An MRI scan stands for magnetic resonance imaging and it is a common exam used by doctors all over the world to diagnose a variety of problems. MRI works by using radio waves along with a strong magnetic field to create very detailed images of the tissues and organs of a body.
An MRI scan can be used to identify the following:
Abnormalities of the spinal cord or brain
Cysts and tumors
Abnormalities or injuries to joints
Heart problems
Diseases of abdominal organs
Causes of pelvic pain
Potential uterine abnormalities in women
An MRI scan has the advantage of avoiding radiation. It is painless and there are no known side effects.
An MRI scan can identify if a tumor is benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). An MRI can also identify cancer in organs and whether or not they have spread, otherwise known as metastasized, from where it started to other parts of the body.
The actual MRI scan can take between 20 - 60 minutes, depending on the part of the body that is being examined and the number of images required. If some of the images are not clear to the radiologist, the patient may undergo a second scan right away.
Patients can eat normal and take their regular medications before an MRI scan. It is asked that they remove things prior to the exam that may affect the magnetic imaging such as: Jewelry, Hairpins, Watches, Dentures, Eye Glasses, Earrings, or any other items that may contain metal.
Knowledge is power... what you don't know can kill you. At Body View, VIP Preventive Medicine, we provide advanced MRI & PET/CT, resolution imaging with the GE 3.0 Tesla MRI.
BodyView is one of the only outpatient facilities in Florida with this MRI Technology.