SIRA -- MRI

MRI -- Magnetic Resonance Imaging

At SIRA, we are proud to offer you state-of-the-art MRI in our new facility. We have specially designed our MRI area to give you the most comfortable atmosphere possible. Even if claustrophobia is sometimes a problem for you, you need not worry about having your MRI done here. Our special large bore magnet, coupled with our bright and windowed room will make your experience much better than you might expect.

You will be carefully positioned to ensure the most accurate diagnosis.

What is MRI? MRI, short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a painless, non-surgical method of gaining very clear pictures of the inside of your body. It uses a magnetic field to get pictures of the brain, bones, chest, abdomenal organs, pelvic regions and even blood vessels without radiation.
Note: You probably will not be able to have an MRI if you have any of the following:
Heart pacemaker. Heart defibrillator. Brain aneurysm clips. Surgical clips or staples. Metal in the eye (an x-ray will be taken to check this before your MRI is done if you're not sure). Metallic plate, pin, or other metallic implant.	Intrauterine device such as Copper 7 If you ever have been a metal worker. Permanent tattoo eyeliner. If you are pregnant. Any metallic substance on your person can affect the quality of the diagnostic images, cause discomfort or injury to you, and may exclude you from the exam.

Preparing for your MRI
Your physician will instruct you on how to get ready for your MRI. If you are unsure about what you need to do, please call SIRA with your questions at 812.333.7675

In general, these are the rules:

Any patient who needs contrast must be NPO (NOTHING by mouth) for four hours before the time of your exam.

MRCP must be NPO after midnight the night before your exam.

Lumbar exams that have had surgery ALWAYS get contrast.
Pituitary, IAC, Mets (Brain) ALWAYS get contrast.

So if you are having one of the above tests, you must be NPO for four hours prior to your exam time.

How does MRI work?
MRI uses a special radio wave in conjunction with a strong magnetic field. It works by measuring the tiny radio signals put off by the cells in your body as they respond to the machine's radio wave and to the magnetic field of the machine. There is a receiver in the machine that picks up these tiny signals and sends them to a computer. This computer translates the signals into detailed pictures.

Because different types of cells will send off different strengths of signals, MRI is able to make a very clear picture of your body.

How is SIRA's MRI different?
You may have heard someone talk about an MRI experience that was confining, scary, or was otherwise uncomfortable. At SIRA, we have worked hard to change that! Our machine has a wide opening so that your feeling of confinement is reduced. In addition, our brightly lit and windowed room offers a more relaxed setting, while assuring your privacy.

When you arrive for your MRI

We will review your medical history and ask you to read and sign several forms. These are forms related to your insurance, explanation about the MRI itself, and a form to authorize us to do the procedure.

You will be asked if you have any artificial joints or plates or artificial valves, if you are pregnant, or if you have had surgery. You will be asked if you have any metal on your person. See this link for examples.

You will be given a gown to wear during the exam and your personal belongings can be kept in a locker during the exam.

A friend or relative may accompany you into the exam room.

We use special supports to make sure that you do not move during the exam.

You will be fitted with headphones and you will lie on a padded table that will move you into the MRI during your scan.

Your technologist will place a specialized device called a "coil" around the part of your body being examined. In our picture just above, the patient's head is being examined and he is having the coil put there.

If you are having a scan with contrast, you will be given an injection or IV of the contrasting agent. This may be given before your exam or midway through. If it is midway through, it is important that you not move at all while you are being given this injection. The contrasting agent does not contain iodine and the only common side effect that you may have is a brief feeling of warmth or a metallic taste in your mouth. This is normal and will go away in a few minutes.

When you are undergoing the exam, you must lie quietly. The brightness of our room will help you if you tend toward claustrophobia.

You will be permitted to talk during your exam, but it is important that you lie still. The exam usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.

You will not experience any pain due to the exam. You will hear loud intermittent hammering noises, but this is normal.

Your technologist will step out of the room as your exam begins, but will be in the next room monitoring your progress on a computer screen and through a window. The technologist will also be able to hear you and talk to you through an intercom.

During your exam, the technologist will be watching you through a window while your scan is shown n the screen.

After your MRI ... you can expect no effects as a result of the exam. You can resume your normal activities. Any contrast substance that you took for your MRI will pass naturally within a day or so.

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