Midwest Neuroscience, PC - Neurologic and Neuroimaging Services - Missouri

Midwest Neuroscience, PC
MD Imaging
17020 E. 40 Hwy
Suite 8
Independence, MO 64055
Tel: 816.373.3213
Fax: 816.373.6209
VIEW MAP >>

After hours emergency #:
913.599.7459

Monday-Friday
8:30am-3:30pm

E-mail This

A Patient's Guide to OPEN MRI

Answering Your Questions About MRI

Your doctor has arranged for you to be examined using one of the most advanced diagnostic methods available: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This webpage addresses frequently asked questions about MRI. Please read it before your appointment. If you have further questions after reading it we'll be happy to answer them.

How Should I Prepare for the Exam?

Eat normally. Take your usual medications unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
You may find it easier to relax if you avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
Wear comfortable clothes.
Bring your insurance identification card if you have one.
Our magnet can accommodate patients who weigh up to 440 pounds.
More than anything . . . RELAX!

MRI Photo MRI is a very advanced medical imaging technique. It is an easy, safe and comfortable exam. It provides an excellent way to diagnose diseases of the brain, spine, skeleton, chest, abdomen, pelvis and blood vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves instead of X-ray to display many parts of the body, especially the brain, spine and joints.

[back to top]

What is the Exam Like?

The exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. It consists of several image exposures lasting 10 to 15 minutes each.

You'll be asked to remove your make-up, eyeglasses, watch, jewelry, credit cards, dentures, hearing aids and any other metallic objects you are carrying. A locker is provided for your valuables. Then the technologist will help you lie down on a cushioned table.

A device called a 'coil' will be placed over or under you. It is specialized to produce the clearest picture of the area it is placed over, such as your knee.

When you are comfortably positioned, the table will move into the magnet. The technologist will then step into the control area, while staying in constant contact with you both visually and through an intercom.

As the exam proceeds, you will hear a soft muffled sound for several minutes at a time. Other than the sound, the MRI creates no bodily sensation.

Relax and lie as still as possible. Any movement during this time will blur the picture. When the exam is done, the technologist will help you off the table.

[back to top]

Is There Any Risk?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is very safe. There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine.

However, some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field, so it is important for you to tell us if any of the following apply to you or someone accompanying you into the exam room:

cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve
metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
intrauterine device, such as Copper-7 IUD
insulin pump or other infusion pump
aneurysm dips
previous gunshot wound
inner ear implant
ever been a metal worker (had metal in eye)
permanent (tattoo) eye-liner

Any metallic substance on your person can affect the quality of the diagnostic images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you when placed in the magnetic field, and may exclude you from the exam.

Also, be sure to tell us if you are pregnant.

[back to top]

Will I Need an Injection?

In many cases an MRI exam does require an injection. A substance known as a contrast agent may be needed to enhance the ability of the MRI to see into your body. All contrast agents are FDA-approved, and are considered safe.

Very anxious patients may be given a sedative to help them relax and lie still during the exam. If you think you will require a sedative, you will need to bring someone to drive you home.

[back to top]

Which MRI is best?

You may have heard talk about MRI's and which one is best. Magnets vary in strength from low field (0.2 - 0.5 T) to very high field (3.0 T). Often more important than the strength of the magnet is the clinical correlation of your MRI results with your symptoms and physical findings.

The neurologists at Midwest Neuroscience have over 25 years of clinical experience in treating neurologic diseases. Their ability to interpret your MRI findings, in the context of your neurologic history and examination, will result in the most effective use of this technology.

Location

MD Imaging is at 17020 E. 40 Highway, Suite 8, next door to Midwest Open Imaging which is Suite 4. MRI patients should enter through Midwest Open Imaging, Suite 4.