Before The MRI Exam
No special preparations are required. You can eat normally and continue to take medications as usual. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes as this will allow for a more pleasant experience.
When you arrive at our office, you’ll be greeted by our caring and friendly front desk staff. They will ask a few brief questions and have you fill out paperwork. Please make sure to bring your photo ID (Driver License) and Insurance Card.
The technician will escort you to our changing area where you’ll be asked to remove all your valuables (jewelry, glasses, keys, credit cards, etc…) and securely place them in a locker. If needed, we will ask you to change into a gown or disposable shorts. The MRI technician will be there to answer any questions you might have.
What IS AN MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine, but for patient safety procedures please inform the staff and technician if you have any of the following:
- Cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
Intracranial aneurysm clips (brain aneurysm clips)
- Metal in the eyes
- Bullet/gun wound (depends on location)
- Any type of insulin pumps or infusion pumps
- Surgeries within 6 weeks prior to MRI appointment
- Pregnant
The MRI Exam
After changing and locking your valuables in the dressing room, the technician will review your patient intake form and ask some safety-related questions. Once in the MRI room, you will be asked to lie on a cushioned table and a device called a “coil” will be placed over the body part that is requested to be scanned.
To make you feel as comfortable as possible during your exam, the technician will be in constant contact with you, both visually and via intercom.
Once the exam starts, you will begin to hear loud thumping sounds. This is normal for all exams.
Your goal is to relax and stay as still as possible since any movement will cause blurriness in the pictures.
If you anticipate having a great deal of anxiety during the exam, please ask your physician to prescribe the appropriate medication. If you do plan on taking medication, please arrange for transportation home.
We do not prescribe or give any medications at any of our facilities. This must be done by your referring physician.