Before providing an accurate diagnosis and confirming your condition, your doctor may perform a physical exam and ask for your medical history. However, these methods may not provide enough information about your health status.
In such cases, your healthcare provider may recommend you for an MRI scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to obtain detailed images of your internal systems, including:
- Bones
- Muscles
- Organs
- Blood vessels
An MRI utilizes a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to generate images of the body.
MRI is an essential diagnostic tool to help your doctor evaluate, diagnose, and treat your condition.
Types of MRI Scans and What They Can Do
MRI scans are common, non-invasive, and safe. A radiologist performs and interprets MRI scans to diagnose various conditions. Here are the various types of MRI scans based on the conditions they can help diagnose:
- Cardiac MRIs – Check the overall structure of the heart such as the size of the heart chambers and the thickness of the walls in the heart. It can also reveal the extent of damage caused by heart diseases or recent heart attacks.
- Brain and Spinal Cord MRIs – The most common diagnostic tool to determine the presence of cerebral vessel aneurysms, eye and inner ear conditions, and spinal cord conditions. It can also identify brain injury from trauma.
- Functional MRIs (fMRI) – Used to show the anatomy of the brain and the different parts of the brain responsible for many of its bodily functions, such as language and movement.
- Bones and Joints MRIs – Can check for joint issues and bone infections. A bone MRI can determine spinal disc problems and tumors in the soft tissues and bones.
- Internal Organs MRIs – Can check the presence of tumors in organs such as the kidney, pancreas, and other lymphatic organs. It can also check tumors in the reproductive system such as the uterus and ovaries.
- Breast MRI – In addition to mammography, a breast MRI can be used to screen for breast cancer in high-risk individuals. It can also detect changes in breast cancer lesions and assess silicone implant leakages.
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) – This type of MRI specifically looks at the blood vessels and the flow of blood in the body. An MRA can help determine why there could be a blockage or narrowing in the blood vessels or find the cause of a stroke.
Some MRI scans require the use of contrast material. This helps enhance the quality of the images produced during the scan. It also improves the visibility of tumors, infections, and inflammation in blood vessels and other organs.
What Happens in an MRI Scan?
You can get an MRI scan by using either a closed-bore MRI machine or an open MRI machine. The main difference between the two is that an open MRI machine has two magnets positioned over and under you, while a closed-bore MRI positions you through a ring of magnets.
While a closed MRI produces better-quality pictures, an open MRI may be more comfortable for patients who prefer more space. However, if tight spaces are a concern for you and closed MRI machines are the available option, you can always ask your healthcare provider for sedatives or anesthesia, if necessary.
You will likely lie face-up inside the MRI machine and be asked to be as still as possible to produce the clearest images. The area of your body being scanned may become warm. Your radiologist will provide you with a call button for communication purposes during the procedure.
An average MRI scan takes anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour to complete. The amount of time in the MRI machine depends on the type you are getting done. If you received sedatives for your MRI, you may need someone to drive you home. You can resume your daily activities after the scan.
State-of-the-Art MRI Center in Florida
MRI scans vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendation. Getting a clear and accurate MRI scan is essential to obtaining the correct medical diagnosis and kickstarting your comprehensive treatment plan.
The Innovative Open MRI & Imaging provides comprehensive and accurate imaging services for patients all over the northern and central Florida area. Our state-of-the-art services include the open positional MRI, which can provide all of the MRI scans mentioned above while providing optimal comfort for patients. Our board-certified radiologists are dedicated to giving you compassionate and quality healthcare for any imaging diagnostic needs you may have.
Our offices in Lake Mary and Pensacola can be your right hand for diagnostic imaging services. For more information about our open positional MRI and to schedule an appointment, our friendly staff can be reached at (407) 915-6355 for our Lake Mary office and (850) 433-0674 for our Pensacola office.
You can also schedule an appointment online for your convenience through our secure online appointment request form. We are eager to assist you in your journey towards recovery through our diagnostic imaging services!
