Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a procedure that allows doctors to see inside the body without using surgery or any invasive techniques. There is no radiation involved in an MRI, unlike in an X-Ray or a CT Scan. The MRI machine uses magnets to create a noise frequency that is absorbed by a coil on your body that reflects an image back to the computer using sophisticated software. There are no side effects or health risks involved with having an MRI; it is thought of as the safest way to diagnose many ailments of the body.
The MRI scanner is used to scan all parts of the body and is especially used for the brain, all parts of the spine, and all musculoskeletal joints. Each scanned body part takes 15 – 20 minutes on average as long as there are no motion artifacts. Our MRI scanner is open on both ends to provide our patients with complete comfort during their procedure.
Patients of all shapes and sizes can have MRI, but MRI is not for everyone. If you have any kind of pacemaker, pain-medication pump surgically placed in your body, aneurysm clips, or intra-occular implants, then you cannot have an MRI because the magnet will disable any batteries used in these devices. If you have any metal in your body, please let our staff know as the magnets could cause stress to these implants. It’s also best to consult your doctor before having an MRI.
There have been no adverse effects of having MRIs during pregnancy, but it is recommended to hold off until at least after the first trimester.
MRI is a noninvasive, painless procedure. During the exam, you will hear different knocking sounds. These sounds come from the magnets creating the noise frequency necessary to produce the images. During this knocking, it is imperative that the patient stay completely still as any movement will distort the images and lengthen the exam.
We are pleased to assist patients with claustrophobia regularly. For your comfort, you have the option to undergo your examination in our spacious wide bore oval unit.
Prior to an MRI scan, it is generally acceptable to carry on with your regular daily routine unless advised otherwise by the medical team. It is recommended to wear metal-free clothing, particularly for women who may consider wearing a sports bra without metal components. The duration of our MRI scans can range from 15 minutes to an hour, and there is no need for specific preparations like fasting or ingesting barium.
Our radiologist will dictate your report, and it will be transcribed to produce a hard copy. As soon as we have the report, we will fax it to your referring physician’s office before your follow-up appointment.
MRI is ideal for:
• Diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Diagnosing tumors of the pituitary gland, brain, and IACs
• Diagnosing infections in the brain, spine or joints
• Visualizing torn ligaments in the wrist, knee and ankle
• Visualizing shoulder injuries
• Diagnosing tendonitis
• Evaluating masses in the soft tissues of the body
• Evaluating bone tumors, cysts, and bulging or herniated discs in the spine
• Diagnosing strokes in their earliest stages
Computer tomography (CT) is like an X-ray except much stronger and more detailed in its imaging capabilities. CT machines often look like a big donut that your body slides through, producing cross-sectional slice images of your anatomy. Each slice is pieced together to produce complete, detailed images of the pinpointed body part. CT is most beneficial for viewing the chest, abdomen, pelvis, sinuses, inner-ear, and some muscoskeletal regions.
A CT scan is available to anyone, but it is mandatory for pregnant women to seek advice from their doctor before undergoing the procedure. Clearance from the physician is required prior to the exam.
CT Scans are very quick and easy. Patients lie on the table and slide through donut-shaped opening while the machine scans. Most procedures take about five to eight minutes because of the state-of-the-art technology of our machines. When scanning certain body parts, the procedure requires the patient to hold their breath for about 20 seconds.
Your physician might suspect a certain diagnosis that requires that a certain area be illuminated. Adding iodinated contrast highlights the area of interest, making it easier to detect any tumors, lesions, or other abnormalities. The contrast is administered through an IV placed by our experienced on-site paramedic. Any contrast that is given is usually out of your system within an hour.
Typically, the duration of our CT scans varies between 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the specific type of examination being conducted.
Some CT scans do not need any preparation. However, for CT scans that require contrast, patients are advised to fast for 4 to 6 hours before the exam. It is important to inform the staff if you have diabetes or are allergic to iodine. If you are allergic to iodine, consult your physician to be pre-medicated before the exam. Additionally, scans of the abdomen and/or pelvis may require the patient to drink barium.
Our radiologist will dictate your report, and it will be transcribed to produce a hard copy. As soon as we have the report, we will fax it to your referring physician’s office before your follow-up appointment.
During scheduling we will ask you about your medical history, any previous surgeries, and for any other information relevant to the exam you will be having.