MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI Resources What is an MRI Scan? Preparing for an MRI Important Precautions What to Expect MRI at GMC To Schedule Your MRI Finding Out the Results MRI Procedures Offered at GMC Download MRI Brochure

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What is an MRI Scan

MRI is magnetic resonance imaging. Using a magnet that is linked to a computer, MRI is a procedure that produces a strong magnetic field along with radio waves to create detailed pictures of areas inside your body. These instruments gather the information out of your body. MRI produces soft-tissue images and is used to distinguish normal, healthy soft-tissue from pathologic tissue. Depending on what information your doctor needs, the MRI scan may require the use of a contrastagent given intravenously (IV) to assist the physicians ability to see certain structures in your body.

Preparing for an MRI

No special preparation is needed prior to the exam, unless your doctor has given you other instructions. You will be asked to complete a safety screening form and answer questions pertaining to your medical history. Please wear loose clothing without zippers or metallic parts.

Remove all:

• jewelry
  
• watches
  
• hairpins
  
• glasses
  
• wallets
• other metallic object

Important Precautions

MRI is a safe, non-invasive test. MRI works with a strong magnet and radio waves, so be sure to let us know if any of the following applies to you or to the person that accompanies you into the exam room:

• Aneurysm clip(s)
  
• Cardiac pacemaker
  
• Implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
  
• Electronic implant or device
  
• Magnetically-activated implant or device
  
• Neurostimulation system
  
• Spinal cord stimulator
  
• Cochlear implant or implanted hearing aid
  
• Insulin or infusion pump
  
• Implanted drug infusion device
  
• Any type of prosthesis or implant
  
• Artificial or prosthetic limb
  
• Any metallic fragment or foreign body
  
• Any external or internal metallic object
  
• Hearing aid

Any metallic substance on your person can affect the quality of the diagnostic images. It can also cause discomfort or even injury to you when placed into the magnetic field.

PREGNANT? Be sure to let us know for the safety of you and your baby!

What to Expect

• After you have removed all metal objects, the technologist will position you on a special table, and the table will then slide into the scanner.
• MAGNETOM Espree's Open Bore design allows your head to stay outside the magnet bore during most examinations - with the exception of head or neck scans.
• You will be able to communicate with the technologist during the scan.
• For clear pictures, you will be asked to hold very still and relax.
• In some cases, you will be asked to hold your breath. Any movement, especially of your head or back (even moving your jaw to talk) during the scan will seriously blur the pictures.
• While the machine is taking your pictures, you will hear rapidly repeating, thumping noises coming from the walls of the scanner. For additional comfort earplugs may be provided.
• During this time, you may breathe quietly and normally, but refrain from any movement, coughing or wiggling.
• When the thumping noise stops, you must refrain from changing your position or moving about.
• This whole procedure will usually be repeated several times, and the entire exam ordinarily takes between 15 and 30 minutes to complete.

MRI at GMC

GMC uses the Siemens’ Open Bore, 1.5 Tesla, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. The patient-friendly design of this magnet will make it easier for large patients and those with claustrophobia to have an MRI examination which produces higher quality images. This will potentially reduce the need to repeat and interrupt exams. In the past many claustrophobic patients may have required sedation in order to perform the exam. GMC MRI features a wider opening allowing for more free space between the patients head and the magnet. In many cases, the exam can be completed with the patient’s head outside the MRI.

In addition, our MRI can perform advanced clinical applications in less time, because it combines strong gradient performance with Siemens' Total imaging matrix (Tim™) technology. Tim is the first whole body surface coil design that enables the highest resolution images in a shorter acquisition time. Tim coils are very light, making them easy to both position and tolerate, thus improving cooperation.

To Schedule Your MRI

To schedule an exam or procedure, contact Scheduling at ( 678) 312-3444.

To learn more about our locations or to schedule an appointment visit our Locations & Contacts page.

Finding out the Results

The Radiologist will study your examination and will send the report to your doctor. Then your doctor will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health. Results cannot be given directly to the patient or family.

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