High Field MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging American College of Radiology (ACR) Accredited

Your doctor referred you for a diagnostic study called Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). It is an efficient, comfortable outpatient procedure that gives your doctor information to evaluate your condition better. MR imaging produces detailed pictures using a magnetic field, radio waves, and sophisticated computer processing. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is now the preferred method for assessing many body parts, including the brain, joints, and spine.

This page answers most questions about MRIs. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

How MR Imaging Works

  • In MR imaging, the body is placed in the magnetic field of the MR machine. Radio waves are then directed to the portion of the body being studied.
  • The MR computer reads the radio waves leaving the body and processes them into digital picture form (images). The images are recorded on film to become part of your medical record.
  • These pictures are then analyzed by one of the radiologists at our center and sent, along with a written report, to your physician.

Precautions

  • There are several circumstances under which MR imaging should not be done, and there are precautions that must be observed in other cases.
  • Before your examination, you will be asked whether or not you have any of the following:
  • Cardiac Pacemaker, Defibrillator, Cerebral aneurysm clips, insulin pump, cochlear implants, neurostimulator, metal in the eyes, if you are currently pregnant

Preparing for the Exam

  • Eat normally and take any usual medication unless your doctor has given you other instructions.
  • Because we use a large magnet in the MRI, no metallic objects or mechanical devices can enter the imaging room. Keep this in mind when deciding what to wear to your MRI appointment.

Below Is a List of Suggestions to Help You Prepare

  • Clothing: Wear something lightweight and comfortable that is easy to take on and off. Avoid wearing clothing with many metal snaps, zippers, or hooks.
  • Dental Devices: If you wear dentures or partial dental plates, they must be removed.
  • Hair Products: Many hair products, such as "Topik," to cover hair loss or attachable hair weaves contain magnetic particles that must be removed.
  • Hair Accessories: Any hair clips, ties, or pins made of metal or with metal parts must be removed.
  • Jewelry: All metal jewelry and watches must be removed.
  • Makeup: Because some makeup, particularly mascara, is made with a metallic base, it is best not to wear much makeup only a little after your appointment.

Medication & Diet: You may continue to take any routine medications prescribed by your physician, and there are no dietary restrictions unless you are scheduled to receive medication for claustrophobia, pain, or general anesthesia.

Special Considerations

  • Because we use a strong magnet in the MRI, patients with pacemakers cannot have an MRI exam. You will be asked to complete an MRI Patient Screening form before your exam. Additional information or testing may be needed before your MRI exam to ensure that it is safe for you to have this test.
  • If you have any other implanted medical devices such as cochlear implants, penile implants, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, or recent cardiac stent, or if you have metal shavings or gunshot shrapnel in the face or eye.

What to Expect During the Examination

  • You will be asked to remove jewelry, your watch, credit cards, dentures, hearing aids, and any metal objects that could be affected by the magnetic field. In addition, you will be asked to change into comfortable clothing that we will provide for the examination.
  • In the imaging room, you will be positioned on a softly padded table, which the technologist will move into the MR machine.
  • Depending on the body part being studied, a small device (coil) will be placed over or underneath you. This is not constricting and acts as a receiver for the radio waves produced by the MR machine.
  • If only a single part of your body (for example, your head, back, or knee) is being studied, the examination usually takes 30-45 minutes. You will hear a rhythmic thumping noise and may feel a slight vibration, but there should be no other physical sensations.
  • Throughout your exam, you can hear and speak to your technologist. While the space in the MR machine is adequate for most individuals, some people may feel uncomfortable in it. If you have problems in confined areas or are claustrophobic, please call us in advance to talk about this.
  • Occasionally, a patient will need a moderate sedative to be comfortable in the MR machine. Your referring physician will give you a prescription with instructions on how to take it. You must arrange for someone to drive you to our facility and back home.
  • Your job during the examination is to relax and not move. The quality of your MR study depends very much on your ability to hold still. Like a picture photograph, the medical image will blur if you move.

Call at (949) 342-8522 for a professional for Open MRI service!

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