Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic medical procedure for
- Chronic Pain such as fibromyalgia and arthritis
- Knee injuries or pain
- Low back pain
- Chronic headaches or migraines
- Shoulder or elbow pain
- Spinal pain
- Other injuries or pain sites
How soon can I have my MRI?
Most MRI scans can be arranged next business day or at your convenience Monday to
Friday.
What else do I need?
You will need a physician referral from your Canadian family doctor or
specialist or chiropractor for the MRI to be done. This
referral form is available online for you to print after registering for the
procedure with VIP Docs Inc.
What do I do next?
Email us
or call us at
VIP Docs Inc.
5500 North Service Road
The Penthouse
Burlington, ON
Canada L7L 6W6
Toronto, Ontario (416)
907-1065
London, Ontario (519)
913-2089
Windsor, Ontario (519)
962-9559
Phoenix, Arizona (480)
626-1473
Fax (416) 907-5822
info@vipdocs.com
www.vipdocs.com
How to prepare for your MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI for short, is a diagnostic procedure that
allows your physician to see pictures of the inside of your body without surgery
and without using potentially harmful radiation. It incorporates the latest
technologies into a procedure that has no known harmful effects.
This information is to help you understand more about MRI and to answer the
questions most frequently asked by people scheduled for MRI examinations.
How does MRI imaging work?
MRI uses two forces found everywhere in the world: Magnetism and radio
frequency energy. You are placed inside a large magnetic field for your
examination. This causes the hydrogen atoms in your body to naturally align
themselves in a position to receive radio signals from the MRI unit.
As the MRI unit sends these signals, your body responds with signals of its own.
These transmitted body signals are processed by a computer and turned
into images.
In certain cases, your doctor may order a contrast agent used to enhance the
images they obtain. This agent is a liquid injection and generally will not
cause any discomfort. This procedure can improve the visibility of organs or
structures, and it will also help differentiate between post-surgical changes.
While the majority of patients do not require this injection, it may be
necessary if you have had previous surgery or to assist in the diagnosis of
certain diseases.
Can I eat or drink before my exam?
You may eat normally and take routine medications before coming to the MRI
center. MRI doesn't require fasting or special diets or medication.
Patients are encouraged to continue with their regular work schedule and
lifestyle. If you are not in the hospital, you can continue your regular
schedule and life style. Many people drive to the center, park their car and
walk right in for their MRI examination.
What should I wear to the exam?
You can wear whatever you like to the exam, but it is a good idea to leave
jewelry and other valuables at home. Lockers are provided for your belongings.
You may also be asked to change into scrubs or a cotton gown as metal zippers,
snaps or buckles could interfere with your exam.
You cannot have an MRI exam if you have:
- A pacemaker
- Certain metallic implants
- Certain types of prosthetic devices
- Metal objects like cerebral aneurysm clips or cochlear implants
- If you are pregnant (in your first trimester)
Where does the MRI exam take place?
The MRI exam takes place in a large room, specially shielded against outside
radio frequency energy. Our technologist will see that you are comfortable on
the padded and contoured examination table, and will slide you into the MRI. The
technologist will be able to see you through a window right outside of the MRI
room and will stay in contact with you throughout
the exam.
How long will the exam take?
The MRI exam will take between 20 - 60 minutes depending on the type of
information your physician needs.
What do I need to do during the examination?
Your only participation will be to remain as still as possible during the
exam. Much like when you take a photograph with your camera, if you move, the
picture comes out blurry. So is the case with your MRI exam.
If you are on pain medication, it is important that you take it before you leave
home and have someone drive you to your exam. If your doctor has
prescribed a sedative, it is suggested you take it upon arrival at the center.
You will also need to have someone drive you home if you have taken
any sedation medication.
When can I expect my results?
A Radiologist will review your examination and prepare a report of the
findings for your physician. Your physician will then share the results of the
report with you. This process usually occurs within a couple of days.
The staff at the center is happy to work with you to help you achieve and
complete a successful MRI examination. Please let them know how they can help
you make this possible.
OPEN MRI
What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI for short - is a diagnostic procedure that
allows your physician to see pictures of the inside of your body without surgery
and without using potentially harmful radiation. It incorporates the latest
technologies into a procedure that has no known harmful effects.
How does Open MRI work?
MRI uses two forces found everywhere in the world - magnetism and
radio-frequency waves. When you lay under the magnet, the hydrogen atoms in your
body naturally align themselves in a position to receive radio signals from the
MRI. As the MRI sends these signals, your body responds with signals of its
own.
These transmitted body signals are processed by a
computer and turned into images.
In certain cases, your doctor may order a contrast agent used to enhance the
images they obtain. This agent is a liquid injection and generally will not
cause any discomfort. This procedure can improve the visibility of organs or
structures, and it will also help differentiate between post-surgical changes.
While the majority of patients do not require this injection, it may be
necessary if you have had previous surgery or to assist in the diagnosis of
certain diseases.
Remember - MRI is a safe and painless procedure.
What is the difference between traditional MRI and Open MRI?
A traditional MRI, although painless, can sometimes cause patients to feel
anxious or "claustrophobic". The patient lies down on a stretcher and
is moved into a narrow tube. The magnet then makes a loud banging noise. Many
people, due to their size or anxiety, cannot complete the exam.
In an Open MRI, there is no tube. A patient who is having an Open MRI can see
all around himself or herself throughout the exam. Many patients find
this environment more relaxing and are able to complete the exam without any
problems.
How should I prepare for my Open MRI exam?
You may eat normally and take routine medications before coming to the MRI
center. MRI doesn't require
fasting or special diets or medication. Patients are encouraged to continue with
their regular work schedule and lifestyle.
You cannot have an Open MRI exam if you have:
- A pacemaker
- Certain Metallic Implants
- Certain types of Prosthetic Devices
- Metal objects like cerebral aneurysm clips or cochlear implants
- If you are pregnant (in your first trimester)
What should I wear to the exam?
You can wear whatever you like to the exam, but it is a good idea to leave
jewelry and other valuables at home.
It is important that you do not have any metal objects on your body as this
could interfere with the exam. The technologist may give you scrubs or a
cotton gown to change into. A locker is available to store your belongings.
Where does the exam take place?
The MRI exam takes place in a specially shielded room. You are welcome and
encouraged to bring someone with you to sit in the room while you have your MRI
exam. A technologist will offer you a blanket and pillows to make sure that you
are as comfortable as possible. You can listen to the radio or bring a favourite
CD or tape to help you relax. The technologist will sit beside a window that
looks directly into the exam room and will maintain
constant contact with you throughout the exam.
What do I need to do during the examination?
The most important thing to do during your Open MRI exam is to remain as
still as possible. Just like when you take a photograph with your camera, if you
move, the picture comes out blurry. So is the case with your MRI exam.
If you are on pain medication, it is important that you take it before you
leave home and have someone drive you to the exam. If your doctor has
prescribed a sedative, it is suggested you take it upon arrival at the center.
You will also need to have someone drive you home if you have taken
any sedation medication.
When can I expect results?
A Radiologist will review your examination and prepare a report of the
findings for your physician. Your physician will then share the results of this
report with you.
The MRI center staff is happy to work with you to help you achieve and complete
a successful Open MRI examination. Please let them know how we can help you to
make this possible.
How soon can I have my MRI?
Most MRI scans can be arranged the next business day or at your convenience Monday to
Friday.
What else do I need?
You will need a physician/chiropractor referral for the MRI to be done. This
referral form is available online for you to print. What do I do next?
Email us
or call us at
416-907-1065
