What is MRI?

What is MRI?

MRI or Magnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive imaging tool that uses strong magnet and radio waves to produce detailed diagnostic images of your internal organs and tissues. MRI uses highly sensitive techniques offering high quality diagnostic images that are not seen on traditional imaging methods.


What is MRI used for?

MRI is an exam commonly used to access many disease processes and musculoskeletal injuries not seen on other imaging exams. This type of exam allows the radiologist to examine detailed images of your internal body aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect many parts of the body. Some of these include:

  • Brain and spine: MRI uses sensitive techniques for the diagnosis of many brain and spine tumors, multiple sclerosis, stroke and other conditions. Vascular malformations, obstructed blood vessels and aneurysms are readily detected with an MRI. Physicians use MRI to diagnose different spinal problems such as disc herniation and spinal stenosis.
  • Musculoskeletal system: Bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments are seen on an MRI with a study of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle or foot. MRI produces very detailed images and is highly effective for evaluating soft tissue structures such as ligaments and tendons. MRI can even detect subtle injuries of the cartilage, ligaments or bone.
  • Chest, abdomen and pelvis: Organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys can be seen in great detail with MRI. MRI can detect certain conditions such as cysts, cancer, cirrhosis, tumors and more especially with use of contrast. MRI also aids in early diagnosis of breast cancer, due to the greater detail it offers compared to traditional x-rays. MRI does not involve radiation exposure and is often used in the examination of the male and female reproductive organs. 

How to prepare for an MRI

While MRI exams typically do not require special preparation, there are some things for you to remember prior to having your MRI:

  • Bring a copy of the order for the procedure from your healthcare provider if given a copy, your insurance card and photo identification. 
  • No special preparation is needed for majority of MRI exams. If you are having a brain, spine or joint MRI, you are able to eat a regular diet. For pelvic and abdominal exams, you should not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to your exam. 
  • Take your medications as usual prior to your exam. 
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing made of cotton. Sometimes, depending on the material of your clothing, you may be asked to change into scrubs for your exam.
  • You will be screened prior to entering the MRI room. You must remove ALL metallic objects including guns, hearing aids, dentures, partial plates, keys, cell phone, eyeglasses, hair pins, batteries, jewelry, body piercing, watch, safety pins, paperclips, money clip, credit cards, magnetic strip cards, coins, pens, pocket knife, nail clipper, tools and clothing with metal fasteners or metallic threads. This is for your safety and ours.
  • If you have any implanted devices, notify your technologist at the time of screening. These include electric pacemaker, pump stimulators, diabetic pumps or other manmade devices. It is essential to bring device cards on any items that has been deemed as MRI compatible. You would be given this at the time of your implantation of the device. The MRI technologist will confirm that device is MRI safe prior to your appointment.
  • The MRI system has a very strong magnetic field and it’s always on. Inappropriate entry to the MRI scanning room may result in a serious injury or death. DO NOT enter the MRI scan room without the permission of the MRI technologist. DO NOT enter the MRI scan room if you have any questions or concerns regarding the safety of your implant or device. 


What to expect during an MRI?

The MRI machine is a large cylindrical magnet with a large opening. When you enter the MRI room, you will be asked to lie down on a table and the machine will move you and the table into the correct position. Depending on the type of scan you are having, different devices called coils may be used to collect the MRI data. Typically, an MRI takes about 20-45 minutes, and you must be still during the exam in order to capture the best quality images possible. Motion can cause distortion of the images and will need to be repeated. The MRI machine is very loud and you will hear tapping or thumping sounds during the exam. Earplugs and/or earphones will be provided for you. You are still able to communicate with your technologist through a microphone. You will also be given a squeeze ball to hold in case you need to stop the exam. 

When your exam is completed, you may resume normal daily activities unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise. A board-certified radiologist will review the MRI images and a report will be sent to your healthcare provider within a few days.


What if I am claustrophobic? 

Patients who are claustrophobic may feel a “closed in” feeling during the MRI scan if your head is going first into the gantry. If this is a concern, please let us know prior to your appointment if you think you will require sedation. Your healthcare provider may prescribe something for the claustrophobia to be taken prior to your appointment.


What is contrast?

Some MRI procedures require a special dye, often called “contrast”. Contrast is used to provide better diagnostic quality images. If you are given contrast, you may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 3-4 hours prior to the exam. Contrast injections require your technologist to start an IV prior to exam. Patients sometimes report a metallic taste in the mouth, a warm flushing sensation and/or nausea. These sensations are completely normal and generally go away within a few minutes. Typically, contrast does not cause symptoms; however, some mild symptoms you may experience include nausea, headache or itching. Other side effects are rare; however, if you experience any severe symptoms, inform your technologist immediately.


Children's MRI

Is your child having an MRI? We know it can be scary. Don’t worry, we have a video just for them: What is a MRI?