RHODE ISLAND MEDICAL IMAGING
MRI FAQ



MRI Frequently-Asked Questions

Q: How long will the exam take?

A: That will depend on what body part is being examined but may take from 25 minutes to one hour.

Q: I'm claustrophobic. How far do I go into the scanner?

A: In order to get the best pictures possible, the part of the body being studied, has to be in the middle of the scanner. Thus, if you are having a brain MRI, your head will have to be in the middle of the scanner. If you are having an ankle MRI, your ankle will be in the scanner, but your head will not. If you have severe claustrophobia, ask your doctor for some medication to help you relax during the scan. Please have someone accompany you who can drive you home if you do take any medication. Some exams can be performed on our open magnet for those patients who are severly claustrophobic.

Q: Do I really have to hold still?

A: Yes. An MRI exam is composed of a series of images. Each series takes 3 to 5 minutes. Any movement during this time causes the pictures to be "blurry" and limits the radiologist's ability to interpret the study. Also, we focus the exam on a specific part of the body. If you move, the area we are focusing on may no longer be in the proper position.

Q: I have metal in my body from prior surgery. Can I have an MRI?

A: Most people who have metal in their body after surgery can have an MRI. For example, patients with hip or knee replacements can have an MRI 6 weeks after surgery. Other implanted devices require less time after surgery. Certain devices can never go into the MRI machine and these include heart pacemakers, and some implanted pumps and nerve stimulatorsr. Some brain aneurysm clips (particularly older ones) cannot go into the scanner. If you have had any prior surgery, you must let the technologist know prior to the scan. Also, if there is any chance there may be metal in any part of your body from a prior injury or from grinding metal, please inform the technologist prior to the scan.

Q: How and when will I get the results of the exam?

A: Your MRI examination will usually be read the same day so that your doctor will receive the results wihin one or two days.

Service Information:

MRI