MRI Exams
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of exam your doctor might order to help them make a diagnosis or to see how effectively a treatment is working. Our MRI Centers offers several types of MRI machines to better diagnose and serve you.
Whether you can’t be scanned lying down in a standard machine or you’re claustrophobic, we’ll work with you to make the exam as stress-free as possible.
What You Need to Know
For your safety, you need to know we can’t allow metal into our MRI rooms. The magnetic field in the scanner is very powerful and attracted to metal. That’s why you’ll change into scrubs or other attire provided by us.
You’ll have a secure space to store all of your belongings during your MRI. We’ll ask you to remove all metal on your person, including hair accessories, watches, and jewelry. We’ll also go through an MRI checklist to check your body for:
This isn’t the full checklist, but a small sampling to give you an idea of what we look for.
We’ll do absolutely everything possible to keep you comfortable during your exam. We know MRI exams can be stressful, and our biggest priority is getting top-quality images without you needing a second MRI.
Our expert technologists will talk with you about each step of your exam. They’ll also regularly ask how you’re doing throughout the entire MRI. You’re able and free to communicate with them at any point during your exam.
The final thing to be aware of is the sound of our MRI machine. These machines tend to be noisy throughout the entire exam, but we’ll provide music or earplugs to quiet down the noise.
What to Expect
Before your exam, we’ll give you a private room to change and secure storage for your belongings. We’ll also go through our full checklist to make sure no metal objects are missed or forgotten.
You’ll be positioned in the MRI machine best suited to your current issues. We offer Open MRI machines and Upright Open MRI machines to maximize your comfort. Your exact positioning will depend on which machine is used and which part of your body needs to be scanned.
You’ll get a set of earplugs or headphones, and our technologists will make sure you’re comfortable. If MRI contrast dye is required, we’ll administer it at this stage. Then a technologist will double-check that you both can easily communicate.
Once the exam starts, try to stay as still as you can. This enables us to get the best images possible. Moving during the exam is like trying to take a photo of a moving object—the end result is just blurry and unintelligible.
You’ll hear sounds like buzzing or knocking several times throughout your exam as the magnets do their job. Your technologist will talk with you throughout your exam, and let you know when it’s complete.
Types of MRI
Our Florida MRI Centers is equipped with more than just standard tube-style MRI machines. We have several different options for your exam, depending on your comfort level and which body part needs to be scanned.
Open MRI
Open MRI machines use magnets to capture high-quality images just like a closed MRI machine. But instead of having an enclosed design, these are open on every side. If you’ve ever dealt with claustrophobia, this may be the best option for you. Open MRIs are also a bit quieter than the standard version.
All in all, they’re designed to help you avoid panic attacks and feelings of claustrophobia during your MRI exam. We’re thrilled to offer this state-of-the-art option to our patients.
Upright Open MRI
Upright Open MRI machines also use magnets, but don’t involve the standard tube/tunnel design at all. They give you more room, and allow us to scan you in a weight-bearing position. This machine is perfect for capturing a scan while you’re standing or sitting, depending on your specific health issues.
Upright Open MRI machines are also even less enclosed than Open MRI machines. You’re able to see the entire room around you, keeping your from feeling suffocated.
FAQS
What does an MRI feel like?
An MRI doesn’t feel like anything because the exam is completely painless. At no point during the exam are you poked or prodded. The images are captured through a magnetic field and radio waves, which you can’t feel in any way. Your MRI exam will feel as if you were simply in a slightly noisy room, nothing more.
Can you get stuck in an MRI machine?
Because you’ll always have a technologist nearby and communicating with you, it’s not possible to get stuck in an MRI machine at our Florida MRI Centers. If you begin to feel “stuck” or claustrophobic, your technologist will spring into action. You won’t be stuck.
Even better, our MRI Center offers two different styles of Open MRI machines. If your mental health or physical stature have you worried about getting stuck in a traditional MRI machine, one of our more open options will be perfect.
How long does an MRI take?
An MRI exam can generally take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the are you need scanned and the number of images your doctor needs.
The skilled and caring experts at our MRI Center will walk you through exactly what to expect, including how long your specific exam is expected to take. Once your doctor decides that an MRI is necessary for your treatment, it’s wise to get the exam as soon as you can. The sooner your doctor has the images they need, the sooner you can start feeling better.
Has your doctor ordered any kind of MRI exam for your care plan? Contact us today to book your appointment and get a clearer picture of your current condition.
