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    My doctor ordered an MRI Scan for me. What is an MRI?

    Posted by Ravi Sohal on Thu, Nov 13, 2008
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    MRI scan machineMRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. MRI scans are medical imaging tests that physicians use to discover, treat, and monitor disease. They use a strong magnetic field and radio waves to capture signal from internal organs. Computers analyze the data and create images for a physician Radiologist to interpret.

    An MRI scan can be used to image nearly every part of the body. MRIs are very good at looking at the anatomy of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, brain and spine. They are also be used by surgeons to assist in surgical planning.

    The technology is relatively new, but has been quickly advancing and millions of MRI scans are done every year. Here are some commonly ordered MRI scans and the sort of disease they are tailored to look for:

    • MRI Knee -- tears of the ACL and menisci
    • MRI Shoulder -- injury to the tendons and ligaments supporting the shoulder (together known as the rotator cuff)
    • MRI Brain -- detect Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, tumors, bleeds
    • MRI Lumbar Spine -- look for disc herniation, bulges, spinal canal stenosis, nerve root impingement in the lower part of the back
    • MRI Sella and Pituitary Gland -- find hormone secreting tumors
    • MRI Breast -- evaluate breast cancer tumors

    What to do before your MRI scan:

    It helps to be prepared in advance of your appointment time. You will need to get a Radiology referral or prescription from your doctor. Check to make sure the facility you choose takes your insurance plan and your plan has authorized the MRI. Get preparation instructions from the facility’s staff in advance. Although you should follow your doctor’s advice, you can choose a local imaging center to perform your MRI test. Our Radiology Search tool will help you find a Radiology center and learn more about your local imaging services (if you don’t find an imaging center in your area, please let us know).

    What to expect during and after your MRI scan:

    • The MRI scan appointment may take up to 1 hour. Plan accordingly.
    • You can’t take any metal, iPods, cell phones, etc into the scan room
    • Some scan rooms pipe in music. Ask if you can bring your own CD.
    • You may feel claustrophobic. If you know you are, let the imaging center staff know in advance.
    • An MRI scan can be very noisy. You should ask for or be offered earplugs.
    • Some MRI tests are ordered with contrast (aka dye). This requires an injection!
    • You may need to take a film or CD copy of your MRI scan to your doctor.
    • A physician Radiologist will interpret the MRI. A report is sent to your doctor.
    Have you had any good (or bad) experiences with an MRI? Is there an MRI center you’d recommend? Leave your comments below.

    Tags: , ,

    COMMENTS

    I am asking a question I was wondering how far into the machine will I go to have my knee done????? I was told I will go in feet first, but how far in will I be???? PLEASE answer me quickly I go on Dec.10/08, thnx so much.. Shelley

    posted @ Wednesday, December 03, 2008 8:17 PM by shelley


    Hi Shelley, most people will have to go up their hip level into the MRI machine for a knee MRI scan. Shorter people will of course go a bit further in...

    posted @ Wednesday, December 03, 2008 8:44 PM by Ravi Sohal


    thnx so much for your answer..... when I called the hospital to ask them they said I would go in just over my head, but I could not understand that when I am 5'9" my sisiter had it done and she is the same heighth as me and she went in the same up to her hips or not quite and she had her femer bone scanned... thnx so very much for answering me... Shelley

    posted @ Thursday, December 04, 2008 6:27 AM by Shelley


    I am asking about the MRI for my knee, why would the lady at the hospital I am having this at would tell me thet I would be the machine right up to the tip of my head will stick out JUST for my knee to be done I am 5'9" talll that sounds like to much to me haw can I get reasured by Wednesday when I have to go Dec.5 and suggestions????? thnx so much for your patients Shelley

    posted @ Friday, December 05, 2008 9:00 PM by Shelley


    Shelley, in my experience most people who get an MRI of the knee will go into the MRI machine's tube up to their hips, perhaps a bit more. If your hospital or center is advising otherwise, when you get to the facility check with the MRI technologist (the person who will be doing the scan). He or she will be able to give you the best answer about the protocols (how they set up the scan) they use. Good luck!

    posted @ Saturday, December 06, 2008 2:16 PM by Ravi Sohal


    how far do u go in for a neck scan

    posted @ Thursday, December 11, 2008 12:33 PM by sarah


    Hi Sarah, 
     
    For Neck MRI scans, your entire body will be in the tube. If you have claustrophobia, be sure to talk to your doctor and the Radiology department staff in advance.  
     
    Good luck!

    posted @ Friday, December 12, 2008 1:50 AM by Ravi Sohal


    my friend is getting an MRI scan done, as she has a pain in her lungs, what could this be?

    posted @ Saturday, January 31, 2009 7:05 AM by maria


    If a neck MRI took only about 20 minutes, will a shoulder MRI be the same?

    posted @ Friday, February 27, 2009 9:42 PM by emily


    Hi Emily, 
     
    Yes, a shoulder MRI should take about 20 minutes or so. It will take longer if you are having a MR Arthrogram of the Shoulder. This MRI test includes dye that is injected directly into the joint.

    posted @ Saturday, February 28, 2009 3:45 PM by Ravi Sohal


    I am having to go in and get and MRI, they think I might have tore my ACL will my head be in the machine I am closterphobic?...How long will it take for an MRI on my knee?

    posted @ Friday, April 24, 2009 5:10 PM by Kristine


    Kristine, 
     
    You probably will go in up to your hips (depending on your height). Most knee MRIs take about 20 minutes or so. Good luck!

    posted @ Friday, April 24, 2009 5:18 PM by Ravi Sohal


    thanks...and really? thats good im so scared to be closed in..and do you get to listen to anything? well thanks im gonna need your luck im so scared!

    posted @ Friday, April 24, 2009 5:28 PM by Kristine


    Kristine, If the machine is what is shown in the picture, you might not get claustrophobic. I am EXTREMELY claustrophobic and refused to see MRI machines pictures on the internet before my scan. When I went in there I requested to close my eyes and be guided to the machine. However, just before entering the room, there was a big window and I got a glimpse of it :) So much for tactics to avoid claustrophobia. Still if you feel you might get it, then take your favourite CD to listen to while it is taking place. Mine didn't work:). I was told burnt ones won't work. But luckily I did need anything. Hope this helps.

    posted @ Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:34 AM by Mansi


    Oh and I forgot to add that the machine (which looks like the picture shown above) was pretty wide. Good luck!

    posted @ Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:38 AM by Mansi


    hi i have just got my mri appointment thru it says mri head and mri iam test what is a mri iam test for plz thank you jacqui xx

    posted @ Saturday, June 06, 2009 10:13 AM by jacqui


    Jacqui 
     
    It might refer to the inner ears, iam - internal auditory meatus. This type of MRI scan is usually done for hearing loss, ringing, or dizziness.

    posted @ Monday, June 08, 2009 12:20 PM by Ravi Sohal


    hi thank you that explains it as part of my problem is dizziness painful ears and not always hearing things correctly or at all and neck jacqui xx

    posted @ Monday, June 08, 2009 12:31 PM by jacqui bates


    Im going for an MRI Brain Scan in 2 weeks and am quite scared. Once my body goes in the machine will it then go upwards? A woman at work has scared me to bits telling me it goes in then up!! Do you know how long I will be in the machine for? 
     
     
     
    Michelle Scaredypants!!!

    posted @ Thursday, June 11, 2009 2:08 PM by Michelle


    Michelle, 
     
    MRI Brain scans are done lying down on your back. You'll first lie down on the table of the MRI machine outside of the tube. The technologist will place a "coil" around your head - some look like over sized hockey guard masks. The table will move and you'll be advanced into the machine's tube. If your scan is with dye, after 15 minutes or so, the table will move out of the tube, you'll be given the IV dye and then advanced back into the tube. Check out our MRI scan video (link below). The patient is getting an MRI of the Brain. Look carefully just above his face and you can see the "coil." 
     
    Here is the link to the video: 
     
    http://blog.remakehealth.com/blog_Healthcare_Consumers-0/bid/9120/What-does-an-MRI-scan-sound-like

    posted @ Thursday, June 11, 2009 5:55 PM by Ravi Sohal


    How far will i have to go into the tunnel to have an mri of my wrist? I am very clausterphobic

    posted @ Tuesday, August 11, 2009 11:19 AM by jerry


    Jerry, 
     
    You'll probably be lying flat on your stomach with your hand/wrist above your head. You wrist will be inside of a "coil" - its a large plastic covered device. The tech will then advance you into the machine. If you're of average height you'll probably be in up to your upper chest. Taller people, less so.

    posted @ Tuesday, August 11, 2009 12:06 PM by Ravi Sohal


    I have read many many comments on MRIs and generally the problem of being claustrophobicseems to be one of the main concerns. I have had six MRIs and going for another next Thursday. I will admit it is a snug fit when the entire body goes in however with both ends of the machine open, being in a medical facility, and the music, I felt alright (I am claustrophobic). What bothered me most is being unable to move for so long. My last was on my wrist and it seemed like eternity with my arm over my head. I would just like to add that if you must get the MRI and have concern, remember when you are laying there uncomfortable that it is a necessary step to repairing a problem. It seems to help the time go faster and gives it a purpose that is positive. Good luck all. They are not that bad.

    posted @ Wednesday, August 12, 2009 10:44 AM by Tommy


    I am to have m r i scan of stomach they said I will go in feet first -does that mean my head will be out in the open as I am claustophobic

    posted @ Sunday, August 30, 2009 3:06 AM by patricia


    Hi Patricia, 
     
    You'll probably be nearly completely in the tube.

    posted @ Sunday, August 30, 2009 11:32 AM by Ravi Sohal


    Do you have your head in the machine for a pelvic MRI? Is there an opening on both ends of the machine? 
     
    Pretty scary, thx for you help.

    posted @ Saturday, September 19, 2009 8:04 PM by nicole


    Hi Nicole, 
     
    Your head won't go in, but depending on your height, you'll probably be up to your chest into the tube. If it is an open MRI the sides are open. If a closed MRI,then no - it will be a complete tube. 
     
    Good luck!

    posted @ Saturday, September 19, 2009 8:26 PM by Ravi Sohal


    Hi, Remember me scardeypants? Well I've had my MRI Scan and although I was in there 30minutes the time went quite fast. I took a CD with me and worked out that each song is approx 3min long, so I would have to listen to roughly 10 songs and then it would be over. 
     
    The scan was no were near as bad as I thought it would be.  
     
    Try not to worry! 
     

    posted @ Friday, September 25, 2009 10:55 AM by Scardeypants


    I'm going for a MRI scan on my lower back/waist and legs....how far into the scanner will I be....I'm 5'11'' tall....thanks 
     
    Steve

    posted @ Tuesday, September 29, 2009 2:40 AM by Steve


    Hi Steve, 
     
    You'll probably go in about half way up your chest.

    posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 7:09 PM by Ravi Sohal


    I went for a MRI scan on my neck last night. I was scared but let me reassure everyone there is absolutly nothing to worry about at all. 
     
    You can stop it whenever you want but there was no need. I was in head first all the way and yes it is a bit noisey but it is no worse than listening to some techno music. 
     
    Seriously don't worry about it. The fear of the unknown is far worse than the event itself. i would be more than happy to have another one now I understand whats involved.

    posted @ Thursday, October 08, 2009 4:12 AM by Phill Y


    I had a MRI done to day on my neck and spine and lower back. the problem is, is it normal to be sore and hurt from my waist down? only a few hours after having it done.

    posted @ Thursday, October 08, 2009 8:41 PM by willa


    my doctor ordered a mri scan with contrast but they didnt use the contrast why is this?? did they find something so they didnt need to use it?? need answers worrying

    posted @ Thursday, October 15, 2009 11:45 AM by lisa hallam


    do i go in the mri machine feet first for a thigh mass scan

    posted @ Tuesday, November 17, 2009 8:06 AM by neal


    Hi Neal, 
     
    Yes, for an MRI of the thigh you'll go in feet first and probably up to your chest.

    posted @ Tuesday, November 17, 2009 9:51 AM by Ravi Sohal


    I am having an mri scan on my ovary 
     
    Iam severely claustrophobic, will i go in feet first and will i be completely in.I am 5'1.

    posted @ Thursday, December 03, 2009 10:40 AM by Lynne


    Hi, My doctor has ordered a brain MRI as I had pain , visual disturbance and confusion( which she tends to think is migraine) and I have also had expressive dysphasia which has gotten increasingly worse over the last months. She has asked the radiographer to exclude S.O.L. - any idea what that stands for? Thank you!

    posted @ Saturday, December 05, 2009 7:11 AM by Rebecca


    Hi Rebecca, 
     
    SOL means space occupying lesion. Essentially your doctor has ordered the MRI to look for a brain tumor.

    posted @ Saturday, December 05, 2009 11:37 AM by Ravi Sohal


    Hi i have to have a MRI scan for suspected menieres, but if that is not found and there is something else causing my problems would this show up or will it just discount menieres and mean i may have to have further MRI scans to find the problem. I ask because i am very claustophobic and really very frightened

    posted @ Friday, January 08, 2010 7:28 PM by worried


    My daughter is getting an MRI done today and the paper work her doctor gave us says MRI with S contrast. I was wondering if anyone knows what the S contrast is. Thanks in advance.

    posted @ Thursday, January 14, 2010 9:25 AM by Jeremy


    Hi Jeremy, 
     
    The "s" means without contrast. A "c" means with contrast.

    posted @ Thursday, January 14, 2010 1:24 PM by Ravi Sohal


    Hi I asked a question earlier on the 8th JANUARY  
     
     
     
    you didnt answer but have answered others after my question. 
     
     
     
    Is there a reason for this ....

    posted @ Thursday, January 14, 2010 3:11 PM by worried


    Hi worried, 
     
    Unfortunately I can't answer your question due to its medical nature - you should talk to your doctor.

    posted @ Thursday, January 14, 2010 4:00 PM by Ravi Sohal


    I am scheduled for an MRI scan to check a "mass" in my uterus. I am severely claustrophobic. Will my entire body be in the scanner? They already know I am clostrophobic and said I can have a sedative to calm me, but I have had ativan, etc. and I know that will NOT suffice!! HELP!!!

    posted @ Wednesday, January 20, 2010 3:24 PM by Kelly


    Had an MRI head scan without contrast two weeks ago. Letter received today saying they need to do further imaging with contrast to conclude their report. What does this mean.

    posted @ Friday, January 22, 2010 7:15 AM by Claire


    I just had an MRI on my head (Brain?) yesterday and I wanted to tell you that it was not bad at all. I was a little worried after reading some of the comments here beforehand, but maybe because I was expecting something very negative, it actually turned out to be a fine experience. I even thought the noise were funny at sometimes. I was originally told by my doctor's office that I would be listening to music or possibly watching a movie while I had my MRI done, but the doctor informed me that since it was for my head, I could not have the earphones so I would only have the ear plugs. :( I was a bit disappointed, but it didn't worry me. I didn't even have to take off my clothes, which I thought I had to. My concern was my gold fillings in my teeth, but they were perfectly fine with the MRI. I was in the machine for 25 minutes or so without contract. I could hear the tech telling me how long each scan would take, like a minute and half, or three minutes or ... I think 5 minutes was the longest. I was closing my eyes most of the time and stayed still and just relaxed thinking about whatever... Then I was brought out for the shot of Gadolinium based dye. The tech did a beautiful job - no mess, no pain. I was slid back into the machine again and then I was there for another 15 minutes to do about 3 ~ 4 more scans. I did feel cold inside of my body after the dye was injected, but it didn't make me sick or anything. My doctor recommended me to drink at least 1 and half litter of water the day before and about 2 litters afterwards, which I did. I can say that I had no side effects from the MRI. I really recommend that you drink a lot of water before and after your MRI so the dye would be washed out of your body quicker. The result will be given to me in a few days. My doctor ordered an MRI on me just to make sure that nothing bad was going on there since I started to have a strange, rather loud ringing in my head. She checked my balance, blood pressure, hearing, this and that and found nothing wrong, so she wanted to make sure that nothing strange is going on in my head. I hope not. I think it might just be the stress I have been under these days since the ringing started in the middle of an intense conversation with my business contact. I just wanted to write in to let anyone who is about to have the MRI know that most people who didn't have any problem won't write in so do not worry about what you read here too much. I feel bad for people who had a bad experience with their MRI, but I do think that most people have no problem with it. Good luck!

    posted @ Thursday, February 04, 2010 12:03 AM by Michele


    I've had a MRI of my brain-the results stated several micro hyperinsensitivities. Anyone know what this means?

    posted @ Monday, February 08, 2010 12:06 PM by sharon


    I have been told I need a Gadolinium MRI scan and something about IAM. What does this mean?

    posted @ Monday, March 01, 2010 1:00 AM by Sue Friis


    ihad a head and spine MRI. it was not bad at all. total time 1 1/4 hrs. I counted to 100 over & over and said hail marys...also had the dye injection. previously some time ago I had one done on my anke.

    posted @ Wednesday, March 03, 2010 7:12 PM by leona pflepsen


     
     
     
     
     
     
    I thank GOD for this site and for the relief that we all seem to share in knowing that we are not alone. I had my first MRI 02/26/2010 for my neck and spine with out contrast. The Dr. wrote the order and handed it to me with out a word or hesitation. I guess that confidence was the reason that I did not research MRIS before the MRI. 
     
    A list of sympyms: 
     
    FLASHING LIGHTS 
     
    Buzzing in ear 
     
    Hearing a radio in the background 
     
    Moving particles in the air 
     
    Loss of memories 
     
    Impaired depth perception 
     
    Out of breath 
     
    Twitching 
     
    Loss of musle control 
     
    Hair on my head became one knot 
     
    *Moments of clarity 
     
    Crying as to squeeze the tears from my stomach, with a taste as you smell before an electric storm 
     
    Fingertips purple and numb 
     
    No sense of time 
     
    Weakness 
     
    achy 
     
    Arm hair missing

    posted @ Sunday, March 07, 2010 12:49 AM by Morine R Singer


    Hi, can anyone tell me will my head and shoulders be in the MRI tunnelwhilst having a knee scan and how long do you think it will take? i am so anxious about it as i suffer with Panic attacks especially in confined spaces but know i have to have it done but am getting myself all worked up about it?? Thank you. x

    posted @ Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:45 AM by zo zo


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