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Q: How long will the exam take?
A: The average exams takes 45 minutes on the high field, one hour on the open field. It may take more or less than this depending on what part of the body is being studied.
Q: I'm claustrophobic. How far do I go into the scanner?
A: In order to get the best pictures possible, the part of the body being studied, has to be in the middle of the scanner. Thus, if you are having a brain MRI, your head will have to be in the middle of the scanner. If you are having an ankle MRI, your ankle will be in the scanner, but your head will not. AT RIMI, we have the newest "short bore" MRI high field scanners. These scanners produce excellent images with the least amount of your body inside the scanner. Compared to the older "long bore" scanners, you only go half the distance into the scanner. If you have severe claustrophobia, ask your doctor for some medication to help you relax during the scan. Please have someone accompany you who can drive you home if you do take any medication.
Some exams can be performed on our open magnet for those patients who are severly claustrophobic.
Q: Do I really have to hold still?
A: Yes. An MRI exam is composed of a series of images. Each series takes 3 to 5 minutes. Any movement during this time causes the pictures to be "blurry" and limits the radiologist's ability to interpret the study. Also, we focus the exam on a specific part of the body. If you move, the area we are focusing on may no longer be in the proper position.
Q: I have metal in my body from prior surgery. Can I have an MRI?
A: Most people who have metal in their body after surgery can have an MRI. For example, patients with hip or knee replacements can have an MRI 6 weeks after surgery. Other implanted devices require less time after surgery. Certain devices can never go into the MRI machine. Heart pacemakers, and some implanted pumps and nerve stimulators cannot go in the MRI scanner. Some brain aneurysm clips (particularly older ones) cannot go into the scanner. If you have had any prior surgery, you must let the technologist know prior to the scan. Also, if there is any chance there may be metal in any part of your body from a prior injury or from grinding metal, please inform the technologist prior to the scan.
Q: How and when will I get the results of the exam?
A:Your doctor should receive a written report in 2 to 3 business days. If requested by your physician, a report can be called to him/her the day of the exam. You can get the results from your doctor.
Open Picture
Moshassuck Medical Center
- Providence
Short Bore Picture
Blackstone Valley Medical Center
- Pawtucket
Barrington Medical Center
-East Providence
Greenwich Medical Center
- East Greenwich
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