Our MRIs deserve the attention they attract
What you need to know about Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique that makes use of a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your various organs and tissues.
The great thing about MRI is that it is a non-invasive method of examining and diagnosing potential issues in the body. This means we can assess your organs, tissues, and skeletal system from the outside looking in.
MRI scans can have a variety of different applications, but are mostly used to detail different internal organs and tissues from head to toe. The following internal systems are most commonly assessed by MRI:
MRI is frequently used as the main test for brain and spinal cord injuries and abnormalities.
MRI can identify tumours and abnormalities in most major organs.
MRI can sometimes act as a supplement to mammography to help detect breast cancer.
MRI can focus on the heart and vessels to assess problems in their structure and function.
MRI can be used to detect and/or evaluate joint abnormalities and spinal disk abnormalities.
In all our practises, we make our patients’ safety our top priority. This is why we will prepare you for every diagnostic test before we conduct it. As we work with complex machines to carry out our imaging procedures, there are some inherent risks that each procedure presents, these are risks we want to minimise by putting your safety first.
Some. Metal objects will negatively affect images and can be hazardous. MRI systems make use of strong magnetic fields, meaning that it attracts metal. In fact, the magnetic fields are strong enough to pose a serious safety hazard in the presence of metal. Metal also has the potential of affecting the image data, sometimes rendering it unusable. This is why it is necessary to inform your doctor of any metal or electronic devices in your body before having an MRI.
For an MRI exam, unless otherwise instructed, no changes in food intake or medication are usually necessary.
You will usually be asked to change into a gown and remove any items that may affect the magnetic imaging.
The MRI machine looks like a long narrow tube that has both ends open. You will lie on a movable table that slides into the tube opening and will be monitored from another room.
A microphone allows you to speak to the monitoring professional. If you have claustrophobia, you can be given medicine to induce sleepiness and lower anxiety.
The procedure is painless. You do not feel the magnetic field or radio waves created around you, with no moving parts around you.
Earplugs or music may be provided to help block the repetitive tapping, thumping noises created by the MRI machine.
To ensure accurate images, you must hold very still during the procedure, which can last between 15 minutes and more than an hour.
You may resume your usual activities immediately after the scan, unless you have been sedated, in which case prior arrangements need to be made for someone to accompany you and assist with your transport arrangements.
Your images will be analysed by a radiologist trained to interpret MRIs and the findings will be reported to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss any important findings and next steps with you.
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