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MRI
What is a MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced medical test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body. It is especially useful for examining soft tissues such as the brain, muscles, and internal organs. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer, non-invasive option for many diagnostic procedures.
Book an AppointmentWhat to Expect During an MRI?
During the exam, you will lie on a table that slides into a cylinder-shaped scanner. The machine uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to capture detailed images of your body.
The procedure is painless, but the machine can be noisy. To help you stay comfortable, earplugs or headphones may be provided. The technologist will be in a separate room operating the scanner but will stay in contact with you through an intercom.
In some cases, a contrast agent may be injected into a vein to highlight specific areas and provide clearer images. The entire exam typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, though the actual scanning time is usually shorter.
Be sure to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have metal implants such as a pacemaker or artificial joint, as this may affect whether an MRI is safe for you.
General Guidelines for Preparing for an MRI
Wear comfortable clothing
Avoid wearing clothes with metal parts such as zippers, snaps, or underwire bras, as they can interfere with the magnetic field. In most cases, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown before the scan.
Inform your doctor of any metal in your body
Tell your doctor or technologist if you have any implants or devices, such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, or metal fragments. Certain implants are MRI-compatible, but others may not be safe.
Remove jewelry and metal objects
All jewelry, watches, hairpins, eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, or credit cards should be removed before the scan, as metal objects can affect the images or pose safety risks.
Tell your doctor about allergies or health conditions
Inform your doctor if you have allergies, kidney problems, asthma, or any medical conditions that could affect the use of contrast dye. Patients with kidney disease may require additional evaluation before contrast is administered.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or think you might be. While MRI is generally considered safe during pregnancy, the use of contrast dye is usually avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Arrange transportation if needed
If you receive sedation or anesthesia during the exam, you will not be able to drive afterwards. Arrange for someone to take you home or use public transportation. If no sedation is given, you should be able to resume normal activities right away.
Following these guidelines can help ensure a safe and successful MRI procedure. Be sure to follow any additional instructions given by your doctor or the imaging center.
Common Areas Examined with MRI
An MRI machine can scan virtually any part of the body that can fit into the bore (the opening) of the machine. The most common areas of the body that are scanned using MRI include:
Brain and spinal cord
MRI is especially valuable for detecting conditions such as brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and herniated discs. It provides detailed views of soft tissue that other imaging methods may miss.
Joints and bones
MRI is frequently used to assess the knee, shoulder, hip, and other joints. It is highly effective for detecting ligament tears, cartilage damage, and degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Heart and blood vessels
Cardiac MRI provides detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. It can detect heart disease, evaluate blood flow, and assess damage after a heart attack. MRI angiography (MRA) can also be used to study blood vessels.
Abdomen and pelvis
MRI can evaluate organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, uterus, ovaries, and prostate. It is often used to detect tumors, infections, liver disease, or pelvic abnormalities.
Muscles and tendons
MRI helps identify injuries such as muscle tears, tendon ruptures (e.g., Achilles tendon), and soft tissue inflammation.
Breast
Breast MRI is used in addition to mammography and ultrasound for women at high risk of breast cancer or those with very dense breast tissue. It is also valuable for assessing the extent of cancer once diagnosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues—brain, spine, joints, muscles, and internal organs.
Yes. MRI uses no ionizing radiation. Tell us about any implants (pacemaker, aneurysm clips, cochlear implant, metal fragments) so we can confirm MRI safety.
Most exams take 30–60 minutes. The scanner is loud; we provide earplugs or headphones.
Sometimes a gadolinium contrast agent is used to highlight tissues. Please mention kidney problems, prior reactions, or pregnancy.
Remove metal (jewelry, piercings, clothing with zippers). Bring any implant cards. Follow any fasting instructions we send for your specific exam.