Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is magnetic resonance imaging?
A: Magnetic resonance imaging is a method used by physicians to look inside the human body and obtain anatomical and functional diagnostic information. Magnetic resonance imaging is also known as MR imaging, or simply MRI.
Q: How does MRI differ from other diagnostic procedures, like conventional x-ray, CT scanning, or nuclear medicine studies?
A: All diagnostic imaging procedures provide information about the form and/or function of the body. MR images typically contain greater information about the body’s soft tissue than other procedures. This means that MRI can provide highly detailed anatomical images of the body. Additionally, the trained medical professionals responsible for acquiring MRI can easily produce MR images with varying contrast, showing many different planes of the body with functional information, such as blood flow.
Q: How else is MRI different from other diagnostic procedures?
A: In contrast to x-ray, CT scanning and nuclear medicine, MRI provides diagnostic information without the use of radiation or radioactive substances. MRI is a non-invasive procedure, and there are no known side or after effects.
Q: What is MRI used for?
A: MRI is used for all parts of the body and is effective in the clinical evaluation of the following conditions:
- Brain disorders
- Traumatic injuries
- Eye abnormalities
- Spine diseases
- Tumor detection
- Liver and other abdominal diseases
- Knee and shoulder injuries
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Facial/Neck abnormalities
- Infections Cardiac malformations
- Blood flow and vessel disorders
Q: How does MRI work?
A: MRI uses a computer and the physical properties of magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of the soft tissues within the body. MRI signals from the body are generated using a safe magnetic field in combination with radio waves of a specific frequency. The MRI signals are detected and converted to a form which the computer can understand. The computer processes the MRI signals from the body to form MR images. Different tissue characteristics are revealed through this process and thereby translated into different contrast levels on the MR images. The trained physician can then view the MR images and form a clinical diagnosis.
Q: What does the patient experience when being imaged with MR?
A: The MRI procedure will typically last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of information required by the physician. To conduct the MR study, a technologist will assist the patient onto a padded, moveable scanning table. The table and patient are positioned inside the opening of the MRI scanner. The patient is easily observed by the technologist throughout the study and is able to speak with the technologist or physician at any time. The patient is only required to remain as still as possible during the exam. During the scan, the patient experiences nothing unusual. A variety of sounds, such as humming and thumping noises, will be heard as the scan progresses. This is normal, and a sign that the exam is proceeding as required. After the exam, the patient may resume all normal activities.
Q: How does a patient prepare for an MR scan?
A: In the days before the MRI scan, a patient may follow all normal routines, such as eating and taking regular medication. Immediately prior to the MR scan, the technologist or physician will provide an explanation of the MR process. The patient is asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry or non-permanent dentures. Any metal object might be attracted to the MR scanner’s magnet, and thereby hinder the procedure. Bank cards and credit cards are also restricted from the scan room, as the magnetic field could erase the information contained on them. As a final precaution, the patient will be asked a series of questions to insure that there are no metal or electrical objects inside the patient.
