An MRI Guide

The difference between MRIs are:

ORIGINAL TUNNEL TYPE MRI WITH HIGH FIELD MAGNETIC STRENGTH (1.00 Tesla)
About nine out of ten MRI machines now in use require the patient to slide head-first into a narrow metal tunnel. Those units produce high-quality images, but the enclosed tunnel causes "anxiety related reactions" in approximately "4% to 30% of patients," according to a recent study in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA).

MRIOPEN AIR MRI WITH MID FIELD MAGNETIC STRENGTH (.30 Tesla)
The advanced Open-Air MRI is completely open to eliminate patient claustrophobia. In addition, its magnet is six times stronger than most other open-air-type MRIs, resulting in greater image detail, equal to that of tunnel type units. Doctors receive the information they need for an accurate diagnosis, while you relax in complete open-air comfort... the best of both worlds.

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a method of obtaining detailed pictures of internal body structures without the use of radiation or radioactive substances of any kind.

This is accomplished by placing the patient in a magnetic field while harmless radio waves are turned on and off. This causes the body to emit its own weak radio signals which vary according to tissue characteristics. These signals are then picked up by a sensitive antenna and fed to a computer which produces detailed images of the body for interpretation by trained radiologists.

Why doctors recommend MRI.

With incredible accuracy, MRI can detect many abnormalities which CT ("cat" scanning) and X-rays cannot, especially those involving soft tissue. In fact, MRI reduces the need for biopsies, exploratory surgery, and other diagnostic procedures which carry associated risks.

MRI is also versatile, with the ability to image most parts of the body for effective clinical evaluation of:

  • Brain disorders
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Eye abnormalities
  • Spine diseases
  • Tumor detection
  • Liver and other abdominal diseases
  • Knee and shoulder injuries
  • Facial/neck abnormalities
  • Blood flow and vessel disorders

The better the image, the earlier a disorder can be identified and evaluated, enabling doctors to treat it with greater success.

Easy Penetration.

Follow your typical daily routine and eat anything you like, right up until the time of your scan. Unless directed otherwise by your doctor, continue to take any prescribed or over-the-counter medicines you need. Because of the magnetic field, however, you will need to leave the following items in a private locked cabinet outside of the MRI room:

  • Eyeglasses
  • Credit cards
  • Hearing aids
  • Dental plates
  • Coins
  • Jewelry
  • Keys
  • Watches
  • Hairpins
  • Other metallic or metal-containing objects

In addition, please do not wear hairspray or eye make-up.  You will be asked to change into a patient gown, or you may simply wear loose clothing with no zippers or any other metallic parts.

Please note that a patient may not qualify for an MRI exam if any of the following conditions exist:

  • Pacemaker
  • Artificial heart valve
  • Neuro-stimulator
  • Aneurysm clips
  • Surgical staples
  • Metal pins/plates/implants
  • Implanted drug infusion device
  • Foreign metal objects in the eye
  • Shrapnel or bullet wounds
  • Permanent eyeliner
  • Intauterine device (IUD)

In addition, you should inform your doctor or the technologist if you are pregnant, if you've ever been a metal worker, or if you've had any surgeries.

Totally painless.

During the test you will neither see nor feel anything happen. It is totally painless and has no known side effects.

Because no radiation or radioactive substances are used, patients requiring frequent scans avoid the potential danger of radiation exposure.

All you need to do is lie still.

You can help to produce a high quality image by lying still during the examination while breathing normally. The average scan will take from 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

The open-air design lets you relax in comfort (some patients nap during the examination). It also enables parents to lie alongside, or sit next to, small children.