What Can I Expect During an MRI?

Getting a look inside the body to find out what’s wrong is one of the most important parts of making a diagnosis for many injuries and conditions, and starting as far back as 1895 when X-rays were discovered, we’ve been finding better ways to use imaging to help patients. X-rays are still used to this day, but over the past century or more we’ve seen the development of sonograms, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Of the imaging methods, MRIs often offer better contrast, sharper images, and can be used for any part of the body. If you have a problem that needs MRI imaging, the medical team at Riverhills Neuroscience in Norwood, Anderson, and Westside, Ohio, and Crestview Hills, Kentucky, can help you get it done to get you the help you need.

Before going in for an MRI, there are some things you should know about what it’s used for and how the process works, so let’s help you get more familiar with this medical imaging method.

How an MRI works

As the full name indicates, this device uses a giant magnet combined with radio waves to transmit a collection of images to a computer. It creates detailed two- or three-dimensional images by using a very powerful magnet surrounding a horizontal tube you move through. While the magnetic field is active a radiofrequency pulse is emitted to create the resonance frequency necessary for imaging.

This technology also allows us to pick the precise part of the body we need information about and gather an image slice, which we can get multiple pictures of in any direction to create a full three-dimensional view. An injectable contrast can be used to help visualize abnormalities for better examination.

Reasons to get an MRI

MRIs are used routinely to gather specific data about many illnesses and conditions, including:

• Aneurysms
• Brain and spinal problems (tumors, injuries, misalignments, diseases)
• Pinched nerves
• Stroke
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Body tumors
• Liver disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Bone infections

If you’re pregnant it can also be used to observe a developing fetus, and can be combined with mammograms to detect breast cancer.

The MRI procedure

When you come in for the imaging, here’s what you can expect:

• Get onto the table for the scan; you’ll be instructed to be in a specific position to get a better result if it’s necessary.
• The table slides into the device and our provider performing the scan will leave the room but remain in audio contact.
• Staying as still as possible is essential while the scanning is done and you may feel some warmth in the targeted area.
• There will be loud noises during the scan so you may be offered headphones to muffle the sound.
• The table is slid back out when the test is done, and you can get up and move about.

Once finished, you may need to stick around to be sure we don’t need any more images.

MRIs are a safe and effective way to help diagnose a range of medical problems. If you need an MRI, make an appointment with the team at Riverhills Neuroscience today.