MRI scan – Tests & treatments

An MRI scanner is a short cylinder that’s open at both ends. You’ll lie on a flat motorised bed that moves inside the scanner.

In some cases, a frame may be placed over the body part being scanned, like the head or chest. This frame contains receivers that pick up the signals sent out by your body during the scan. This can help to create a better quality image.

Depending on the part of your body being scanned, you’ll be moved into the scanner either head or feet first.

Who operates an MRI scanner?

The MRI scanner is normally operated by a Radiographer, who is trained in carrying out imaging investigations. They control the scanner using a computer. This is in a different room to keep it away from the magnetic field generated by the scanner.

You’ll be able to talk to the Radiographer through an intercom. They’ll also be able to see you throughout the scan via a television monitor and a viewing window.

During the scan

At certain times during the scan, the scanner will make loud tapping noises. This is the electric current in the scanner coils being turned on and off. It can be extremely loud and patients have often compared it to standing immediately next to roadworks.

You’ll be given earplugs or headphones to wear to help you feel more comfortable.

You’re usually able to listen to music through headphones during the scan if you want to, and in some cases you can bring your own CD.

To avoid the images being blurred, it’s very important to keep your whole body still throughout the entire scan.

Modern MRI scanners have a wider tunnel, which helps reduce claustrophobia. If you’re claustrophobic you should tell the Radiographer. They’ll be able to support you during your scan. Going into the scanner feet first may be easier for claustrophobic patients, although this isn’t always possible.

How long does an MRI scan take?

A single scan may take a few seconds or 3 to 8 minutes. You may be asked to hold your breath during short scans.

The total scan lasts 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are needed.

You’ll be moved out of the scanner when your scan is over.

After the scan

An MRI scan is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure. This means you won’t need to stay in hospital overnight.

After the scan, you can resume normal activities immediately. If you have had a sedative, a friend or relative will need to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

It’s not safe to drive, operate heavy machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after having a sedative.

Getting your MRI scan results

Your MRI scan needs to be studied by a Radiologist (a doctor trained in interpreting scans and X-rays). It may also need to be discussed with other specialists. This means it’s unlikely you’ll get the results of your scan immediately.

The Radiologist will send a report to the doctor who arranged the scan. They’ll discuss the results with you.

It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for the results of an MRI scan to come through, unless they’re needed urgently.

How does an MRI scan work?

Most of the human body is made up of water molecules. These consist of hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

At the centre of each hydrogen atom is an even smaller particle called a proton. Protons are like tiny magnets and are very sensitive to magnetic fields.

The MRI scanner has powerful magnets. This means that when you lie inside it, the protons in your body line up in the same direction. This is similar to when a magnet pulls the needle of a compass. You will not be able to feel this happening.

Short bursts of radio waves are then sent into the body, knocking the protons out of alignment. When the radio waves are turned off, the protons realign. This sends out radio signals, which are picked up by receivers.

These signals provide information about the exact location of the protons in the body. They also help to show the difference between types of tissue in the body. This is because the protons in different types of tissue realign at different speeds and produce distinct signals.

MRI scan – Better Health Channel

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• The MRI scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures of your body’s interior.
• It is used to investigate or diagnose conditions that affect soft tissue such as tumours or brain disorders.
• The MRI scanner is a complicated piece of equipment that is expensive to use and found only in specialised centres.

What is an MRI scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scan used for a medical imaging procedure. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures inside the body. It is especially helpful to collect pictures of soft tissue such as organs and muscles that don’t show up on x-ray examinations.

One way to think of an MRI scan is a water ‘x-ray’ (although no actual x-rays are involved). Normal x-rays image calcium, so they are good to see bones. MRI scans image water, which makes them very useful because all tissues of the body contain various amounts of water. This allows high-resolution pictures of many organs and tissues to be taken that are invisible to standard x-rays.

How an MRI works

The MRI scan consists of a table that slides into a large cylinder. Inside the cylinder is a magnet that, when operated, creates a powerful magnetic field.

Soft tissue contains water molecules and the magnetic field acts upon microscopic substances (called protons) found in water. The magnetised protons in the soft tissue send out an echo in response to the MRI scan’s radio waves. A computer then organises these echoes into images.

The MRI scan operator (radiographer) can take cross-sectional images of the patient’s body from almost any angle.

When an MRI scan is used

The MRI scan is used to investigate or diagnose conditions that affect soft tissue, such as:

• Tumours, including cancer
• Soft tissue injuries such as damaged ligaments
• Joint injury or disease
• Spinal injury or disease
• Injury or disease of internal organs including the brain, heart and digestive organs.

The MRI scan provides clear and detailed images of soft tissue. However, it can’t ‘visualise’ bone very well, since bone tissue doesn’t contain much water. That is why bone injury or disease is usually investigated with regular x-ray examinations rather than MRI scanning.

Issues to consider prior to an MRI

Medical considerations prior to the MRI scan may include:

• Metal – some metal objects can be affected by the magnetic field of the MRI scan. Tell your doctor about any internal device or implant you may have, such as a heart pacemaker, metal pins or a medication pump. Don’t ever have an MRI scan if you have a heart pacemaker!
• Pregnancy – the affect of MRI scanning on a fetus is unknown. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you think you may be pregnant.
• Fasting – before undergoing a pelvic or abdominal MRI scan, you will be advised not to eat or drink for at least five hours before the procedure. In most other cases, it is usually not necessary to avoid food or drink prior to the scan. However, be advised by your doctor.
• Claustrophobia – tell your doctor if you experience claustrophobia. Some patients find the confined space within the MRI scan unsettling. The doctor may offer you medication to help you relax during the procedure.
• Children – often children are given anti-anxiety medication prior to the procedure to help them relax. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about this.

MRI scan procedure

Generally, an MRI involves the following:

• You will be asked to remove all metal objects, including wristwatches, keys and jewellery. These items must be left outside the scan room.
• In most cases, you are asked to undress and put on a cotton gown.
• You are instructed to lie on the scanner’s table. The table then slides into the cylinder. An intercom inside the MRI scanner allows you to talk with the radiography staff.
• It is important to lie very still. Movement will blur or distort the pictures.
• While it is in operation, the MRI scanner makes noises such as knocks, loud bangs and clicks. (You may be offered earplugs. In some cases, you can listen to music through headphones if you prefer.)
• The scanned area of your body may feel a little warm.
• The scan may take up to an hour, depending on the nature of the investigation.

Immediately after the MRI

You may be asked to wait while the radiographer checks the quality of the pictures. In some cases, you may be asked to get back into the MRI scanner so that more pictures can be taken. If the pictures are satisfactory, you can get dressed and go home.

There are no known long-term side effects from undergoing MRI. The MRI scan does not use ionising radiation to achieve its pictures. The MRI scan is a non-invasive, painless and safe procedure that doesn’t require any ‘recovery time’. Be guided by your doctor but, generally, there are no special after-care instructions.

A radiologist and other specialised doctors will examine and interpret the scan images. A report of the radiologist’s findings is sent to your doctor. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the results. The MRI scan will help the doctor to plan appropriate treatment, if necessary.

Complications of an MRI

The MRI scan is a very safe procedure. Occasional complications may include:

• Metal objects (such as jewellery) worn during the scan can cause injury.
• The powerful magnetic field of the MRI scanner may damage internal metal devices, such as a heart pacemaker.
• In some cases, such as in the investigation of blood vessels, a contrast dye is injected into a vein immediately prior to the scan. This helps to produce a clearer picture. Rarely, a patient may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye.

Alternatives to an MRI scan

The MRI scanner is a complicated piece of equipment that is expensive to use and found only in specialised centres. Alternatives to MRI depend on the medical condition under investigation, but could include:

• x-ray examination
• computed tomography (CT), an X-ray scan
• ultrasound
• blood test
• biopsy.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Radiologist

• MRIExternal Link, St Vincent’s Private Radiology.

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EXPERTISE

Radiologists with experience up to 36 years

QUALITY

Tomograph Siemens 1. 5 Tl
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OPERATION

MRI interpretation as early as
in 30 minutes*

EXPERIENCE

We have been working since 2008,
over 55,000 studies

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Cherkasova S.A. answers:
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MRI is not only safe, but also completely painless (non-invasive) diagnostic method. The only thing that can give you discomfort is a long stay in a stationary state on a hard table. In addition, the scanner room may be cool – you can ask to reduce the ventilation in the magnet tunnel. Sometimes there may be a feeling of warmth in the examination area – this is normal.

Experienced doctors

Cherkasova
Svetlana Alekseevna

Doctor of the highest category

Head physician

Experience 36 years

Pashkova Anna Aleksandrovna

Ph.D.

Experience 13 years

Tashchilkin
Aleksey
Ivanovich

Radiologist

Experience 19 years

Alexandrov Timofey Alexandrovich

Radiologist

Experience 17 years

Machekhin 90 021 Grigory
Sergeevich

Radiologist

Experience 11 years

Expert class tomograph

One MRI study — from visit to result — takes no more than 1 hour0013

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Report of a radiologist

What are “artifacts” on MRI scans?

Artifacts (from lat. artefactum) are errors made by a person in the process of research. Artifacts significantly degrade image quality. There is an extensive group of physiological (in other words, related to human behavior) artifacts: motor, respiratory, artifacts from swallowing, blinking, random uncontrolled movements (tremor, hypertonicity). All artifacts associated with the human factor can be easily overcome if a person is completely relaxed during the study, breathes evenly and freely, without deep swallowing movements and frequent blinking. However, in medical practice, cases of using light anesthesia are not uncommon.

At what age can children have an MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging has no age restrictions, so it can be performed on children from birth. But due to the fact that during the MRI procedure it is necessary to remain still, the examination of young children is carried out under conditions of anesthesia (surface anesthesia). In our center, examination under anesthesia is not carried out, therefore, we examine children only from the age of seven.

What are the contraindications for MRI?

All contraindications to MRI can be divided into absolute and relative.
Absolute contraindications for MRI are the following features of the patient: the presence of a pacemaker (heart pacemaker) and other implantable electronic devices, the presence of ferrimagnetic (iron-containing) and electrical prostheses of the stirrup (after reconstructive operations on the middle ear), hemostatic clips after operations on the vessels brain, abdominal cavity or lungs, metal fragments in the orbit, large fragments, shot or bullets near the neurovascular bundles and vital organs, as well as pregnancy up to three months.
Relative contraindications include: claustrophobia (fear of closed space), the presence of massive non-ferrimagnetic metal structures and prostheses in the patient’s body, the presence of an IUD (intrauterine device). In addition, all patients with magnetically compatible (not ferrimagnetic) metal structures can be examined only after a month after the surgical intervention.

Do I need to have a doctor’s referral to get an MRI?

A doctor’s referral is not a prerequisite for visiting an MRI center. Your concern for your health, your consent to the examination, as well as the absence of contraindications for an MRI is important to us.

I get headaches often. Which area should have an MRI?

Any person is familiar with a headache, but if it recurs suspiciously often, it certainly cannot be ignored. We recommend that a patient with severe headaches undergo an MRI of the brain and its vessels. In some cases, this may not be enough, because the cause of headaches is not always associated with the pathology of the brain. Headaches can be the result of cervical osteochondrosis, so our specialists additionally advise to undergo MRI of the cervical spine and neck vessels.

How long does an MRI exam take?

The average duration of one examination in our center is from 10 to 20 minutes, however, it all depends on the changes detected: sometimes, to clarify the disease, the radiologist may extend the examination protocol and resort to the use of contrast enhancement. In such cases, the study time is increased.

Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Harmful?

Magnetic resonance imaging is a completely harmless and safe method of radiation diagnostics. MRI imaging is based on the ionizing radiation inherent in computed tomography (CT) imaging. But there are contraindications that you need to familiarize yourself with before signing up for an examination.

Is pregnancy a contraindication for MRI?

An absolute contraindication to MRI is pregnancy up to three months. If an urgent (life-threatening) disease of a woman is suspected, the decision to conduct an MRI in the early stages of pregnancy is made by a gynecologist.

In our center, you can get an MRI during pregnancy in the second and third trimester – for this you need to provide a referral from the attending physician who ordered the MRI, as well as a certificate from the obstetrician-gynecologist that magnetic resonance imaging is allowed.

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You can receive the study in a medium that is convenient for you, as well as select several options.

By clicking on the “Sign up” button, you consent to the processing of personal data in accordance with the Federal Law of July 27, 2006 No. 152-FZ “On Personal Data”.

Feedback on the work of the center

We arrived at the center from Estonia, Tallinn. My husband and I did many procedures: the brain, blood vessels, abdominal cavity, soft tissues of the neck. Everything is fast, high quality, the answer is on hand. Thank you! I will recommend your center to my friends. And if you need another MRI, we will come to you.

Nadezhda Marchuk, Andrey Nesterov

I would like to thank all the staff for their attentive service. Everything was very “Petersburg”. Thank you! All health! Keep up the brand in the future!!! Good luck in all your endeavors!

Brodyagina L.I.

The center impressed me with its new renovation and new modern equipment. The examination procedure, two sections of the spine was held under classical music and a light “breeze”, it was calm and comfortable.

Dukich E.N.

I really like your center, services, maintenance. Checked for the 6th time in 2 years. I only go to you. Very convenient, comfortable. Qualified personnel. Thanks a lot, everyone. Separately, I would like to note Dr. Cherkasova S.A.

Ignatieva I.P.

Signed up for the study at night. I arrived ahead of time, but everything was done quickly, clearly and as agreed at a lower price. Thanks a lot for the great service.

Kobycheva V.A.

I had an MRI with you a week ago. Everything is very fast, polite, and most importantly – a high-quality transcript and a doctor’s conclusion. Thank you! I also subscribed to your VK group, what if I need it again?)))

Natalya Kiyanovskaya

I was very worried before the examination, but the clinic staff calmed me down and everything went well, thank you! The result was ready almost immediately, which is very pleased! Good and cozy environment!

Elena

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Benefits for patients

Possible presence
accompanying person
in the MRI room

wifi,
tea and coffee for
visitor center

Comfortable
schedule
center work

Headphones with music for a comfortable MRI experience

Feedback on the work of the center

We arrived at the center from Estonia, Tallinn. My husband and I did many procedures: the brain, blood vessels, abdominal cavity, soft tissues of the neck. Everything is fast, high quality, the answer is on hand. Thank you! I will recommend your center to my friends. And if you need another MRI, we will come to you.

Nadezhda Marchuk, Andrey Nesterov

I would like to thank all the staff for their attentive service. Everything was very “Petersburg”. Thank you! All health! Keep up the brand in the future!!! Good luck in all your endeavors!

Brodyagina L.I.

The center impressed me with its new renovation and modern equipment. The procedure for examining 2 sections of the spine was accompanied by classical music and a light “breeze”, it was calm and comfortable.

Dukich E.N.

I really like your center, services, maintenance. Checked for the 6th time in 2 years. I only go to you. Very convenient, comfortable. Qualified personnel. Thanks a lot, everyone. Separately, I would like to note Dr. Cherkasova S.A.

Ignatieva I.P.

Signed up for the study at night. I arrived ahead of time, but everything was done quickly, clearly and as agreed at a lower price. Thanks a lot for the great service.

Kobycheva V.A.

I had an MRI with you a week ago. Everything is very fast, polite, and most importantly – a high-quality transcript and a doctor’s conclusion. Thank you! I also subscribed to your VK group, what if I need it again?)))

Natalya Kiyanovskaya

I was very worried before the examination, but the clinic staff calmed me down and everything went well, thank you! The result was ready almost immediately, which is very pleased! Good and cozy environment!

Elena

all reviews

What is important to know about the use of a contrast agent for MRI?

MRI is a safe, non-invasive, highly informative research method for diagnosing diseases of organs and systems. The resulting series of images provides reliable, clear information, but in some situations this is not enough and patients are prescribed MRI with contrast.

The value of the contrast agent in MRI

MRI does not carry radiation exposure to the body, since it is based on electromagnetic radiation. The tomograph provides clear three-dimensional images that show any abnormalities in the functioning of a particular area. It is more informative than ultrasound, radiography. According to statistics, about 40% of all studies are performed with contrast enhancement.

In oncology, without this method, it is extremely difficult to examine small precancerous lesions. After the introduction of special solutions, tissue contrast is enhanced, which increases the efficiency of the study. A radiologist can examine pathological areas in more detail, determine the degree of malignancy, and identify metastases.

Specific dyes (contrasts) differ in bioavailability, magnetic properties, route of administration and other characteristics. For MRI diagnostics, preparations based on gadolinium, a rare earth element, are used. It dissolves well in water, is highly informative, is removed from the body with urine, and has a minimal list of side effects.

When do I need an MRI with contrast?

Examination reveals areas of damage, degeneration, injury to organs and tissues, reduction, increase in their size. Indications for carrying out:

• signs of oncological diseases, cystic formations;
• differential diagnosis of a cancerous tumor with a benign formation;
• brain pathologies – multiple sclerosis, paroxysmal conditions, neurodegenerative changes, etc.;
• the need to confirm the diagnosis after other studies;
• diseases of the spine – hernia, protrusion, etc.;
• determination of metastases in the brain, spinal cord;
• rehabilitation period after surgical treatment of intervertebral hernias for the purpose of differential diagnosis of disease recurrence from scar tissue.

Contrast preparations are indicators of many pathological processes; they accumulate in the affected tissues, giving detailed information about the area under study.

MRI of the brain with contrast is one of the main methods for differentiating neoplasms, metastases, and detecting disorders after traumatic brain injury.

How is the contrast medium administered?

Dye preparations are administered orally, rectally, intravenously. The latter option is used more often, and it includes 2 methods of administration:

• single injection through a syringe – the required level of the substance in the bloodstream is observed after a couple of seconds;
• automatic injector drip (bolus follow-up). The rate of entry of the solution into the vessels is fixed and determined by the doctor.

With a bolus injection, the clinician can compare step by step images throughout the exam as the dye builds up in the body over time. The method of administration of the drug depends on the type of MRI protocol, and the dosage is calculated individually.

What you need to know about MRI with contrast?

Compared to radiopaque agents containing iodine, preparations used in MRI have a lower degree of toxicity. Other highlights:

• If the patient has an allergy to substances, but he did not know about it, it may manifest itself as dizziness, redness of the skin. As a rule, the symptoms disappear on their own, without drug therapy.
• Side effects in the form of nausea, sometimes vomiting, feelings of dizziness, anaphylactic reactions are extremely rare.
• If an allergy is detected, a conventional magnetic resonance imaging is performed.
• Any metal in the body is attracted by a magnetic field, this can cause bleeding, burns. Electronic stimulators during the study may fail or lose their settings.
• MRI with contrast during pregnancy is allowed only if the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus.

If the patient is afraid of the examination, the doctor will prescribe a sedative, and diagnostics under anesthesia is also allowed.

Contraindications to the study

MRI with contrast is not performed for:

• pregnancy;
• drug allergy;
• severe kidney pathologies;
• mental disorders;
• installed metal implants, pacemakers and other metal products;
• an overexcited state or diseases in which a person cannot remain still.

The dye is excreted by the kidneys, in case of their insufficiency, there is a possibility of systemic nephrosclerosis. Patients with kidney pathologies must first be tested for creatinine in order to determine the possibility of the procedure by its level. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication, but the baby can be breastfed only 36 hours after the examination. During this time, the contrast will leave the body and it will be possible to resume feeding.

Examinations at the medical center “DonMed”

The diagnostic center “DonMed” performs magnetic resonance imaging of any part of the body with and without contrast on a modern tomograph Philips Achieva 1.5T . The device has high scanning power , thoughtful design – a partially closed tunnel, which is important for patients with fear of confined spaces.

The MRI result is ready in half an hour, in complex clinical cases it can be issued within a day. The patient receives it on a digital medium, and can additionally purchase an X-ray film. In the center, you can undergo ultrasound, CT and other studies, take tests on the day of treatment.

The DonMed multidisciplinary center employs qualified narrow and broad specialists – therapists, oncologists, neurologists, phlebologists, gynecologists, etc. To make an appointment at a convenient time for you, call or request a call back.

Find out prices for MRI at the DonMed clinic You can find out at the link .

MRI with contrast in Lyubertsy (Horizon Clinic)0385 LUBERTSAKH (MOSCOW)

, clinic “Horizon”. MRI in the clinic Horizon is carried out with modern equipment – Philips Achieva 3 Tesla (a modern tomograph with 32 channels, providing high detail images).

Go to the Horizon MC website

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