Ireland Army Community Hospital

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive, usually painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. An MRI machine uses a large powerful magnet, a computer, and radio waves to create detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bones and other internal structures. It is can also be used to evaluate many blood vessel disorders by using special non-invasive imaging techniques known as MRA, Magnetic Resonance Angiography.

MRI is painless; it requires minimal preparation, and it can lead to early detection and treatment of many health problems without the use of ionizing radiation (x-rays).

Why do I need an MRI?

There are many reasons why your physician may order an MRI. Indications may include: Back pain, recent spine or joint injury, headaches, dizziness, stroke, metastatic disease, and abdominal or pelvic pain.

Will my insurance pay for an MRI?

Most insurance companies require pre-authorization for an MRI exam. This means that your physician must call your insurance company in advance and obtain authorization number to assure that they will pay for the test. For specific information about insurance coverage or for payment questions, please contact your insurance company directly.

What happens during the procedure?

During the MRI exam, you will be lying on a firm table. The technologist will position you on the table and then move the table to the center of the MRI machine. The inside of the machine is like a giant tunnel that is well lit and open on each end. The MRI makes a loud knocking noise while we take the image. This will last from a few seconds to a few minutes at a time and it is important that you remain perfectly still while the images are being recorded. However, you will be able to relax between imaging sequences. For your comfort, you will be given ear plugs or ear phones to listen to music during the exam. Some patients find it uncomfortable to remain still during MR imaging. Others experience a sense of being closed-in (claustrophobia). Therefore, sedation can be arranged for those patients who anticipate anxiety, but fewer than one in 20 require it. It is normal for the area of your body being imaged to feel slightly warm, but if it bothers you, notify the radiologist or technologist. The test takes approximately one hour. When the test is finished, you are free to go. The Radiologist will interpret the pictures and send a report to your physician.

Does the MRI exam require any needle sticks or injections?

The Radiologist is the physician responsible for interpreting the MRI pictures and he/she also determines whether or not you need to be given an MRI contrast injection during your test. When needed to help make a diagnosis, an MRI contrast agent is given to improve the quality of certain images. MRI contrast reactions are rare and usually no more severe than a headache. If your exam requires the use of an MRI contrast agent, the technologist or nurse will start an IV before or during the exam and administer the contrast.

How do I prepare to have this exam?

Because we use a large magnet in the MRI, no metallic objects or mechanical devices can enter the imaging room. You may want to keep this in mind when deciding what to wear to your MRI appointment. Below is a list of suggestions to help you prepare.

Clothing: Wear something light weight and comfortable that is easy to take on and off. Avoid wearing clothing that has a lot of metal snaps, zippers or hooks.

Jewelry: All metal jewelry and watches must be removed.

Hair products: Many hair products, such as "Topik" to cover hair loss, or attachable hair weaves contain magnetic particles, and they must be removed.

Hair accessories: Any hair clips, ties, or pins that are made of metal or have metal parts on them must be removed.

Make-up: Because some make up, particularly mascara, is made with a metallic base, it is best not to wear much make up the day of your appointment.

Dental devices: If you wear dentures, or partial dental plates, they must be removed.

Medication & diet: You may continue to take any routine medications prescribed by your physician and there are no dietary restrictions unless you are scheduled to receive medication for claustrophobia, pain, or general anesthesia.

Special considerations: Because we use a strong magnet in the MRI, patients who have pacemakers cannot have an MRI exam. You will be asked to complete an MRI Patient Screening form prior to your exam. Additional information or testing may be needed prior to your MRI exam to ensure that it is safe for you to have this test:

if you have any other implanted medical devices such as cochlear implants, penile implants, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, or stent

if you have ever been hit in the eye or face with metal or metal shavings, or shot with a gun

If you have questions, please call, (502) 624-0776