What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique that uses a strong magnet, radio signal, and a computer to produce pictures of the inside of your brain and neck with great detail.  The scans are painless and use no x-ray.  The pictures taken help the doctor to see both healthy and diseased tissue.  You may need to hold your breath for short periods of time during the scan.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a type of MRI scan that looks at the flow of blood vessels that feed your brain.  You may receive contrast to help see the images better.  The contrast is given through a small catheter in the vein of your arm.  It will be removed before you go home. 

Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) is a type of MRI scan that looks at blood vessels and structures that return blood to the heart.  You may receive contrast to help see the images better.   The contrast is given through a small catheter in the vein of your arm.  It will be removed before you go home. 

Is it safe for me to have MRI/MRA/MRV?

Yes for most patients the scans are safe.  To decide if the scan is safe or if special arrangements need to be made to assure your safety, you must answer a few screening questions.  It is vital that you answer these questions in an open and honest manner and to the best of your knowledge. 

Please tell the MRI staff in advance if you have any of these items in your body.

• Pacemaker
• Artificial heart valve
• Implanted defibrillator
• Brain aneurysm clips
• Medicine patches
• Implantable pump
• Neurostimulator or TENS
• Eye or ear implant
• Hearing aids
• IUD
• Metallic implant
• Artificial body parts
• Stent, coil, filter
• Breast or penile implants
• Implanted shunt

If you have any of the above items in your body please tell the staff:

• The date the device was placed.
• The hospital and doctor who placed it.
• The make or model number of the device (many times patients will have cards that have the model number and manufacturer’s name to carry in their wallets after having placement).  If you do not have a card, we can often get this from the hospital where it was done.

Tell the staff if you have

• Any problems with claustrophobia (fear of small, enclosed spaces).  If you do, talk with your doctor who ordered the MRI/MRA/MRV.  Your doctor will be able to discuss whether medicine can be ordered to help you with the test.  If you are taking something to relax you for this test, you will need to have a responsible adult drive you home after your test.
• Problems lying on your back and holding still for 30-60 minutes.
• Ever done metal grinding or welding as work or a hobby
• Ever seen a doctor about metal in your eyes
• Any metal in your body from an accident, gunshot, or military service wound.

Also tell us

• If you are pregnant.  To date, there has been no indication that the use of MRI while pregnant has been harmful.  But there have not been many studies to research the safety of MRI exams in pregnant patients.  You, your doctor, and a radiologist need to discuss whether or not MRI is the best option at this time.  If it is felt that this test is vital for your care, you will need to sign a consent form before the scan.
• If you are breastfeeding you will need to pump your breast milk for 24 hours after the MRI and discard the breast milk if you receive IV contrast.

Can I Eat Before My MRI?

Talk with your regular doctor.  It is best not to eat or drink 2 hours before the scan.  If you receive dye, it may make you feel nauseous. 

If you have diabetes, then your medicines may need to be changed to account for the change in diet, so that you don’t get a low sugar level.  Discuss this with either your diabetes or primary care doctor.  When setting up the appointment, tell the scheduler that you have diabetes so that we may schedule you early in the morning.  

How to Prepare For a Scan

• Do not wear any jewelry (wedding rings are okay).  Watches and other jewelry may need to be removed.  To avoid loss of these items please leave them at home.
• Do not wear mascara or other makeup that glitters.  This can affect the quality of your scan.
• Do not wear hair clips or bobby pins
• Do not apply any lotions, oils, or fragrances to your skin on the day of your scan.

During Your Scan

You will be brought into the scan room, and placed on a padded, moving table, which glides into the large magnet.  The magnet is round and open at both ends.  Your upper body will be in the magnet.  The inner part of the magnet is lighted and there is good air flow for your comfort.