Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a way to look inside the body without using radiation or x-rays. MRI can produce 2 or 3 dimensional images of what's going on inside the body. It uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make the pictures of the inside of the body.
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MRI images are extremely precise and tell physicians about the type of tissue inside the body. For this reason, MRI can reduce the number of diagnostic surgeries. MRI uses no radiation to make images. The magnetic fields MRI uses are safe.
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Your body is composed of particles called atoms. Normally the protons of these atoms spin in a random direction. In a MRI scanner a strong external magnetic field is used to temporarily line up all the protons. Next a radio frequency signal is sent into the magnetic field. The signal makes the protons move out of their alignment, like what happens to a spinning top when another spinning top bumps into it. When the radio signal is turned off, the atoms move back to their original position and release energy. A receiver in the MRI scanner picks up this energy and determines how long it took the atoms to return to their original position. This time is influenced primarily by the type of tissue the atom is in. Next a computer uses this information to construct an image for viewing a computer monitor. This image can be printed onto film or CD and is stored electronically.
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Brain and nervous system diseases like: multiple sclerosis, tumors, spinal cord and back problems, hydrocephalus, stroke, trauma, vascular disease (carotid artery stenosis)
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Cancer: MRI is a great way to look for evidence of cancer spreading or to make sure it has not spread.
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Problems of the muscles and skeleton like: injuries to knees, shoulders, back, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones.
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Please telephone South Sound Radiologists as soon as you are aware of your appointment to review exam instructions and go through the safety screening questions. Certain conditions warrant special instructions. On the day of your exam we will discuss your medical history, you will be told about the scan and have a chance to ask any questions you might have. You will need to remove all metal objects before you are scanned, jewelry, glasses, clothes with zippers, keys, etc. The magnet can erase credit cards if they are not removed. If you are not wearing metal free clothing you may be asked to change into a hospital gown.
If you would like medication for anxiety we have a Radiologist on site and can administer oral Valium for exams scheduled between 8:45am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday. This does need to be prearranged prior to the day of your exam with SSR scheduling; otherwise you can contact your physician and request a prescription for anxiety medication.
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Although the machine is large and may look scary, the procedure is pain free. Before the scan, a technologist will place you on the table. Usually you will lie on your back. A surface coil may be placed near or around the body part being scanned. If a contrast agent is needed, you will get an IV injection at some point during your exam of a contrast agent called Gadolinium. (The package insert is available if you are interested in obtaining more information about this contrast.) As the scan begins the table will slide you into the inside of the magnet, like a tunnel, this is open at both ends. If you feel anxious, you can signal to the technologist, or talk to the technologist. The exam itself will take between 10 - to 35 minutes. Exams are typically broken up by body parts. The scanner makes a loud knocking noise when it is acquiring images or “sequences” each sequence can take anywhere from 30 seconds to seven minutes. The body part and patient history will determine the number of sequences that need to be done. During the noise, you will need to lie still because moving will cause blurry pictures. Earplugs or a headset will be provided to protect your ears from the noise. Once the exam is done, the images will be quickly reviewed to make sure all the information needed is imaged. Then you will be done. >Back to Top
Your medications will not affect the MRI. Usually for patients who are experiencing pain, lying still for 30 minutes can be difficult. If you think you will have difficulties holding still due to pain we recommend you taking your medication to ensure a successful exam.
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All MRI studies are reviewed each day by a radiologist, a doctor who specializes in image interpretation. The radiologist will dictate a report and may contact your doctor directly if there is an important finding.
If there is a very worrisome finding on the scan, the radiologist will inform your doctor right away. For most scans, it takes from 24 to 48 hours for the radiologist's report to make it to your doctor. Usually, your doctor will discuss the results of the study with you and make specific recommendations based on the report of the radiologist for treating any symptoms you may be experiencing.
IMAGE ARCHIVE POLICY
Your study will be digitally achived. SSR no longer stores Ultrasound, CT or MRI images. You will be provided with one imaging copy of the study for your personal medical record. Many referring offices request images of your studies in order to facilitate your diagnosis and treatment. Once you have completed your assessment with the attending clinician you should receive these images back for your personal retention. Images are marked with stickers that indicate “Original Images Property of the Patient”.
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