MRI

brain-mriHOW MRI WORKS

  • A large magnet surrounds the body
  • Radio waves send images to a computer
  • The images appear on a computer screen
  • The images are recorded for permanent storage

WHAT IS MRI USED FOR?
MRI is used to detect:

  • brain and nervous system disorders, such as tumors, multiple sclerosis, certain spinal conditions and stroke
  • problems caused by injury
  • problems affecting tendons,
  • cartilage, ligaments and bone marrow
  • cancer in some organs and tissues.

CAN PREGNANT WOMEN HAVE MRI SCANS?
Since the long-term effects of MRI are not fully understood, pregnant women are usually not advised to have MRI scans. However, MRI may be recommended in certain cases.

CAN PEOPLE WITH METAL IMPLANTS BE SCANNED?
Maybe not. Tell your health-care provider if you have any metal implants, such as cardiac pacemaker, other metal objects or permanent dental bridges or braces. He or she will determine if you can have an MRI scan.

MRI HAS MANY ADVANTAGES!

  • it uses no x-rays
  • it is not harmful
  • is painless
  • can prevent the need for diagnostic surgery
  • can lead to early detection and treatment of health-care problems

PREPARING FOR AN MRI IS SIMPLE!
At home you should:

  • Follow all instructions about eating or taking your usual medications.
  • Ask someone to come along. He or she may be able to stay with you during the scan. A parent may be able to stay
  • with a child.

AT THE SCANNING SITE you will be:

  • told about the procedure (you may be asked to sign a consent form)
  • asked to remove all metallic objects, such as jewelry, glasses, clothing with zippers and non-permanent dentures
  • asked to change into a hospital gown
  • asked to use the bathroom, so you will be comfortable during the exam.

Before the scan, The technologist will position you on the scanning table, usually on your back. A coil may be attached to the part of the  body to be scanned. A contrast agent (a substance that helps makes images clearer) may be injected. Tell your health care provider if small spaces make you nervous as a sedative may be given. Also please tell them if you have any allergies.

open mriAs the scan begins the table will slide into the tunnel of the MRI machine. If you feel anxious tell the technician. Please tell the technician if you feel any discomfort. Our MRI machine is an open MRI, which means it is not fully enclosed. It is the only open MRI unit in the Caribbean.

During the scan, stay as still as possible so the images don’t blur. Try to relax, you will feel no pain. You will hear some thumping or knocking sounds. These are normal. Total scanning time usually ranges between 20 to 45 minutes.

After the scan, the images will be reviewed by a radiologist who is a specialist in MRI. He or she will study the images and help your health-care provider make a diagnosis. Your health-care provider will suggest treatment based on the diagnosis and your medical history, symptoms or other test results.

Would you like to request an appointment? Please click here and complete the form.