FAQs

Frequently Asked MRI Questions

Q: Why has my doctor order an MRI exam?

A: An MRI image allows your doctor to diagnose and treat your medical condition by providing a closer look inside your organs, muscle, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
Q: Will other tests be ordered?

A: Additional test may be ordered before or after your MRI with your doctor’s permission.
Q: Why is it so important to lie still during an MRI exam?

A: Yes. You need to lie as still as possible in order for your MRI image to be clear. Alert the technician if you start to feel uncomfortable.
Q: What is “contrast” and when is it required?

A: Your doctor may request the use of a contrast medium, which is required for some types of scans to produce a clear image. Since an MRI contrast is administered intravenously, please notify us if you are diabetic or have limited kidney function because this may limit the use of MRI contrast.
Q: Will the results of my scan be kept confidential?

A: Yes. Radiologists and Technologists follow strict codes of professional conduct and are bound to confidentiality agreements.
Q: What is Magnetic Resonance Angiography?

A: Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a procedure that provides a specialized radiologist a detailed view of your blood vessels. The procedure is painless and done inside the open MRI scanner.
Q: Is the MRI dye the same as CT or x-ray dye?

A: No, MRI dye isn’t iodine-based. It uses gadolinium, which has a much lower risk of reaction than x-ray dye.
Q: I’ve already had a CT scan so why do I need an MRI? What’s the difference?

A: A CT Scan (or CAT Scan) is best suited for viewing bone injuries, diagnosing lung and chest problems, and detecting cancers. An MRI is suited for examining soft tissue in ligament and tendon injuries, spinal cord injuries, brain tumors, etc. One advantage of an MRI is that it does not use radiation while CAT scans do.
Q: Should I take sedation?

A: If you suffer from claustrophobia you may want to take a mild sedative before your MRI. Sedatives will not be administered in our office. Please get a prescription from your doctor and have someone drive you to our office or take public transportation. You should not drive after taking a sedative.