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