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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
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Birmingham |
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Bournemouth |
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Brentwood |
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Brighton |
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Bristol |
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Cheltenham |
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Chester |
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Derby |
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Glasgow |
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Guildford |
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Haywards Heath |
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Hereford |
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Hull |
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Leamington Spa |
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Leeds |
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Lincoln |
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London |
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Newcastle-upon-Tyne |
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Nottingham |
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Oxford |
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Plymouth |
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Shrewsbury |
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Slough |
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Southampton |
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Stockton-on-Tees |
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Taunton |
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Woking |
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Wolverhampton |
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York |
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| MRI Scanning |
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What is MRI?
Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) combines a powerful magnet with
radio-frequency pulses to produce cross-sectional
pictures of any part of the body without the need
for X-rays. The detail in these pictures is so
good that the scanner can see even tiny
abnormalities. This accuracy helps in the early
detection of disease and injury, allowing
effective treatment planning. MRI has become
widely used because it has no known side effects
and is normally a totally pain free procedure.
What is MRI used for?
MRI
gives highly detailed pictures of the soft tissues
within the body, for example muscles and
ligaments. This capability means Doctors can use
MRI in a wide range of investigations: from
slipped discs and brain tumours, to painful or
injured joints to the assessment of blood flow.
How do I arrange a scan?
All patients must be referred by their own
GP, Consultant or other specialist such as
chiropractors and physiotherapists. After
performing a thorough clinical examination, they
will decide on whether a scan is necessary and the
specific area that needs to be scanned.
How quickly can I have my scan?
As soon as we are in possession of the
referral letter from your Specialist or GP, we can
organise a scan at a time to suit you.
What do I need to do before my MRI
scan?
Unless you are told otherwise,
no special preparation is needed for your scan and
you may continue to eat and drink as normal and
take any prescribed medicine.
It is
helpful if you can come for your scan in clothing
that has no metal parts, such as hooks or zips. If
this is not possible, then you will need to change
into a hospital gown. We would also request that
you leave any valuable possessions at home.
Before your scan you will need to complete
a safety questionnaire. Due to the powerful magnet
that is used in MRI, not all patients can be
scanned - such as those with some surgical clips,
a pacemaker or metal fragments in the eyes. If you
are concerned please contact our team before your
scan appointment.
What will happen
during your scan?
For your scan, you
will lay down on a comfortable scanning bed that
will slowly move into a doughnut shaped ring
called a gantry. You will experience no discomfort
or pain, but will hear quite loud mechanical
sounds from the scanner.
The technologist
operating the scanner can both see and hear you
throughout the procedure so if you have any
concerns, you only have to say. You can expect to
be in the scanner for between 20 and 40 minutes.
When and how do I get the results?
Specialist MRI radiographers will perform
the scan. These scans are then reviewed and a
report made by a Consultant Radiologist (a doctor
specially trained to report x-rays and scans) and
the result will be sent to the referring Doctor or
Specialist within 3-5 working days. Your doctor
will then discuss the findings of the report with
you and plan any treatment or next steps
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