MRI Scans
What is it?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI, uses a magnet and radio waves to look inside your body.
Uses
Diagnosing torn ligaments, tumors, brain or spinal cord conditions, examining organs.
What happens
You lie still on a table that slides inside a tunnel-shaped machine. You may ahve ot hold your breath for parts of the exam. For some MRI scans, you may receive a "contrast dye," which makes parts of your body show up better. The dye can be given through an intravenous (IV) tube or a syringe in your arm. Some dye is given in a drink.
What you need to know
If you are scheduled for an MRI:
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Avoid wearing jewelry and eye make-up because anything with metal may interfere with the accuracy of the film image.
Tell your doctor of MRI technologist if you:
- are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- suffer from claustrophobia
- have metal implants or joint replacements
- have an implanted pacemaker, cerebral aneurysm clip, hearing aid, or neurostimulator
- have metal shrapnel or metal fragments in your body