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 Used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions, an MRI can show a single slice of the body in cross-section rather than the flat plane “pictures” shown in an X-ray. A magnetic field and radio waves combine to create these cross-sectional images of your head and body. No radiation is used. No pain is experienced.
MRI scans are very good at showing the differences in water content of body tissues. This is particularly important in detecting tumors and in checking for abnormalities in the body's soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, heart and eye.
The procedure involves lying still for 20 to 30 minutes in a long cylinder that occasionally makes loud clattering noises. We will provide a comfortable headset to muffle the sounds.
Not everyone is eligible. Because MRI uses a strong magnetic field that can move metal objects, you cannot have an MRI scan if you have a metallic implant such as a pacemaker or implanted pump, or if your body contains certain metal surgical clips. You may also need to avoid MRI scans if you wear a hearing aid or use a metal monitoring device. Your doctor will determine whether an MRI is the best diagnostic measure for you.
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