Call to schedule an appointment:
770-536-9864

Call to schedule an appointment:
770-536-9864

MRI

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is available in our office for your convenience.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a test that provides pictures of structures and organs inside the body. A magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy produce these pictures. MRI often provides information that cannot be obtained from X-ray tests.

The area of the body being tested is positioned inside a strong magnetic field. The MRI can detect infection, tumors and other types of  tissue disease and damage as well as diagnose conditions that affect blood flow. Organs and tissues that contain water provide the most detailed MRI pictures. MRI is therefore most useful for detecting conditions that increase the amount of fluid in a tissue, such as inflammation, infections, tumors and internal bleeding. MRI scan information can be saved and stored on a computer for further study.

MRI is used to detect problems of the:

  • Abdomen
  • Chest
  • Blood vessels
  • Head and brain
  • Spine
  • Bones and joints

Before an MRI test, tell your doctor if you:

  • Have a pacemaker, artificial limb, any metal pins or fragments in your body, metal heart valves, tattooed eyeliner or any other implanted or prosthetic medical device.
  • Have an intrauterine device (IUD).
  • Are or might be pregnant.
  • Become nervous in confined places.
  • Have allergies of any kind.
  • Have any health conditions.

During the test:

  • Remove all metal objects (including hearing aids, dentures, jewelry, watches, hairpins, etc).  
  • X-rays may be taken to determine the presence of metal  and whether you can have the test.
  • Take off most of your clothes and wear paper gown provided.
  • You will lie on your back on a table that is part of the MRI scanner.
  • Straps may secure your head, chest and arms.
  • The table will slide into a narrow tunnel that contains the magnet.
  • You will hear a fan and feel air moving.
  • You will be given ear plugs but may still hear tapping or thumping noises.
  • You must hold completely still while the scan is being done.

An MRI test usually takes 30-60 minutes.

Allow 2 hours for the test.

You will feel no discomfort from the magnetic field or radio waves used during the test.

However, the table may feel hard, the room may be chilly and you may feel uncomfortable lying in one position for a long time.

Complete results are usually available within 1-2 days.

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