Forum Health Diagnostics – MRI has a reputation for providing high quality imaging services for adults and children as young as six months old.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most advanced diagnostic methods available to help your doctor accurately diagnose your condition. MRI is an excellent way to detect conditions of the brain, spine, skeleton, chest, abdomen, pelvis and blood vessels. For certain tests, a contrast agent may be given intravenously to help view certain structures and provide information your doctor needs. In some cases, the images may even eliminate the need for a biopsy or surgery.

THE TECHNOLOGY  

Forum Health Diagnostics – MRI utilizes new, state-of-the-art Siemens MAGNETOM Symphony Maestro Class MRI Scanners.

The high-field, short-bore MR system delivers unsurpassed diagnostic detail for comprehensive exams on even hard-to-scan patients. The ultra-high speed scanners automate all imaging processes faster and provide excellent, high-resolution images that are sharp and clear. For patients, this translates to shorter exam times and maximum comfort, even for patients with claustrophobia and those weighing up to 350 pounds.

Board-certified radiologists interpret all MRI exams. You can expect a prompt turnaround time for written results, typically within 24 hours.
 
EXAMS AND STUDIES

The new MRI system offers enhanced capabilities to perform neurology, angiography, spectroscopy, orthopedic and cardiac examinations. 

MRI procedures at Beeghly Medical Park include:

     Brain, Neck and Spine Cord Studies  
     Musculoskeletal and Joints
     Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis
     Vascular Studies
     Peripheral MR Angiography
     Orthopedic Studies
     Breast MRI (only at Beeghly Medical Park)
     Cardiac
     Tempromandibular Joints (only at Beeghly Medical Park)
     Pediatric Anesthesia (only at Northside Medical Center)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an MRI?

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) produces a very clear picture or image of the body without using x-rays. It allows medical professionals to view structures deep within your body.

MRI uses a series of powerful electromagnets within a large tube that produce a strong magnetic field.  The human body contains hydrogen, an element with magnetic qualities. The MRI scanner excites the protons of the hydrogen atoms creating faint radio signals. These signals are transmitted to a computer and converted into a detailed image of the interior of the body.

What can I expect during the MRI exam?

One of our highly-trained technologists will assist you to lie on a cushioned table and place you in a comfortable position. A device called a “coil” will be placed over or under you to ensure that the clearest images are taken in that spot. Once in position, the table moves through the magnet.  During the procedure, you will be alone in the room but will be able to talk to the technologists in the control room at all times.

Although you will not feel anything during the exam, you will hear a thumping noise, so earplug will be given to you. You should breathe normally and lie as still as possible since any movement will blur the images. Since you need to lie quietly, you should avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages prior to the exam.

How long does the exam take?

MRI is a sophisticated, complex diagnostic procedure, yet it is a very simple, comfortable exam for the patient. The exam normally takes between 30 and 60 minutes and poses no risk to the average patient when appropriate safety guidelines are followed.

How do I prepare for the exam?

Unless your doctor gives you other instructions, there is no special preparation for the test.  You will need to complete a safety screening form and provide information about your medical history.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, loose clothing without metallic zippers or buttons should be worn.  Remove any makeup or nail polish since they may contain a metallic substance. Other items that must be removed include: 

· jewelry
· watches
· hairpins
· glasses
· wallets
· any other metallic objects

What else should I know (Safety Precautions)? 

A metallic substance on a person can affect the quality of the diagnostic images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in the magnetic field. Please inform you physician or technologist if you have:

     Cardiac pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator
     Artificial heart valve
     Aneurysm clips
     Cochlear implant or implanted hearing aid
     Metal plate, pin or implant
     Intrauterine device
     Magnetically-activated implant or device
     Neurostimulation system
     Spinal cord stimulator
     Insulin or infusion pump
     Implanted drug infusion device
     Electronic implant or device
     Any type of prosthesis or implant
     Previous gunshot wound
     Any metallic fragment or foreign body
     Artificial or prosthetic limb
     Ever been a metal worker
     Any external or internal metallic object
     Hearing aid

IMPORTANT:   Please let your technologist know if you are pregnant.

For appointments, questions, after-procedure care or concerns, call: 330-884-2150.