Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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Magnetic resonance imaging is a computer-assisted scanning technique, much like a CT scan, but this technology makes use of large magnets, radio frequency waves, and a receiving coil to produce an image. No x-ray radiation is used in an MRI scan. This tool can lead to the early detection and treatment of many diseases, including brain and nervous system disorders, heart and blood vessel ailments, organ disease, and tumors.
The exam takes 45 to 60 minutes, and occasionally a contrast medium is used. There are several things that can interfere with MRI imaging. Any kind of metal object in your body such as aneurysm clips, metal screws, pacemakers, shrapnel, and metal in your eye should be reported. You will be given a checklist to go through before your scan. It is extremely important to your health that you answer those questions accurately.
Some patients may have a small piece of metal in an eye as a result of an accident. Since MRI scans can be dangerous when an eye is in this condition, a free-of-charge orbit CT scan or x-ray will be ordered first. This will determine whether you are able to have an MRI scan. The orbit CT scan is scheduled 30 minutes before your MRI scan. You must arrive 15 minutes before this time. Please go to the admitting desk to check in.
If you are or think you may be pregnant, please notify the technologist. No jewelry or metal objects can be worn during the exam.
The MRI scanner is a very tight, enclosed space. If you are at all claustrophobic, notify our office. A sedative will be ordered, and you will need to arrive one hour before the scheduled exam so that the medication can be administered.
If you have questions or need to cancel the MRI scan, call the hospital where the test will be done. MRI scans are expensive exams, ranging from $700 to $1,000. Again, we advise you to check with your insurance company to see how much they pay on this procedure and what your individual liability will be. You will receive bills from the hospital and from the radiologist who reads the scan.
A. X-ray
B. Computerized tomography scan (CT scan)
C. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
D. Electromyography (EMG)/Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
E. Myelogram
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