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MRI - Spine
Explanation of the Exam
In conjunction with conventional x-rays, MRI is a powerful tool to diagnose herniated disks,
degenerative diseases of the spine, narrowing of the spinal canal, and diseases of the spinal
cord.
The patient lies on a special table inside the MRI scanner, with a radio receiver antenna, or
"coil", over the body part being scanned. A series of pictures are taken, each set taking anywhere
from a few seconds to 10 minutes. Up to 10 of these series are obtained, each designed to bring
out a specific feature of the tissue being imaged and/or changing the orientation of the slice
images. A special kind of contrast, different from that used in x-ray or CT examinations, may
be injected by vein.
Approximate Exam Time
30-60 minutes
Preparation Instructions
Instructions will be given at the time of scheduling the exam. Leave jewelry, coins, hairpins,
pagers, cellular phones, watches, credit cards or any other objects that might be affected by
the powerful magnet at home or give these objects to the MRI staff for safekeeping during the
exam. Please inform the staff if you have a pacemaker, prosthesis, surgical clips, metal
implants, tattoos, body piercing or any other internal metal objects. Please inform the staff
if there is any possibility of PREGNANCY at the time of scheduling your appointment.
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