Thousand Oaks Imaging Center
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
What is a MRI?
MRI is a diagnostic technique that uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images used to evaluate various organs, tissues and structures in your body. MRI has become one of the leading diagnostic tools utilized in health care. The detail of the images produced makes MRI invaluable in early diagnosis without exposing the patient to harmful radiation.
MRI: What to Expect
The technologist will simply ask you to lie down on a cushioned table which will move into the magnet after you have been positioned for scanning. When the MRI scan begins, you will hear a muffled thumping sound which will last for several minutes. Just relax- even take a nap- but try to lie as still as possible since any movement during this time will blur the picture. Here at Thousand Oaks you can even listen to the radio while your scan is taking place. MRI scans usually take between 30-60 minutes.
Because the MRI contains a large magnet, you will be asked to remove all metallic objects prior to entering the imaging room. We suggest you wear something light weighta nd comfortable. All jewelry must be removed prior to the exam; therefore, it is best to leave your jewelry at home. Hearig aids, dentures and partial dental plates will also need to be removed prior to the exam. Many attachable hair products also contain magnetic particles.
MRI----Precautions:
Because MRI uses a large magnet, some special circumstances limit the use of the MRI. Certain implants can be affected by an MRI exam, therefore YOU MUST let us know if you have any of the following:
MRI is a diagnostic technique that uses a large magnet and radio waves to produce images used to evaluate various organs, tissues and structures in your body. MRI has become one of the leading diagnostic tools utilized in health care. The detail of the images produced makes MRI invaluable in early diagnosis without exposing the patient to harmful radiation.
MRI: What to Expect
The technologist will simply ask you to lie down on a cushioned table which will move into the magnet after you have been positioned for scanning. When the MRI scan begins, you will hear a muffled thumping sound which will last for several minutes. Just relax- even take a nap- but try to lie as still as possible since any movement during this time will blur the picture. Here at Thousand Oaks you can even listen to the radio while your scan is taking place. MRI scans usually take between 30-60 minutes.
Because the MRI contains a large magnet, you will be asked to remove all metallic objects prior to entering the imaging room. We suggest you wear something light weighta nd comfortable. All jewelry must be removed prior to the exam; therefore, it is best to leave your jewelry at home. Hearig aids, dentures and partial dental plates will also need to be removed prior to the exam. Many attachable hair products also contain magnetic particles.
MRI----Precautions:
Because MRI uses a large magnet, some special circumstances limit the use of the MRI. Certain implants can be affected by an MRI exam, therefore YOU MUST let us know if you have any of the following:
- Pacemakers, pacing wires or artifical heart valve
- Brain aneurysm clips
- Implanted spinal cord stimulator or brain stimulator
- Metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
- Shrapnel
- Inner ear implants
- Metal fragments in your eyes
- Permanent tattoo eye-liner
