Animation of a series sections through a human brain from an MRI scan, starting at the base of the head and moving towards the top.
An MRI is a high-tech scanner that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to gather information on soft tissues, such as the brain or spinal cord. A computer converts the information into an image that is permanently recorded.
Jewelry, watches, coins, keys and credit cards are incompatible with the magnetic resonance imaging procedure. Metal objects can inhibit radio frequency waves from getting into the body and thus produce distorted images. Certain articles of clothing, such as metal zippers, rivets, wires and belt buckles, are also incompatible with the imaging procedure for the same reasons.
The Imaging Equipment
You will be scanned in a tubular area approximately 24 inches in diameter. If your feet or knees are being imaged, your head will be outside of the magnet. If your head, shoulder, or chest is being imaged, your feet will be outside of the imager. Some claustrophobic individuals get anxious in situations like this, but be assured that you are in constant intercom contact with the technologists in the control room and can get out at any time.
The Exam
Your exam will last about 30 to 60 minutes. You may, in some cases, be allowed to move slightly between scans, but not so much that your position changes dramatically. The imaging session creates a series of repetitive knocking sounds when the magnetic field gradients are turned on and off during the procedure.
Your Results
In medicine, the diagnosis of disease is rarely the result of a single exam or test performed by a single individual. Your primary care physician takes advantage of input from many specialists. One of these specialists is the Radiologist, a medical doctor trained to interpret the information in magnetic resonance images. A Radiologist will read your scan, and provide your physician with a report. Your physician will share the findings from the Radiologist and other medical specialists with you. For more information on MRIs at Sebastian River Medical Center, call 772.589.3186, ext. 5440.
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