| What is MRI? How does it work? What are the common uses of this procedure? What are the benefits of MRI? What are the risks of MRI? Is there anyone who can’t have an MRI scan? Is MRI noisy? What is an open MRI system? What if I am claustrophobic? |
| What Is MRI? |
| MRI or MR stands for magnetic resonance imaging. It’s a revolutionary process that produces very detailed 2- or 3-dimentional images that enable doctors to “see” through bone to the soft tissue inside the body without surgery or the radiation that is used in x-rays and CT scans. The technique has proven very valuable for the diagnosis of a broad range of pathologic conditions in all parts of the body including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal disorders. |
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How Does It Work? |
| MRI technology combines a large magnet, radio waves, a receiver coil and a complex computer processing system. The magnet creates a strong pull that aligns the body’s protons in the same direction. Next, a radio signal is beamed into the magnetic field, causing the protons to move out of alignment. When the beam stops, the protons line up once again, releasing energy as they move. Different types of tissues release slightly different signals which are measured by a receiver coil. A computer translates the measurements into a highly accurate image of one’s internal anatomy. |
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What Are the Common Uses of this Procedure? |
| The applications of MRI technology are expanding
daily. Conditions that may only be apparent from physical signs and symptoms
can be clearly seen using MRI. Diagnostic-quality MR images provide highly
accurate information to your physician who is then able to prescribe the
appropriate treatment. MRI is frequently used to study the following parts of the body:
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| What Are the Benefits of MRI? |
MRI offers these advantages:
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| What Are the Risks of MRI? |
| MRI is one of the safest diagnostic exams available. Unlike x-rays and CT, MRI does not use radiation. However, if you wear a pacemaker or have certain body implants, you should not have an MRI. (See "Is there anyone who can’t have an MRI scan?" below.) MRI is generally avoided in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Doctors usually use other methods of imaging, such as ultrasound, on pregnant women unless there is a strong medical reason to use MRI. |
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Is There Anyone Who Can’t Have an MRI Scan? |
Yes. Due to the strength of the magnetic fields
used in MRI, certain conditions may prevent some patients from being scanned.
To ensure your absolute safety, all patients scheduled for an MRI will
need to complete the MRI Patient Registration Form and be thoroughly screened
for any contraindications for the procedure. Please check with your physician
or inform us if you’ve
had brain, ear, eye or other surgeries, or if any of the following apply
to you:
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| Is MRI Noisy? |
| During the exam, a soft humming and thumping sound will be heard. These sounds indicate that a scan is in progress. You will be wearing headphones to block out much of the noise. If you like, bring a favorite CD to listen to or borrow one from our collection during the procedure. We also offer i-pods preloaded with current musical selections. Ear plugs are also available. |
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What is a large opening, short bore MRI System? |
| Large opening, short bore MRI systems
offer patients a quieter, more comfortable and stress-free environment
for diagnostic testing.
Providing large and claustrophobic patients high quality MRI scans has been a technical challenge because all open MRI systems have been low strength—0.25 to 0.7 Tesla units. The Espree, however, is the first MRI scanner to combine high field 1.5 Tesla power with an unprecedented level of comfort to all patients due to its compact magnet length of only 125cm and expanded 70 cm (28 inch) inner diameter. Our Espree MRI allows over 60% of typical exams to be performed feet first, with the patient's head remaining outside the magnet to ease feelings of claustrophobia.
Patients can enjoy the benefits of MRI scanning without the
fear of confinement or having to take sedatives. The open MRI scanners can accommodate a variety of patients, including those who are:
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| What If I Am Claustrophobic? |
| If you know this in advance of the exam, please discuss this with your physician. Using an open MRI scanner for your exam may be an option. (See "What is an open MRI system?" above.) If necessary, your physician can prescribe an oral medication to help you relax. Follow your physician’s instructions about when to take your prescription. (You may need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.) Even if you are claustrophobic, our technologist will work with you to help you feel at ease throughout the exam. |
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| See About Your Exam/MRI for exam preparation and patient experience information. |
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Washington Imaging Services, LLC
has advanced diagnostic imaging centers in Bellevue and Issaquah, Washington
to serve patients on the greater Eastside and from Seattle. Our state-of-the-art
PET/CT, MDCT, Breast MRI, MRI, ultrasound and x-ray systems capture detailed
images that our board certified subspecialty trained radiologists interpret
to optimize clinical decision-making. |
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