Last week, we looked at the different types of imaging that physicians use to diagnose spine health issues. This week, Physician Assistant Andrew C. Kitterman, at the Prairie Spine and Pain Institute tells patients how best to prepare for an MRI.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI for short, is a diagnostic imaging study that uses powerful magnets to visualize internal structures along with spinal cord injuries and the discs of your vertebrae. After your new patient evaluation at Prairie Spine and Pain Institute we will decide whether an MRI is an appropriate imaging study for you.
If you’ve already had an MRI done in the past be sure to bring in a physical disc containing your images. There are certain medical conditions that may exclude you from having this study done so it is important to let your doctor know about previous surgeries, allergies, body piercings, along with other conditions. It is important to answer all questions to the best of your ability.
On the day of your MRI wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows for full range of motion. Avoid clothing with metal zippers or buttons. You will likely need to remove glasses, dentures, and other accessories. Let your doctor know if you have trouble with enclosed spaces as you may be able to have an open MRI or receive medication to relax you before the study is performed.
An MRI machine appears to be a large tube with openings on both sides with a magnet surrounding the tube. You will be asked to lie on a table that slides into the tube. You may qualify for an open MRI if you have claustrophobia, or if you are overweight, however image quality is diminished in open MRIs.
You may be asked to receive contrast dye into your arm prior to the procedure depending on the purpose of the imaging study. The MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field inside your body and uses a computer to visualize thin slices of your body.
At Prairie Spine and Pain Institute we ask that you bring in a disc containing the images after your study. We will be happy to go through the images with you and offer you the most personalized plan of care for you individually.
Call 309.691.7774 to schedule an appointment with our experts.