MRI
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a diagnostic procedure that combines a powerful magnet, radio waves and computer technology to provide detailed images of tissues, muscles, nerves and bones. Because MRI uses magnetic force and radio waves to create images, there is no radiation exposure during the procedure. MRI is often used instead of CT to study soft tissues or organs because bones do not obscure the organs and soft tissues as they do with CT imaging.
MRI can be used to assess everything from ruptured discs in the spine to detecting brain tumors and vascular diseases through techniques such as:
- Breast MRI can be a more effective imaging technique than mammography for some women, and can provide additional details for diagnosing and evaluating breast abnormalities.
- Angiography (MRA) evaluates blood flow, or detects brain aneurysms or blood vessel abnormalities. It is used to visualize renal, carotid and vertebral arteries, or examine the aorta for aneurysm.
How to Prepare
When you arrive at the MRI facilities, you will be asked to fill out a simple information form about your medical and surgical history. Please let us know immediately if you:
- Could be pregnant
- Weigh over 350 pounds
- Have a cardiac pace maker
- Have any type of implanted device
- Have any type of metal shrapnel of fragment inside your body.
You may be asked to change into examination clothes, depending on your particular exam. A locker is provided for your clothes and belongings. You will need to remove all metal items such as a watch, hairpins, jewelry, coins and credit cards from your body. Please leave valuable belongings at home.
What to Expect
During the MRI, you will lie on a padded table in the middle of a long tube-like machine. The magnet will attract metal items. If you have metal objects (pacemakers, heart valves artificial joints, etc.) which cannot be removed, tell your doctor or technician.
If being in a close space frightens you, discuss this with your doctor before the test. Your doctor may give you some medicine to bring with you to help relax.
You will be positioned comfortably for your exam and it is important to be as still as possible during you exam.
The table will then move into the opening of the MRI machine. It will stop when the part of the body we want to examine is in the center. Please remain as quiet as possible during the exam. You will notice a sound similar to drum beat as the images are taken.
The technologist will not stay with you in the room. You will be able to hear and see the staff and they will monitor you through an intercom. If you become uncomfortable at any time, tell the technician. Staff will be right there to help you.
When your exam is complete, the technician will take you to an area where you may change into your clothes and collect you things to go home. If you are a patient in the hospital, you will be taken to your room.
Your MRI study will be read by a specially trained radiologist, and the results will be sent to your doctor in the next few days. If you have questions about your MRI, please ask your technician or any staff member.
How long will the exam take?
The length of your MRI can vary, depending on the area of you body being examined. In general, the exam lasts about one hour.
Open MRI
Housed in a large picturesque room with floor to ceiling windows, an open MRI can offer a more comfortable experience for patients. The open MRI accommodates patients of all sizes and those with claustrophobia. We also allow family members to sit in the room next to the patients while the test is being performed to allow for utmost comfort.
Open MRI is available at Merit Health Biloxi Imaging Services in Gulfport. Call 228-314-7226 for more information and to schedule an appointment.