Our on-site magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment allows you to receive the latest diagnostic testing right in our office. If your doctor has arranged for you to undergo MRI testing, the following information will help you understand the procedure.

How does an MRI work? Using a strong magnetic field and radio waves, an MRI scans the body or a specific area and builds a map of its tissue types. This allows doctors to detect and define healthy and diseased tissue. Its extraordinary level of detail and ability to customize the exam to answer specific questions make it an excellent tool for diagnosis.

What to expect during your test? You will be asked to lie on a table, which will slide you into the bore, the horizontal tube that runs through the imaging machine. It's important that you hold still, when the machine is scanning your body. There is really no discomfort during this test; however, the machine does make a loud hammering noise during the scans.

Depending on your procedure, you may be give an enhancement agent or dye intravenously, which would be administered during the test. These agents or dyes have no direct physical impact on the tissue – they help the tissue to show up better on the MRI.

For some, being in an MRI machine can be very stressful. If you suffer from claustrophobia, we can prescribe a medication to help you relax.