Frequently Asked Questions
What is MRI?
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a sophisticated way of looking inside the body to diagnose physical conditions. MRI uses magnets and radiofrequency waves to create images of shallow cross-sections of your body.
What is different about an open MRI?
Are there any risks?
MRI has been used extensively over the past 20 years and has been shown to be the most effective, safe, and painless means of examining the body’s interior. The patient is not exposed to harmful radiation during an MRI exam.
How do you prepare for your MRI?
Please wear comfortable clothes, and avoid wearing jewelry, watches, underwire bras, and any clothing with snaps or zippers near the area that will be scanned. If you have any metal in your clothing, you will be asked to change into a gown. Metals can also be found in deodorant, make-up, hairspray, and mascara, so please refrain from wearing these items.
It is very important that you tell us if you have any kind of metal in your body, including pacemakers, cochlear implants, prosthetics, and aneurysm clips. Also, inform us if you are in your first trimester of pregnancy.
Unless you have taken a sedative or other medication, you shouldn’t need to be accompanied. If you do have guests, they are welcome to stay in our comfortable waiting area.
What happens during the exam?
Plan to spend up to an hour at your appointment. You will be shown into a specially shielded room and asked to lie on the deck of the MRI machine. The room is shielded to prevent the powerful magnet from disturbing outside machinery and metal. Pillows and blankets are available to make you comfortable. The machine makes a soft thumping sound during the test. The technician, who will be seated at a work station looking into the MRI room, will let you know what to do and how the exam is progressing. You can also talk to the technician at any time.
What happens after the exam?
The images are viewed and interpreted by a world-renowned group of board-certified radiologists who have read thousands of MRI images. The radiologist will forward the results to your doctor within 24-48 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.
Do you have to lie still the whole time?
Yes. It is important for the quality of the images that you lie as still as possible.
Can you listen to music?
Yes. We have a CD/iPod player that you can listen to with headphones while you are in the machine. You can also feel free to bring in a CD of your choice or your personal iPod to listen to during your procedure.
Can you have someone in the room with you?
Yes. You can have a friend or family member in the room with you to talk to you or hold your hand during the scan. Your friend or family member will have to be checked to make sure that they don’t have any metal in their clothing, anything metal in their pockets, or a metal prosthesis or pacemaker, as these could interfere with the scan.
Will you be given medication?
No, we do not offer medication. But your doctor may prescribe a sedative for you if you are claustrophobic. If you do take a sedative, make sure you have someone drive you to and from our facility.
How soon will your doctor get the results?
Your doctor will have a report within 24-48 hours from a highly skilled radiologist.
