Diagnostic Imanging Center | Imaging Specialists |radiology treatment

1. Radiology And Imaging sriramakrishnahospital.com/majordepartment/radiology-and-imaging What is an MRI? MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging – a technique used to create images of body tissue and organs in great detail. It makes use of magnetic fields and radio waves to do so. You may be familiar with what it looks like – a large tube-like device into which a patient passes lying down. The device is magnetic and the field is used to realign hydrogen atoms in the body. This allows the machine to create images of the cross-section of the body. It can even be used to create 3D images of various organs, allowing for detailed study by doctors. The MRI scan in Coimbatore can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including: Brain and spinal cord Bones and joints Breasts Heart and blood vessels Internal organs, such as the liver, womb, or prostate gland The results of an MRI scan can be used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatments, and assess how effective previous treatment has been. How do I get ready for an MRI Your health care provider will explain the procedure to you and give you a chance to ask questions. Bring a family member to the medical appointment to help you. If your procedure involves the use of contrast dye, you will be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear. Generally, you don’t need to fast or limit any activities before an MRI procedure. Before the MRI, it is very important that you tell the technologist if any of the following apply to you: You are claustrophobic and think that you will be unable to lie still inside the scanning machine, in which case you may be given a sedative. 1/5

2. You have pacemaker or have had heart valves replaced. You have any type of implanted pump, such as an insulin pump. You have any metal plates, pins, metal implants, surgical staples, aneurysm clips. You have any metal fragments anywhere in the body. You have permanent eyeliner or tattoos. You are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. You have ever had a bullet wound. You have ever worked with metal (for example, a metal grinder or welder). You have any body piercings. You have intra uterine device (IUD). You are wearing a medicine patch. Based on your health condition, your health care provide may have other instructions for you on how to get ready. What happens during an MRI scan? MRI may be done on an outpatient basis or as a part of your stay in a hospital. You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, hairpins, removable dental work, or other objects that may get in the way of the procedure. If you are asked to remove clothing you will be given a gown to wear. If you are to have an MRI with contrast, an IV (intravenous) line will be started in your hand or arm for injection of the contrast dye. During an MRI scan, you lie on a flatbed which is moved into the scanner. Depending on the part of your body being scanned, you will be moved into the scanner either head first or feet first. The MRI scanner is operated by a radiographer. They control the scanner using a computer, which is in a different room from the scanner to keep it away from the magnetic field generated by the scanner. You will be able to talk to the radiographer through an intercom and they will be able to see you through the dividing transparent screen. A squeezable bulb will be given in your hand and if you need to call the technologist you can squeeze the bulb to raise an alarm. During the scan, the scanner will make loud tapping noises. This is the electric current in the scanner coils being turned on and off. You will be given earplugs or a headset to wear to help block out the noise from the scanner. It is very important that you keep as still as possible during your MRI scan. The scan will last between 15 and 90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken. At intervals, you may be told to hold your breath, or not to breathe for a few seconds. You will then be told when you can breathe. You should not have to hold your breath for longer than a few seconds. 2/5

3. If contrast dye is used, you may feel some effects when the dye is injected into the IV line. These effects include a warm flushing sensation or a feeling of coldness, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a brief headache, itching, or nausea. These effects usually only last for a few moments. You should tell the technologist right away if you feel any breathing difficulties, sweating, numbness, or heart palpitations. Once the scan is done, the table will slide out of the scanner and you will be helped off the table. If an IV line was put in, it will be removed. While the MRI itself causes no pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure might cause some discomfort or pain, particularly if you’ 've recently been injured or had surgery. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to reduce any discomfort or pain. On occasion, some people with a metal filling in their teeth may experience some slight tingling of the teeth during the procedure. What is the Safety procedure during MRI Scan?? An MRI scan is a painless and safe procedure. You may find it uncomfortable if you have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), but with support from the radiographer, most people find this manageable. Sometimes going into the scanner feet first may be easier, although this is not always possible. MRI scans do not involve exposing the body to X-ray radiation. This means people who may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of radiation, such as pregnant women and babies, can use them if necessary. However, not everyone can have an MRI scan. For example, they are not always possible for people who have certain types of implants fitted, such as a pacemaker(a battery- operated device that helps control an irregular heartbeat). Extensive research has been carried out into whether the magnetic fields and radio waves used during MRI scans could pose a risk to the human body. No evidence to suggest that there is a risk that has been found, which means that MRI is one of the safest medical procedures currently available. Can paediatric patients receive an MRI? Yes children can receive an MRI. Parents can accompany their children into the scan room with the child during the MRI exam. Some children may need sedation and the radiologists work closely with the anesthetists for meeting this unique need. Should I take medications on the day of my MRI? 3/5

4. Yes, patients can continue taking all medications as prescribed by their physicians before their MRI. Patients should let their technologists know what medications they have taken prior to their MRI scan. Can I eat before my MRI? Patients will receive individual instructions about eating from a member of the MRI department prior to their scan. How should I dress for my MRI? Patients should dress in loose-fitting, comfortable clothing without metal snaps or zippers. All valuables should be left at home. Jewelry, glasses, hearing aids, dentures, hairpins, credit cards, coins, keys, and other metal objects need to be removed. Will I receive an intravenous contrast during my MRI? Depending on the type of exam, patients may receive a contrast agent intravenously (IV). Contrast mediums or contrast agents are safe injections used to highlight organs and blood vessels to produce a better image for the radiologist. If your physician or radiologist has determined that an IV contrast will improve your MRI scan's result you will receive an IV contrast through a vein in the arm or hand. If contrast scans are to be done blood test results are needed. Blood tests needed are blood urea and serum creatinine. For all lactating / Nursing mothers MRI The intravenous MRI Gadolinium-based contrast agent that we use for your MRI is excreted in very low concentration in human breast milk. Further, babies who drink this milk absorb very little of the contrast agent. There is no evidence that this small amount is harmful to your baby. There is no evidence that it is necessary to stop breastfeeding after contrast injection. If you still have safety concerns about your baby receiving your breast milk, you may elect not to breast-feed for 24 hours after the administration of this MRI contrast agent. During these 24 hours, you can express (pump) and discard the milk from both your breasts. If you decide to withhold breast feeding for 24 hours, you are encouraged to prepare for this by expressing and saving your breast milk before your scheduled MRI appointment. What equipments are used? We make use of state of the art: 3.0 Tesla GE discovery 750 which is a top notch MRI scanner with a host of diagnostic application. 1.5 Tesla Siemens Magneto Avanto machine which has innovative application for each part of the body. 4/5

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