Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
is a diagnostic imaging technique that combines a powerful magnetic field
with computer technology to produce detailed images of your body's soft
tissue (organs, muscles, fat). Because certain atoms in our cells respond,
or "resonate," slightly in the presence of magnetic fields, MRI
is able to use that response to create an amazingly clear, detailed
computer representation of internal organs, muscles, connective tissue,
and the central nervous system. Using cross-sectional imaging of the body
along multiple planes (like slices of bread), the clarity of these images
is far greater than is available with conventional CT scans, X-rays, or
even myelograms, allowing your physician to make an earlier and more
accurate diagnosis. MRI is noninvasive (except in cases where contrast
agents are injected), and doesn’t expose patients to radioactive
materials, X-ray, or any form of ionizing radiation. To the best of our
knowledge, MRI produces no harmful side effects.
MRI offers a non-invasive way to obtain information about your body that may otherwise not be easily seen. It can lead to early detection and treatment of disease and has no known side-effects. MRI makes it possible to see certain types of tissue and can provide important information about the brain, spine joints and internal organs.
What happens during an MRI scan?
Upon
your arrival at Far Hills High-Field Open MRI, you will be welcomed by a
friendly, knowledgeable, medical secretary who will confirm your insurance
information, obtain other necessary information and answer any questions
you may have. Please plan on arriving at least one half hour before
your scheduled appointment time.
This is followed by a brief
interview with a MRI technologist, who will discuss the procedure with you
and confirm that you have no metal implants or other conditions that could
interfere with the scan.
After discussing the exam
with your technologist, you will be lead to the table, positioned
appropriately and exam will begin. Depending on what information your
doctor needs, your MRI scan may require the use of an intravenously
injected contrast, which will assist in visualizing certain structures in
your body. If prescribed, a specially trained Far Hills High-Field Open
technologist or an onsite physician will administer this contrast. You
will be in constant communication with your technologist throughout the
entire exam.
As the MRI scanner calibrates
to obtain each series of images, you will hear persistent buzzing and
thumping noises, but at no time will you experience any physical sensation
or discomfort. You may wear earplugs or listen to music during your exam
if you wish.
While the pictures, or
images, are being recorded, all you have to do is lie still and follow the
technologist’s simple instructions. The images obtained from your MRI
are very sensitive to motion. Even the slightest movement can distort the
image and limit its diagnostic value. As a result, it is important for you
to remain as still as possible during your scan.
Most MRI exams last 20-40
minutes, although compound studies can last longer. After your MRI, you
may return home or to work. Far Hills High-Field Open MRI will contact
your doctor with the results of your study. Only your doctor is authorized
to discuss your MRI results with you.
How
do I obtain results of the scan?
After you leave, your images are
interpreted by a radiologist,
a doctor who specializes in reading MRI. The radiologist will contact your
physician with the results of your study. Your physician will then contact
you to discuss your results and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. Your
physician is the only person authorized to discuss your MRI results with
you.
Can
anyone undergo an MRI exam?
Although an MRI is completely safe and painless, some people should not
undergo a MRI, or will need to make special arrangements prior to the
exam. Any of the following conditions may interfere with your MRI. Please
call us immediately if you:
- Have
a cardiac pacemaker
- Have
a prosthetic heart valve
- Have
a surgical clip, bone or joint replacement, or any metallic implant
- Have
at any time held a job in a metal-working industry or one where you
may have been exposed to metallic dust or splinters
- Have
suffered a shrapnel wound
- Have any metallic chips or splinters in the eye
- Are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant
Does
my doctor need to refer me for an MRI?
In order to perform the study we need a referral from your physician. Your doctor will provide us with the necessary information to perform the most accurate study.
How
soon can I schedule my MRI exam?
Far Hills High-Field Open MRI can normally schedule you within one to two days.
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Is
there a checklist for the day of my visit?
No
special preparation is required prior to a MRI exam.
You may eat normally and go about your daily routine.
Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor unless
otherwise directed.
Confirming
your appointment:
Please plan to arrive at
least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This gives us time to
take information and answer your questions. (At Far Hills High-Field
Open, we make every effort to confirm each appointment; but if you haven't
heard from us or in the event you need to postpone your visit, please call
1-312-280-4MRI (4674), at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled
time.)
What
to bring with you:
Any X-rays, CT scans, or
other material your doctor has given you to bring, plus complete insurance
information. We will be glad to help you complete our forms. A friend or
family member is welcome to accompany you.
What
not to bring:
Because of the magnetic
field, you will be asked to leave the following items in a safe place
outside the scan room:
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Glasses
- Credit
Cards
- Keys
- Hair
Pins
- Other
Metal Objects
You
may also be asked to remove make-up, dentures and wear a hospital gown to
avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles or zippers.
What
type of clothing to wear:
When
is contrast agent needed?
In
some cases, the doctor may order a contrast (imaging enhancement) agent to
produce higher resolution in the images to aide in the interpretive study.
This is a fluid injected into a vein in your arm and is standard
for some MRI exam procedures.
You will be asked about allergies to contrast media, previous
reactions to contrast agents and other questions about your personal
health history.
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Patients that are too
claustrophobic to undergo an MRI scan do
have options. Many of our claustrophobic patients obtain a prescription
for a mild sedative from their physician and have a family member drive
them to and from their exam. If you prefer, a friend, family member, or
Far Hills High-Field Open MRI medical professional can sit in the room with you to
provide support throughout your scan after he or she is screened for metal
on or in the body.
If you have claustrophobia or anxiety, please discuss this with your doctor prior to your appointment. Your doctor may prescribe a mild sedative. There is no medication available at Far Hills High-Field Open MRI so be sure to discuss this with your doctor prior to your scheduled exam time. Patients that do take a sedative prior to their exam are encouraged to have someone drive them to and from their appointment.
Can
someone be in the scan room with me during my exam?
Yes, as long as the person
with you fulfills all of the criteria on the MRI checklist.
What
is the difference between MRI and CT?
Both MRI and CT are
diagnostic exams used to thoroughly image a selected area of the human
body. Similarly, both MRI and CT require the use of a large machine, and
each method relies upon computer technology to reconstruct a
cross-sectional image of the body. Aside from these very fundamental
similarities, there are many inherent differences between MRI and CT
scans.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Developed in the mid 1980’s, MRI technology utilizes radio frequency
waves and very powerful magnets. After applying a very strong, localized
electromagnetic field, the MRI scanner emits a series of radio pulses into
the body, exciting the hydrogen protons found in the body’s soft tissue.
Upon measuring the relaxation times of these hydrogen protons, the MRI
scanner employs sophisticated computer technology to interpret the
protons’ behavior and recreates a 3-dimensional image of the body. Since
hydrogen is the most abundant element in the body, MRI technology is
capable of producing amazingly clear images of organs and soft tissue. MRI
is able to detect disease or injury in muscle structure along ligaments,
and is used to assist in the visualization of tumors. The ability to
visualize soft-tissue and the vascular system make MRI an outstanding tool
for imaging brain and spinal cord abnormalities. MRI is non-invasive,
although certain studies may require the use of an intravenous contrast
agent. MRI does not involve any ionizing radiation, and aside from a
persistent thumping noise, patients will experience no discomfort or side
effects.
Computerized Tomography (CT
or CAT scan) - Developed in the 1970’s CT technology utilizes a highly
sensitive X-ray beam that is focused on a specific part of the body. Upon
passing through the body, the beam hits a detector, which relays this
information into a computer. The computer analyzes the information based
upon tissue density, and feeds it into a cathode ray tube. Like MRI, a
cross-sectional representation (like "slices" of bread) of the
body is produced. Bone shows up white, gases and liquids black, and tissue
as varying shades of gray, depending on density. Generally, CT provides
much better visualization of bone detail than MRI. CT scans provide
excellent information on anatomical features and tissue density (this
allows for the detection of tumors, and sometimes the ability to
distinguish between malignant and benign tumors). CT scans can also detect
calcium deposits, cysts, and abscesses. They are often used in place of
ultrasound for obese patients because fat deposits often hinder ultrasonic
waves. CT scanning does carry with it the risks associated with X-ray
exposure, although it is significantly less than that from ordinary
X-rays.
What
is Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)?
This
is a way to look at the blood vessels in the neck and brain and evaluate
the characteristics of blood flow. In
the neck, areas of irregularity or narrowing of the carotid arteries can
be associated with symptoms of temporary blindness, weakness of the
extremities, amnesia or loss of speech.
Within the brain, MRA can be used to screen for the presence of
vascular malformation, aneurysm and vasculitis.
How
long does an MRI exam take to complete?
Your entire visit to Far
Hills High-Field Open will take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a
half. You should arrive a half hour before your scheduled appointment time
so our medical staff can obtain your insurance information, explain the
exam to you and answer any of your questions. Depending on what
information your doctor needs, the scanning process will last anywhere
from 20 minutes to an hour, after which you may return home or to work.
Is
the MRI covered under my insurance?
Usually yes. Our staff will contact your insurance company to verify your coverage and will let you know should a problem arise. We will also let you know how much you will owe at the time of the exam and how much your insurance company will cover. Additionally, please let us know if you have any supplementary insurance.
What
if I need to cancel my appointment?
As a courtesy, please notify Far Hills High-Field Open MRI as soon as you are aware you will need to cancel your exam.