What is an MRI Scan?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a safe, non-invasive
diagnostic medical imaging technique which uses magnetic fields,
radio waves and sophisticated computer programs to generate highly
sophisticated images of the human body. MRI scanners produce
cross-sectional pictures through every part of the body. The
information from the scanner passes to a computer that produces a
picture of your internal structure.
MRI can help doctors to diagnose many medical conditions and it
is particularly useful for:
- Injuries and diseases of joints such as the knee, shoulder,
ankle and wrist.
- Neurological problems, including diseases affecting the brain
and spinal cord.
- Problems affecting the eyes and inner ear
- General medical conditions, whereby MRI enables abdominal
structures to be clearly visualised e.g. liver, kidneys and
pancreas
- Imaging of blood vessels
What does this involve?
An MRI scanning procedure can take from 20 to 90
minutes. It takes 20 minutes for each area of your body being
scanned.
Before the scan you will be asked a series of questions to check
that it is safe for you to take the scan. It will be
necessary to change out of any clothing that metal clips, fasteners
or zips or we can provide you a gown to wear. You will also
be asked to remove your watch, any jewellery, credit cards and
loose change which will be kept safe in a private locker. It
is not necessary to remove yourwedding ring. A small team
including a radiolographer, radiologist and an assistant will care
for you. The radiographer will carry out the scan.
They will assist you to lie down on the couch top outside the
scanner and make you comfortable - the couch top will then move you
into the scanner.
The radiographer will leave the room before the scan begins, but
can see you at all times from the control room. You will also
be provided with a buzzer that you can press at any time which will
alert the radiographers should you feel uncomfortable.
The scanner will make a loud knocking sound as the scans are
being taken so you will be provided with ear defenders.
You will need to lie as still as possible when instructed by the
radiographer through the intercom so the best quality images can be
obtained.
The scan will not be painful nor will yopu feel any discomfort
of after effects.
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What risks should I know about?
Clinical experience to date has shown MRI to be a safe and
effective clinical investigation and most people are suitable
for an MRI scan. However, for patients' safety, we need to
carefully screen all patients before they have a scan by asking
them specific questions. Patients who have a history of the
following are potentially at risk:
- A cardiac pacemaker
- An artificial heart valve
- A neuro stimulator
- Had previous brain surgery
- A cochlear implant in your ear
- Had any surgery involving metal implants within the last 6
weeks
- Ever had an ANY accident with METAL entering their EYE(S)
- Are pregnant or breast feeding (if you are or might be pregnant
you must make sure the doctor referring you or a member of staff in
the Radiology Department knows as soon as possible. MR scans may
not be advisable in early pregnancy, unless there are special
circumstances)
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