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MRI is a way to look inside the body without surgery. It provides detailed,
cross-sectional images of blood vessels, bones, and other body structures.
The MRI technique, which doesn’t involve radiation, takes advantage of the
magnetic properties of the body’s molecules. During an MRI exam, the magnet
aligns the molecules, which then emit a signal used to create a computerized
image.
Preparing for an MRI exam
- Usually there is no preparation required, unless you’ll be receiving anesthesia during your exam.
- If not receiving anesthesia, you can eat and drink normally before it, though it’s best to avoid eating a high-sugar meal or drinking too much caffeine.
- Bring previous X-rays and CT scans relevant to your exam.
- Once at the MRI suite, you’ll change into a patient gown and remove anything that may be affected by or attracted to the magnet (e.g., jewelry, credit cards).
During the exam
- You can listen to music and speak with staff.
- It’s important to keep still and breathe regularly.
Two state-of-the art MRI units
Depending on the particular MRI image your physician requests, you may have an MRI
with our state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI or our new 3 Tesla MRI, the first such unit
in the state used for clinical imaging. Both magnets are open at each end and offer
easy, comfortable and painless exams. MRI tests can be used for varied studies,
including
- non-invasive coronary angiography to study the heart vessels
- suspected brain lesions including study of brain functions (e.g., speech, motor, sight)
- stroke detection and areas at risk for stroke
- prostate tumor detection
- spine conditions (e.g., spinal cord lesions, disc disease)
- bones and joints, including the knee and small joints, cartilage evaluation
- suspected abdominal disease including vascular lesions (e.g. aorta, renal arteries and other blood vessels)
- cancers of the head and neck
For more information, contact webmaster@srhs.org.
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