MRI
You will be asked to remove all jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aide, dentures,
credit/band cards, and any metallic objects. These may affect the quality
of the images produced or cause harm or discomfort to you when placed
within the magnetic field.
There will be no sensation, discomfort or pain associated with the exam.
You will, however, hear a loud knocking/thumping noises from time to
time. This is normal, and you may wear earplugs to muffle these noises.
It is important to lie as still as possible. Movement may cause unsatisfactory
images and necessitate a repeat of the exam. You may find it easier
to relax if you do not consume coffee or other caffeinated beverages
prior to your exam. You can bring a prescription sedative if you feel
it will help you relax. If you plan to be sedated, please arrange for
someone to drive you home.
Also, in some cases, your physician may order an injection of a contrast
agent to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of the exam. If so, this
will be administered and supervised by our on-site, board-certified
radiologists.
The radiologist will review and interpret your MRI examination upon
completion. Within 24 hours, your physician will have a written report
and copies of the film for visual inspection of the findings.
CT
Computed Tomography, widely known as a CAT scan, is medically referred
to as simply CT. In its early days of development and use, it was called
Computerized Axial Tomography, hence the term CAT.
CT is generally a relatively quick procedure that uses x-ray beams to
create computer-generated image of soft tissue structures, such as tumors
and internal organs, and air cavities (sinuses, lungs). It also has
advantages in skeletal and neurological imaging. Its radiation doses
to the human body are considered minimal due to the speed in which the
X-Ray is delivered.
The procedure requires you to lie in a horizontal position, either on
your back or stomach, and remain comfortably still. A flat, moving table
goes through the center of a donut-shaped x-ray machine. X-ray beams
from a number of positions are aimed at the area being studied. A special
detector measures the amount of absorbed radiation. This data is transformed
by a computer into a digital image.
