What is an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

New ParagraphMRI scans are one of the safest of all imaging examinations. The process does not require the use of ionizing radiation, and the contrast media used during an MRI has very low incidence of side effects. Today’s MRI scans provide your physician or specialist with a view of your body from almost any plane. fox valley Imaging Center is proud to offer our patients the latest technology in MRI scanning. Our MRI scanner produces high definition images with exceptional detail. Moreover the new technology cuts the scanning time in half, making the experience a lot more tolerable.

We understand that you and your doctor have a choice when selecting an imaging provider. That’s why our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging systems operated by highly skilled specialists. We give our radiologists the best images with the highest resolution available to support your doctor’s treatment plan. MRI scans are often recommended to capture images for:

• Evaluating masses in the soft tissue of the body
• Imaging torn or damaged medial, lateral or cruciate knee ligaments
• Diagnosing infections in joints and other soft tissue
• Imaging the brain and spinal cord for lesions and other abnormalities
• Imaging glandular tumors, brain tumors and cysts
• Imaging shoulder injuries as in a torn rotator cuff or separation
• Detecting internal trauma, bleeding or swelling
• Diagnosing the damage from the earliest stages of a stroke
• Evaluating the integrity of the spinal cord
• Diagnosing herniated discs in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar back
• Evaluating and monitoring many diseases and the progression of their treatments.

Since the images captured can be tailored for a specific diagnosis, the MRI has become a popular imaging modality for many different injuries and medical conditions. Magnetic Resonance Imaging has revolutionized the way medical specialists look inside your body to make the most accurate medical diagnosis. If your doctor has suggested a diagnostic MRI, give Fox Valley Imaging Center a call at 630-416-1300 and let us explain how our remarkably advanced imaging systems can make a positive difference for your health.

Preparing for your MRI

Normally no special preparation is required prior to an MR exam (check with your physician to be sure no special preparations are necessary on an individual basis). You may eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor unless otherwise directed.

Because of the magnetic field you will be asked to leave the following items in a safe place outside the scan room:

• Coins
• Jewelry
• Watches
• Glasses
• Credit Cards
• Keys
• Hair Pins
• Other Metal Objects

You may also be asked to remove dentures and wear a hospital gown to avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles or zippers. Once you are situated onto the table, make sure you are comfortable so that it is easy to keep still. Breathe normally, as there is nothing about the procedure to make you uncomfortable. The only thing you will notice is a faint knocking sound which represents changes in the magnetic field. Once the exam is over, the technologist will assist you out of the scan room.

Because of the potential harmful effects associated with all metallic objects in a magnetic field, you should check with your physician or MRI technologist, if you have had any brain, ear, eye or other surgeries or any of the following:

• Pacemaker
• Neuro-stimulator (Tens Unit)
• Metal Implants
• Aneurysm Clips
• Surgical Staples
• Implanted Drug Infusion Device
• Foreign Metal Objects In the Eye
• Shrapnel or Bullet Wounds
• Permanent Eyeliner