MRI is a way of looking inside the body without x-rays. The exam uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create images of the soft tissues of the body.
Most exams take about 30 minutes to complete.
No. There is no pain, vibration or unusual sensation. The MRI will produce a mild tapping sound during the exam.
Nothing! Just recline in the exam chair and relax. You will be free to read or sleep during the exam.
MRI images look a lot like a conventional x-ray; however, they provide much more detailed information. The images will be provided to your physician or radiologist for interpretation.
You will be asked to recline in a comfortable chair and the technologist will position you. The chair will be moved toward the magnet opening and you will insert the body part to be scanned. Only the extremity being imaged will be inside the magnet, so your head and body will remain outside at all times. You will be asked to remain still during the examination.
Your physician or the MRI technologist will answer any questions you may have.
You can eat, drink, and take regularly-prescribed medications prior to the exam. If you will be having a leg exam, you can bring some shorts to wear. Otherwise, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown to avoid any possibility of interference from metal in zippers and fasteners.
You will be asked to remove your watch, credit cards, jewelry, keys, pocket knife, hearing aid, or any other metal objects before approaching the MRI. The magnet could affect the items of this type or the items could affect the magnet.
