Radiology Group | Exam Descriptions | MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Head

Imaging Excellence in the Quad Cities Since 1945

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging method that uses radio waves and the natural magnetic field emitted by your body to diagnose many types of injuries and conditions. MRI is very valuable for diagnosing neurological conditions, tumors of the brain, and disorders of the eyes and the inner ear. It allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods. MRI is a painless imaging exam and does not involve the use of radiation in order to create a picture or "image" of the body part being evaluated.

Depending upon the reason for your exam, your Radiologist may determine that contrast material or "dye" is required to highlight blood vessels and soft-tissue masses.

IV contrast is a solution that is injected into your veins and appears very bright white on an MRI image. IV contrast is filtered from your blood by your kidneys and will be passed, unnoticed, from your body in your urine. You may safely drive home after having IV contrast.

MRI

Your MRI Technologist will need to determine if you have one or more of the following:

Any prosthesis
Brain, ear, eye, or other surgeries
Heart pacemaker (or artificial heart valve)
Implanted devices & catheters (ports, insulin pump, drug infusion device, Swan-Ganz catheter, vascular stent, intrauterine device (IUD) etc.)
Any metal plates, pins, screws or surgical staples in your body. (In most cases surgical staples, plates, pins are permissible if they have been in place for more than six weeks.)
Have bullet or shrapnel fragments in your body
Have ever worked with metal.(i.e., grinding, drilling, welding)
Have ever had anything specific removed from your eyes
Allergic to any medications or sedatives
If you are pregnant, or suspect you may be.
If you are allergic to IV contrast, please call to talk to our Nurse before the day of your exam, (563) 359-3931.
You will be asked to remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any removable dental work.
To reduce waiting time, please bring copies of previous scans if your exam is for the same area being imaged. If your previous imaging was performed at Genesis East or Genesis West, Radiology Group will retrieve your previous scans for you.)

For a complete list of questions, click here to download the MRI Screening Form (PDF).

Some patients who have undergone an MRI in conventional or older scanners may have experienced a feeling of confinement or claustrophobic. The "High Field Open MRI" scanner at Radiology Group is the most spacious MRI available and virtually eliminates claustrophobia. In most cases, exams can be completed with the patient's head outside of the scanner. Due to the extremely spacious design, previously claustrophobic patients are able to comfortably complete their exam without sedation. For further information call (563) 359-3931 and ask to speak with an MRI Technologist.

You will lie on a padded table that will slowly move into the center of the donut-shaped MRI scanner. Both ends of the scanner are wide open with ample area between you and the top and sides of the scanner. For the best quality MRI, you must lie still during scanning.

An MRI scan is a noisy process. During scanning you will hear tapping noises at intervals. These sounds are normal and are necessary in order to create the pictures or "images" while the scanner is operating. For your comfort, you will be issued earplugs or head phones to minimize the noise.

You will be alone in the room during the scan, however, the MRI Technologist can see, hear and speak with you at all times. You will be given a handheld communication device that permits you to alert your Technologist at the push of a button.

An MRI scan of the head with IV contrast takes approximately 30-40 minutes from the time you enter the MRI suite until you leave. The actual scan time is less than 30 minutes. MRI of the head and neck

When the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist determines if more images are required.

A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your physician. Your physician's office will inform you of your results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your Report. To reduce waiting time, please bring copies of previous scans if your exam is for the same area being imaged.

It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Contact us at (563) 359-3931

MRI patient brochure (PDF)
www.radiologyinfo.com

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