What is this like for the patient?

How do I prepare?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Athens Regional Medical Center is the leading provider of MRI services in Northeast Georgia. There are three MRI scanners on our main campus- two (2) traditional "high-field" MRI scanners by General Electric located in the main hospital building, and a revolutionary new "open high-field" MRI scanner from Siemens Medical located in the Physicians Imaging Center

How does MRI work? MRI uses no radiation, but instead utilizes physical properties of magnetic fields and radio waves to produce precise and detailed images of the body. When a patient is in the unit, hydrogen protons within the body align with the magnetic field that is created by the MRI unit. By applying short wave radio frequency (RF) pulses to a specific site on the body, the protons in the site become "excited" and spin perpendicular to the magnetic field created within the MRI. As the protons relax back into alignment with the magnetic field, a signal is received by a RF coil that is placed on the area of the body being studied, which acts as an antenna. This signal is processed by a computer to produce images of the body that can be "sliced" on any plane to see all possible angles of the body.

What is the procedure like for the patient? When you arrive to have your MRI, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown if your clothing contains metal. After asking you a series of questions, the technologist will assist you onto a table that is in front of the MRI unit. Depending on your procedure, you may need to have a coil, which acts as an antenna, placed on the area to be studied. The technologist will then give you earplugs to drown out the noise of the machine. The tech will ask you to lie down comfortably and then the table will move into the machine, which is a large tube that is open at both ends. You will be able to communicate with the tech at any time through a microphone inside of the machine. You will hear loud buzzing and clicks during your scan and most patients have little or no sensations from the MRI.

How do I prepare for my MRI? MRI scans require little or no preparation on the part of the patient. Wear loose, comfortable clothes with no metal (such as sweats). Be prepared to lie still for 30 to 45 minutes per exam. If you are apprehensive about the procedure speak with your doctor about options to help you relax during the procedure.
Let the technologist know if you have a pacemaker, electromechanical implants, cerebral aneurysm clips, implanted drug infusion devices (external insulin pumps are permitted), if you have ever been a metal worker, or if you have shrapnel or bullet wounds. The magnetic field of the MRI may dislodge these materials from the body that could cause life-threatening situations.