Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is one of the safest, most comfortable ways for physicians to obtain clear, detailed pictures of the inside of the human body without the use of x-rays, surgery or biopsy. A strong magnet (1.5 Tesla) combined with radio waves will produce computerized pictures of your body.

MRI scanners allow radiologists to look inside the body without using x-rays. Using large, 1.5 Tesla, high resolution magnets, MRI scans are painless for the patient and offer such accurate images that physicians can often obtain as much information from the MRI scan as if they were looking directly at the tissue.

Additionally, these detailed images mean greater accuracy in detecting disease, enabling patients to receive early treatment. As a result, MRI's can often reduce the need for certain diagnostic surgeries.

MRI aids in the diagnosis of many conditions including but not limited to:

• Bone diseases
• Cancer
• Hydrocephalus (abnormal fluid in the skull)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Spine disorders
• Stroke
• Traumatic injuries
• Tumors
• Aneurysms

MRI is very safe. There has been no documented health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the scanner as certain safety criteria are met. However, due to the significant power of the magnetic field, it is important for you to tell us if the following apply to you.

Do you have?

• A pacemaker?
• An artificial heart valve?
• An inferior vena cava filter?
• An implanted cardiac defibrillator?
• Any neurostimulators in your body?
• Metal implants such as plates and pins?
• Aneurysm brain clips?
• An intrauterine device (IUD), such as Copper-7 IUD?
• Any other metal objects in or on your body?
• An insulin pump or other infusion pump?
• Previous gun wound, and shrapnel or bullets in your body?
• Inner ear implants?
• Permanent (tattoo) eye-liner?
• Have you ever been a metal/iron worker or worked with sheet metal?
• Ever been struck in the eyes with metal shavings?
• Ever been wounded during military service?
• Had any head or brain surgery?
• Do you weigh mor than 300 pounds?
• Are you claustrophobic?
• Are you pregnant?

If you have answered YES to any of these questions, please call (530) 749-1589 to speak to a technologist.

Requesting Films

 

If your physician requested you to bring your films to your next office visit, please mention this to the radiology office staff when you check in, and your films will be ready for you shortly after your exam.

 

If anytime after your exam you need to borrow your films, please call the Diagnostic Imaging Department at (530) 749-4406.