in order for you to
receive a examination. In addition, some insurance carriers or
HMO’s require a precertification. Please discuss this with your
doctor and your insurance company or HMO prior to your test.
When
Will I Know The Results Of My Examination?
Preliminary
results will be sent promptly to your physician and a detailed
written report of the procedure, findings, and results will
follow within several days. Your physician will then call you to
discuss the results. Urgent results will be telephoned
immediately to your doctor.
What
Should I Do to Prepare for an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Exam?
No special
preparation is needed for the exam. Eat normally and take any
medications that you usually take.
If you are having
a brain MRI please do not wear any makeup as it may interfere
with the exam.
If you are having
an exam with contrast, please do not eat or drink 2 hours before
your exam.
If you have any
other question please click here
to contact us.
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