Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Dallas, TX

What is MRI?

An MRI scanner is a medical device in which the patient lies in a powerful magnet where a magnetic field is used to capture images inside the human body. Their magnetic fields are able to create more detail of the human body than are possible with X-Rays. And unlike CT or X-Ray, there is no radiation.

MRI’s images provide better distinction between the soft tissue in the body, making it the popular choice for doctors looking to image the brain, the muscles and ligaments, the heart, and tumors, over other imaging choices such as CT or X-ray.

Since the magnetic field is used to create the images, the stronger the magnet the better the image quality. Magnet strength is measured in Tesla and for MRIs used in the imaging field, they range from 0.2T (“Open MRIs”) up to a 3.0T magnet. The industry standard for hospitals and imaging centers is the 1.5T. Crown Imaging has two 1.5T MRI machines.

Two Study Options:

There are two categories of exams:

A study with Contrast Media or,
A study without Contrast – using a contrast agent called Gadolinium.

Types of MRI Scans

With Contrast Study

For exams that do not require Contrast, you will not need an IV or the simple blood test. Once the scan starts, the MRI Tech will keep you updated of your progress and can hear you at all times. This scan will take approximately 25 minutes.

Pre-Exam Instructions

Just relax and go about your normal routine. Eat normally and take any medication as usual. Wear comfortable clothing.

Precautions

MRI examinations cannot be performed on patients with the following implants:

Pacemakers. (Only recently are there new MRI safe pacemakers in use)
Some Brain Aneurysm Clips
Certain heart valves
Neurostimulators.
Cochlear Implants
Some shunts and stints

If you have any surgical implanted devices, please call the office BEFORE the appointment date to review these items. And you must bring your Implant Information Card to your appointment with you.

Other Considerations:

If you have been in a line of work where metal is being manufactured or worked on, such as Welder, Machine Shop, etc., you may have embedded metal fragments, please call the office before your appointment. The magnet in the MRI could react with fragments in your skin or eyes.