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MAGNETIC
RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
What
is MRI and how does it work?
What is it like to have an MRI?
How do I prepare for an MRI?
How
do I make an appointment?
Referral
information for physicians
Additional
information on MRI
Please
click here to watch a video on MR exams.
*Please note that the video may take a moment to begin
What is MRI and how does it work?
Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to create an image
of the body. One of our Radiologists with special training and expertise
in MRI uses this image to identify and diagnose many conditions
in different parts of the body. There are many reasons your doctor
may order an MRI. Chest MRIs, Head MRIs, and Neck/Spine MRIs are
a few types of MRI that your doctor may order.
What
is it like to have an MRI?
The
MRI is painless. During the procedure, you will need to lie still
for 30-90 minutes in the machine, which looks like a hollow tube.
The length of the test will depend on the part of the body being
scanned and the reason and the test is being done. You may be injected
with an agent to help highlight a certain part of the body. These
agents do not contain iodine and are unlikely to cause allergic
reactions
You
will lie down on a table that will slowly move into the machine.
Once you are settled in, the technologist will step out of the room.
You will still be able to talk to them through a microphone. If
you get nervous or have any concerns, let the technologist know.
You
will need to lie still the whole time the test is being done. You
will not feel anything, but may hear tapping or gentle thumping
as the machine works. These sounds are normal. After the test is
finished, the technologist will bring the table back out of the
machine. They will then review the images and let you know that
is it all right to leave. The images will be interpreted by the
MRI Radiologist, who will send the results to your doctor to review.
MRI
is a painless test that most people tolerate well. Some people who
are anxious or afraid of tight spaces will want to discuss this
with their doctor. There are a number of options, including earplugs,
special glasses, and sedatives. You may have a friend or family
member in the room with you.
It
is important to tell the technician if you have any metal or
electronic devices implanted in your body, as these may affect the
image. You shouldn't undergo an MRI if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator,
or other implanted life-support equipment, as the MRI may interfere
with their functioning. Pregnant women should also talk with your
doctor before having an MRI scan. When in doubt, ask your doctor
or MRI technician.
How
do I prepare for an MRI?
Unless
your doctor has told you otherwise, go about your normal activities,
including eating and taking necessary medications. When you take
the test, you will be asked to remove all jewelry and accessories,
including hearing aids or dentures. You will need to wear clothing
without metal parts.
How
do I make an appointment?
You,
or your doctor's office, can make an appointment by calling our
central scheduling office:
Central
Scheduling: 617-665-1298
To
schedule an appointment, you must have a referral order from a primary
care physician.
________________________________
Referral
information for physicians
You
can make a referral for your patients by calling:
Central
Scheduling: 617-665-1298
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