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What
is a MRI and why is it so important?
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MRI
stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is the
newest and most advanced way for doctors to see what is
happening inside your body. And it does so in a way
that has no known harmful effects.
How
does MRI work?
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MRI
is amazing because it uses two of the most common
forces in the world: magnetism and radio waves.
Here's
how they are used. First you lie on a padded
examination table that slides into a doughnut shaped
scanner. The scanner produces a magnetic field. This
field causes the hydrogen atoms in your body to line
up so that they can receive radio signals from the
MR unit. As the MR unit sends these signals, your
body responds with signals of its own. These body
signals are processed by a computer and turned into
images.
How
should I prepare for the exam?
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There
is almost nothing you need to do to prepare for MRI.
You can remain active and work right up until the
time of your appointment. If you are on other
medications or if you are having other tests, these
do not interfere with your MRI exam. You can eat and
drink as you normally would. Many of our patients
drive to our center, park and walk right in for
their MRI exam.
You
will be asked to leave metal objects outside the
exam room. These can interfere with the testing.
Also, to prevent interference from metal zippers,
snaps or buckles on your clothing, you'll be asked
to change into clothes without any metal on them.
You may even wear your own clothes if there is no
metal on them.
You
also will be asked to leave behind your credit cards
because the MRI unit will erase their magnetic
codes.
Other
items to leave behind:
Coins, Jewelry, Watches, Cuff Links, Tie Bars, Metal
Objects, Dentures, Partial Plates, Hearing Airs,
Pocket Knives and Credit Cards.
What
will the exam feel like?
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During
the exam you may feel a slight vibration while the
machine is taking your pictures, however this is
normal and there is no need to be alarmed. You may
notice sounds that are similar to a drum beat. Some
of these sounds are louder and faster than others.
These sounds are actually the rhythmic thumpings of
the magnetic fields at work.
Where
will I have the exam?
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The
MRI exam will take place in a large room where the
scanner is located. This room is specially shielded
so that outside radio waves can't interfere with the
scanner's operation.
Will
I be alone during the exam?
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You
are not alone during the exam. Technologists will be
right outside the room where they can see you
through glass panels and can hear and talk with you
at all times. You will be informed at all times of
what is happening.
You
are also welcome to bring one or two family members
along who may stay in the room with you during the
exam.
How
long does the exam take and what do I do while it's
going on?
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The
MRI will take about an hour, depending on the type
of exam requested by your doctor.
All
you need to do is to relax and try to stay as still
as possible. You may even fall asleep.
What
will the images look like?
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To
the untrained eye they look a lot like conventional
x-rays. But because they are produced with
exceptional clarity, they actually yield
considerably more information for the trained eyes
of your physician and other medical specialists.
The
image will be transferred to film for additional
study by the radiologist on staff and then will be
sent to your doctor. Your doctor will usually
receive the results within 24 to 48 working hours.
Can
anyone be examined by MRI?
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The
only people who cannot be examined by MRI are those
with the following conditions:
- A pacemaker or any other electronics implant
- Certain types of heart valves
- Certain types of surgical clips such as
cerebral aneurysm clips
There
are a few other conditions which may keep you from
having the exam such as artificial heart valves or
metal shavings in your eyes. If you have doubts
about having had metal particles in your eyes,
please mention it to our staff. This is very
important to your health and safety.
What
are the common uses of MRI?
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MRI
has proven very useful in diagnosing problems of the
brain and spinal system. It is also the test of
choice for many joint and sports related injuries
such as knee or shoulder. MRI is also used in taking
pictures of many other structures in the body.
Presently
angiography work is now being done with the MRI
machine. This is called MRA (Magnetic Resonance
Angiography) and helps to study the blood vessels of
the head, neck and also the abdomen and legs.
New
uses for MRI are expected to be developed during the
next several years.
Is
MRI covered by insurance
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All
major insurance companies including Medicare and
Blue Cross/Blue Shield pay for MRI just like they
pay for any other diagnostic test.
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