MRI

CHARLOTTE

• MRI Upright
• MRI Mobile (Regular Bore)
• MRI Mobile (Wide Bore)

BALLANTYNE

• MRI Mobile (Wide Bore)

CONCORD

• MRI Mobile (Regular Bore)

ROCK HILL

• MRI Mobile (Regular Bore)
  

WHAT IS AN MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a combination of a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. MRI scanning is painless and does not involve X-ray radiation. At Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, we use our MRI scanners to obtain detailed diagnostic images to detect possible abnormalities so the best course of treatment can be determined.

HOW DOES A PATIENT PREPARE FOR AN MRI SCAN?

No special preparation is required prior to the MRI exam. You may eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed. Wear loose fitting clothing, preferably with no metal. Prior to entering the scan room for your exam, you will be asked to leave those items that are not compatible with a magnetic field in a secure place outside the scan room. These items include all coins, jewelry, watches, credit cards, hearing aids, keys, hairpins, cell phones, PDAs, and other metal objects. You may also be asked to remove make-up and dentures and you will be asked to change into patient scrubs to avoid magnetic interference with everyday clothing.

HOW IS AN MRI SCAN PERFORMED?

Recumbent MRI
You will be asked to lie on a table that will move into a tube where the scan will take place. Once the examination has begun, you will hear a loud knocking sound that represents changes in the magnetic field. This is a normal part of the imaging process. To make you more comfortable, we will be provide complimentary ear plugs in preparation for your scan. The MRI technologist will communicate and be there to answer any questions you may have during the entire examination process.

Multi-position, Open MRI
Depending on the type of scan needed, you will be asked to sit or lay in the multi-position, open MRI scanner. You may be asked to change positions several times in order to obtain different views.

Both recumbent and multi-position, open MRI scanning requires that the patient remain as still as possible for best accuracy. That’s why it’s important for you to relax and breathe normally. Occasionally, patients require injections of IV contrast to enhance the images. You will be told prior to your MRI scan if this will be necessary.

To make you more comfortable, we will be provide complimentary ear plugs in preparation for your scan. The MRI technologist will communicate and be there to answer any questions you may have during the entire examination process.

HOW LONG DOES THE TEST TAKE?

Depending on the part of the body being studied and the number of scans that are required, the test can take from 20 minutes up to one hour.

Other Items To Consider
Notify your physician and the technologist if you are pregnant, or have had surgery of the brain, ear, eye
or any of the following:
• Pacemaker
• Glucose Monitoring Device
• Any type of stimulator including Neuro-Stimulator (Tens-Unit)
• Implanted Drug Infusion Device
• Foreign Metal Objects in the Eye
• Colonoscopy or Aneurysm Clips
• Surgical Staples
• Permanent Eyeliner
• Metal Implants
• Shrapnel or Bullet Wounds
• Intrauterine Device (IUD)
• Defibrillator
• Insulin pumps

For more information about the MRI services available at our practice, call (704) 831-2984.

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Multi-position, Open MRI
Depending on the type of scan needed, you will be asked to sit or lay in the multi-position, open MRI scanner. You may be asked to change positions several times in order to obtain different views. Here are some visual examples of the various positions that are possible in this state-of-the-art imaging technology!