MRI
What is MRI?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. A combination of strong magnet and radio-waves produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Unlike x-rays and CT (computerised tomography) scans, MRI scans does not use radiation.
What is an MRI for?
An MRI scan to help us find the cause of your problem and the best treatment options for you. MRI scans are particularly good at identifying problems in the spine, brain and joints. A standard x-ray does not give the same level of detail as an MRI scan. As MRI scanning has improved over the years MRI provides a detailed scans of the whole body.
What happens when I arrive for my scan?
The radiographer will ask you to lie on the scanner bed and position you correctly. You may need to have a lightweight piece of equipment placed over the area that we are scanning this helps to provide detail on the scan images. You will need to keep very still during the scan to avoid blurring the pictures.
If we are scanning your chest or abdomen, we may ask you to hold your breath- instructions will be given to you during your appointment. Some Scans we ask patients not to eat anything prior to the scan, if this is needed it will be written on your appointment letter.
The scan should be completely painless. The most difficult part is keeping still. However, it makes a loud banging noise. We will give you headphones and earplugs to reduce the noise. You can listen to music on the radio.
A scan usually takes 20 - 60 minutes, depending on the area of your body that is being scanned.
What happens after my scan?
As soon as the scan is finished, you can go home or back to your ward if you are an inpatient.
You can eat, drink and resume normal activities straightaway.
The results will be sent to the doctor who referred you. Results are normally available within 2-3 weeks.
If you are an inpatient, the results will be given to the doctors looking after you on the ward.
More information
An MRI is a very safe procedure, but patients with heart pacemakers and other surgical implants, may not be scanned. You will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire before your scan to make sure it is safe for you to be scanned. If you cannot have an MRI scan, you may be able to have a CT or ultrasound scan instead. If you are unsure about an implant that you have please call the department for advice.
Sometimes we need to give you an injection of contrast dye during the scan. This contains gadolinium, which some people are allergic to. Very rarely it can cause an allergic reaction which is similar to hay fever (runny nose and itchy eyes).
If you are pregnant, national safety guidelines recommend that we do not carry out an MRI scan unless it is clinically urgent. The doctor who refers you for the scan will decide with the radiologist if your scan is necessary. Many pregnant women have had MRI scans with no reported problems. For further information please call the department.
The following video shows what to expect from an MRI scan.