What's an MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a special big camera that looks like a doughnut that takes very detailed pictures of the inside of the body.
It will really help the doctors to see what might be the cause of the problems (headaches, aches, pain, lumps and bumps) by using strong magnets and radio waves to create signals from the body. These signals are detected by a special radio antenna (what we call coils or helmet) and it is then processed by a computer to create images (or pictures) of the inside of your body.
The giant doughnut-shaped MRI scanner is not a tasty one, it has a special bed for you to lie on, and it moves you into the middle of the scanner. We move you towards the middle of the scanner so you are closer to the screen to watch your movie, and that's where the radiographer takes pictures from different angles to take different pictures for the doctors to see.
What happens during an MRI?
During an MRI scan, you have to lie very still, usually on your back. The radiographer will give you pillows and cushions to make you extra comfy for you to watch your movie.
Did we just mention MOVIE? Yes!! At the new Monash Children's Hospital, we offer 4 pages worth of blockbuster movies that you can choose from, or you can tell us who your favourite music/band/artist/radio station, and we can put your favourite music on instead of watching a movie. If you have your favourite movie/music from home, please feel free to bring your own DVD from home, or your own tablet/phone to play your own favourite music to our special MRI compatible sound system to make your scan even more enjoyable.
The MRI camera makes different loud knocking noises while it takes pictures. Some are quick and some are longer than others, so you will get your own special headphones to listen to your movie/music, and the radiographers will chat to you through their microphone, which you can hear through your own headphone.
When the MRI camera makes noises, please keep very still, so the pictures don't come out blurry and fuzzy. Remember to smile for the pictures and enjoy watching your movie or listening to your favourite music.
Most of the time, we will be scanning you in your normal clothes, however, occasionally we may need you to get changed into a gown or hospital scrubs (so you can look like one of us), so you don't have any metal (zips, buttons) on you.
How long does an MRI take?
MRI scan time is different depending on where or how many parts of the body we are taking pictures of.
If you do a REALLY good job at keeping still, the scan will go faster. If you do move during a scan or two, it is not a problem, we may just need to do the scan again to make the blurry picture better, so it might take 2 to 3 mins extra!
Below are some of the average times it will take for different body part:
HEAD = 25 mins
NECK = 30 mins
SPINE (1 Region) = 25 mins
FULL SPINE = 30 ~ 45 mins
CHEST / HEART = 45 mins
ABDOMEN / TUMMY = 30 mins
HAND/WRIST/ELBOW/SHOULDER/ARM = 25 mins
TOES/ANKLE/FOOT/KNEES/LEG = 25 mins
Therefore, the only bad thing is, you will never finish watching a movie, so you might have to finish the rest of the movie at home.
What are the risks of having an MRI?
MRI uses both very strong magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures. They are believed to be safe, even for unborn and newborn babies. More importantly, there is no ionizing radiation (e.g. X-rays) used in MRI.
However, MRI may be a risk with people with electronic implants in their body (e.g cardiac pacemakers). That is why the radiographer needs to double check the MRI Safety Questionnaire before you come in for the scan. Therefore, it would be really helpful if you can notify us nice and early if you answered YES to any of the questions on the Questionnaire, so we can ensure your safety for your MRI scan.
No question is too silly for us, so give us a call or e-mail or let us know during your appointment confirmation and we will be glad to answer any of your queries.
Are there any after effects from MRI?
An MRI scan is believed to be safe with no adverse effects when operated in a well-controlled environment. MRI scans have more pictures and much greater detail than other X-rays or ultrasound scans, therefore it takes longer to perform.
There are NO after effects from MRI, and you may leave straight after the scan.
Your referring doctor will get the results within the day or two.