Patient comfort at its best
More space means less anxiety. A unique C-shaped magnet for easy positioning and a friendly, compact design create an atmosphere to put you at your ease. You always feel close to assistance.
If you are nervous a relative or friend can sit in the room whilst the scan is being performed (on their satisfactory completion of a safety questionnaire).
The scanner does make some noise whilst it is acquiring images and ear protection is provided. You may wish to bring your own CD or iPod that can be played to you during the scan. Many patients dose off during the scan.
The scan consists of several sets of images and the total scan time can vary from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Who will notify me of scan results?
A Consultant Radiologist, who is specialized in the area of your specific problem, will read your scans and report them to your health professional who will share the results with you.
What is the preparation for the exam?
There is virtually no preparation involved for the examination. No change in diet, meal times or medication is required. With MRI, there are no physical side effects either. You may drive yourself to and from the clinic with no need to alter your work schedule. We ask that you do not use cosmetics other than hairspray on exam day as these can affect the image acquisition. No metal is allowed in the MRI scan room. Therefore, we suggest our patients wear or bring clothes that contain no metal (zippers, clasps, snaps, pins or metal buttons). A jogging suit with no zipper is ideal. Plan to arrive at the Diagnostic Imaging Clinic fifteen minutes prior to your appointment.
Are there any reasons MRI may not be suitable for you?
You may not be able to be examined by MRI if you have a
- Cardiac Pacemaker
- Aneurysm Clips in the Brain
- Metal Fragments in the Eye
- Cochlear Implants
- Neurostimulators
Advantages of MRI
Why would your doctor order an MRI?
Your doctor wishes to confirm a possible diagnosis that he has made from your clinical history and examination. If this diagnosis involves the musculo-skeletal system, brain or spine MRI is likely to be the best imaging test of choice. MRI is also used to examine the chest, abdomen and pelvis in certain conditions. A consultant radiologist protocols all scans to confirm that the correct imaging test has been requested and if not to suggest an alternative.
What can MRI diagnose?
- brain or spinal abnormalities
- strokes in their earliest stages
- infections in the brain, spine or joints
- damaged ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bone in the wrist, knee, ankle, shoulder and other joints
- masses in the soft tissues of the body
- “slipped discs” (herniated) and other abnormalities of the spine
- heart (cardiac) abnormalities
- abnormalities of the blood vessels
These are but a few of the many of reasons to perform an MRI scan.
The fact that MRI systems do not use ionizing radiation is a comfort to many patients, as is the fact that MRI contrast materials have a very low incidence of side effects.