How does MRI technology work?

The MRI scanner is a large, cylindrical machine that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves (not x-rays or radiation) to "see" detailed images inside your body. The MRI system uses the magnetic field to control radio waves in a pattern around a section of your body. As these radio signals pass through your body, the atoms and molecules of your tissues resonate, releasing signals.

What does an MRI exam feel like?

An MRI scan is painless; there are no known side effects following an MRI examination. You may feel warmth in the area being imaged – this is normal. For some patients, keeping still may be slightly uncomfortable. The MRI exam is fairly noisy. You will hear the hum of the machine, clicking, and loud inconsistent, thumping sounds as the magnetic field is created and pulses of radio waves are sent from the scanner.

How long will my scan take?

Depending on the type of scan you will receive, the length of the actual procedure will typically be between 30 and 40 minutes. A few involved MRI examinations may take longer.

What are the advantages of MRI?

MRI is a diagnostic scanning technique that produces detailed images of structures within the body. It shows a greater contrast between normal and abnormal tissues than other imaging techniques, which makes it a valuable tool for diagnosing tumors, viewing tissue damage, and examining blood flow. MRI can help with early detection for better treatment. Clearer images mean more accurate diagnosis. Through brain and spine scans, MRI can detect multiple sclerosis in its earliest stages, tumors, brain and spine disease, and fluid in the skull. Heart scans can show plaque build-up in arteries. Cancer and other diseases can be detected in the kidneys, ovaries, uterus, liver, and other areas of the body. MRI imaging is also a vital part of diagnosing sports injuries, and MRI is finding an increasing role in diagnostic mammography.

What does MRI scan?

MRI is one of the best diagnostic exams for viewing many types of soft-tissue including:

• the brain, vessels of the brain, eyes, inner ear

• the neck, shoulders, cervical spine, and blood vessels of the neck

• the heart, aorta, and coronary arteries

• the thoracic and lumbar spine

• the upper abdomen, liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, and other abdominal vessels

• the pelvis and hips, male and female reproductive system, and bladder

• the musculo-skeletal system including joints such as the shoulder, knee, wrist, ankles,
and feet

Can I have an MRI if I have fillings or braces?

Yes. The metal in most fillings and in braces is not affected by the MRI magnetic field. However, the fillings and braces may cause some distortion of the images if you are having a scan of your neck, brain or facial area.

Can I move during the MRI scan?

Relax and try to lie as still as possible when you are inside the scanner and hear the loud thumping sounds. Any movement can blur the images. For most MRI exams, you may reposition your arms or scratch an itch between image sequences, which each last several minutes. However, it is important that you not move the body part being imaged until the entire exam is complete. Some MRI exams of the chest and abdomen may require that you hold your breath for 10 to 25 seconds at a time. This eliminates blurring in the image caused by breathing or other patient motion.

What type of MRI scanners does OAI offer?

Oregon Advanced Imaging utilizes the following high-field MRI scanners:

• Siemens Symphony 1.5T
• Siemens Espree Open MRI 1.5T

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