What is an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates a computer-generated image of bony structures and soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. An MRI may be ordered if a problem such as infection, tumor, inflammation, disc herniation or rupture, or pressure on a nerve is suspected. Unlike X-rays or CT, images are created by using a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer. It allows your doctor to view your body part in slices, as if it were sliced layer-by-layer and a picture taken of each slice.
At Aptiva Health, we utilize both a fixed-site Phillips Panorama high field Open MRI and a wide bore (70cm) Siemens Espree. Our MRI machines appeal to both patients and referring physicians alike with it’s wide-open design, high image quality, large field of view and broad coverage of clinical applications.
Unlike traditional “closed” systems, the Panorama HFO provides a 360-degree panoramic viewing angle and spacious 160 cm-wide patient aperture ensuring a comfortable, relaxing MRI experience for anxious, elderly, obese or claustrophobic patients. Our Siemens Espree unit also provides the widest bore and shortest footprint available that allows us to perform more than 60% of patient scans head-out.
What is an MRI used to diagnose?
At Aptiva Health, we utilize MRI for the brain, spinal cord, and musculoskeletal system (bone and joints).
An MRI of the brain and spinal cord is used to diagnose the following conditions:
Brain bleeds from head trauma
Concussions
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Spinal stenosis
Spondylosis
Disc herniations
Spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondyloisthesis
Infection
Disc bulging
An MRI of the musculoskeletal system is used to diagnose the following conditions:
Fractures
Torn or ruptured ligaments or tendons
Cartilage tears
Joint abnormalities
Bone injections
Tumors of the bones and soft tissues
Arthritic changes
Bone spurs
What is it like to get an MRI?
MRI Preparation
Before your MRI, let your doctor know if you:
Have any health problems, such as kidney or liver disease
Recently had surgery
Have any allergies to food or medicine, or if you have asthma
Are pregnant, or might be pregnant
No metal is allowed in the MRI room, because the magnetic field in the machine can attract metal. Tell your doctor whether you have any metal-based devices that might cause problems during the test.
These can include:
Artificial heart valves
Body piercings
Cochlear implants
Drug pumps
Fillings and other dental work
Implanted nerve stimulator
Insulin pump
Metal fragments, such as a bullet or shrapnel
Metal joints or limbs
Pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)
Pins or screws
You will also might be asked to change clothing prior to your MRI and leave the following items in a locker:
Cellphone
Coins
Dentures
Eyeglasses
Hearing aids
Keys
Underwire bra
Watch
Wig
During an MRI
Before some MRIs, you may receive contrast dye in the form of an injection or intravenously in your arm or hand. This dye helps the doctor more clearly see structures inside your body. The dye often used in MRIs is called gadolinium. It can leave a metal taste in your mouth.
Before the MRI starts you will lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine. Straps might be used to hold you still during the test. Your body might be completely inside the machine. Or, part of your body may stay outside the machine.
At Aptiva Health, our system is a “high-field open MRI.” The term high-field means it is a high magnetic field strength that exceeds 1 tesla. The term “open” means that the MRI is not a tube or enclosed. There are some facilities that advertise open, but to qualify, the magnet should be shaped with openings around the entire side. This advance allows for persons with larger body mass and with claustrophobia to undergo testing where they can not be accommodated in traditional “closed” unit systems.
The MRI machine will create a strong magnetic field inside your body. A computer takes the signals from the MRI and uses them to make a series of pictures. Each picture shows a thin slice of your body.
During the MRI you might hear a loud thumping or tapping sound during the test. This is the machine creating energy to take pictures inside your body. You will be given earplugs or headphones to muffle the sound or to listen to your favorite music during your exam.
You might feel a twitching sensation during the test. This happens as the MRI stimulates nerves in your body. It's normal, and nothing to worry about.
The MRI scan itself will take a total of 10 to 30 minutes for each body part.
After an MRI
You can usually go home after an MRI and get back to your normal routine. If you had medicine to help you relax, you’ll stay in the imaging center until you are fully awake.