What is MRI?
MRI is a way of creating pictures of your body that does not use X-rays or radiation. The MRI machine makes pictures by organising and collecting the magnetic fields that naturally occur within the body. MRI pictures show the soft tissues of the body (muscles, nerves, brain, discs, ligaments etc).
Preparation for MRI
In most cases there is no special preparation for an MRI scan. You can eat and drink normally on the day of the scan although it is best to avoid large amounts of coffee or other things that make you restless.
During the scan you will be lying inside a large tubular machine. The Radiographers want you to be comfortable and will ask you to be very still during the scan because even slight movement can spoil the images and reduce their usefulness to you and your doctor.
Getting Comfortable & Keeping Still
MRI images are very sensitive to movement. By keeping very still during the scan you can improve the quality of the images we obtain. We have found that the best way to keep still is to be relaxed, lying comfortably as if you were dropping off to sleep. The MRI Radiographer is very interested in making you comfortable in the scanner so that you feel settled, secure and relaxed, let them know what they can do for you and together you will ensure the best possible pictures
The inside of the scanner is well lit, and has a fan to blow fresh air gently over you.
Most MR scans take between 25 and 60 minutes. The Radiographers will talk to you through an intercom system.
It is very important not to bring any metal into the scan room without letting the Radiographer know. Before the scan you will be asked to remove your watch, keys, coins, credit cards, bus tickets and phone cards. These can all be damaged by the strong magnet of the MRI scanner, or might cause distortions in the MRI pictures.
When you arrive at MRI, you will be asked a series of questions to find out if you have any metal or implants in your body.
Depending on what part of your body is being scanned, you may have to wear a cotton gown.
MRI Safety
It may not be possible, to have an MRI scan if you have any of these items:
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Surgical clips in your head (particularly aneurysm clips)
- some artificial heart valves
- Electronic inner ear implants (bionic ears)
- Metal fragments in your eyes
- Electronic stimulators
- Implanted pumps
Please let the MRI Unit know well before your appointment if you have any of these. The MRI staff will have to discuss the exact implant or metal with you to decide if it is safe to perform the scan.
MRI is available at the following locations, St John of God Hospital in Geelong & Ballarat and Ballarat MRI.