Norman Regional currently has four MRI units at three different locations.
Norman Regional Hospital has two units located at 3300 HealthPlex Parkway
Norman, OK 73072.
Norman Regional Moore has one unit located at 700 S. Telephone Rd. Moore, OK 73160.
Norman Regional Nine has one unit located at 2000 Ann Branden Blvd. Norman, OK 73071.
What is an MRI?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. MRI does not use radiation in
any form to obtain its images. Anybody structure can be scanned with MRI,
but certain scans are only done on MRI units that have the software and
hardware to achieve high-quality images of those areas. MRI is a wonderful
diagnostic tool that shows muscle, bone, ligaments, tendons, nerves, vessels,
cartilage and any other body structure in high detail.
What are Some Common Uses of MRI?
MRI can be used to discover and track the progress of disease
Evaluate cartilage in joints
Check for aneurysms in the vessels of the body
Find and measure the growth of tumors
Evaluate disk bulges in the spinal canal
Gage how far an infection has spread and if treatment is necessary
Differentiate between cysts and tumors
How does an MRI Work?
The MRI uses a strong magnetic field to align the hydrogen atoms in your
body. The coil, which is over the part of your body being imaged, then
uses radio frequency to knock those hydrogen atoms out of alignment. As
they return to the magnetized state and realign with the magnet each hydrogen
atom gives off a signal. Each different type of tissue has a different
amount of time before that signal is released. The coil then reads all
these signals and a computer configures them into a cross-section representation
of the tissues in the body part being imaged.
How do I Prepare for an MRI?
All metal will have to be removed before your MRI. In most cases, you will
be given a gown or scrubs to wear during this procedure. No metal may
be taken into the room with the MRI unit without the MRI staff’s
permission. It is important to note that the MRI machine is a large magnet that
is always on. Before you are allowed to enter the MRI suite a thorough medical history
will be obtained by the MRI staff. This is to ensure that it is safe for
you to enter the magnetic field. Some surgically implanted items are not
MRI-compatible. This being said any patient with a pacemaker, defibrillator,
or other electronic or mechanical implanted device should not have an
MRI or be allowed into the MRI suite until fully screened and cleared
by MRI personnel for safety. If you have any surgically implanted devices
it is of the utmost importance that you let the radiographer know before
entering the MRI suite. If you were given an implant card with your surgical
implanted device it is always beneficial to bring this card to your appointment,
that way the MRI staff can check on the compatibility with that MRI unit.
What to Expect During a Scan:
After you have been cleared by the MRI staff and have changed into your
scrubs, the MRI staff will take you to the MRI room. Before entering the
room a handheld scanner will be used to scan your clothing for any leftover
metal. After clearance, you will be led into the MRI suite. The MRI unit
will always be making noise but this noise will intensify greatly when
a scan is in progress. The MRI staff will give you earplugs or headphones
to help protect your hearing and help with communication during your exam.
You will also be given a squeeze ball that will help alert the MRI staff
to any problems you may be having during the MRI. It is important to note
that the MRI staff will always be watching you and will communicate with
you throughout the exam.
After you receive your hearing protection you will be laid on the scan
table and positioned in the way needed to best demonstrate the area of
interest. A coil will be placed over that area and additional padding
will be added to help suppress motion and add comfort. MRI is very motion
sensitive so it is very important to hold as still as possible during
your study the MRI staff will give you verbal instructions on this subject
throughout your exam. Exams times can run from 30 minutes to several hours
if multiple exams are ordered. Scans can take anywhere from one minute
to 15 minutes depending on the area to be covered and the scan parameters needed.
Before each scan, the table will advance to a point putting the region
of interest in the center of the magnetic field. After the exam is completed
the patient will be brought out of the MRI unit and the table will be
lowered. It is always important to sit for a short period of time before
attempting to stand due to disorientation from the magnetic field and
lying for an extended period of time. Some MRI exams will include a contrast
injection and others will have a fasting prep for several hours before
the exam so abdominal motion will be limited.
Is Contrast Used for MRI?
Contrast is used in MRI but usually only intravenously. This will be given
halfway through the exam so the radiologist will be able to see the region
of interest both with and without contrast.
Gadolinium is the contrast used in MRI it will help highlight any structure
getting blood flow.
It is very important to tell your radiographer if you have decreased renal
function or suffer from diabetes as this can impact whether contrast will
be administered or not. As with any medicine or substance injected or
ingested, there is a slight risk of allergic reaction to the MRI contrast
and it is always important to let the MRI staff know about any difference
or change in the way you feel.
What are Some Problems that Accompany this Procedure?
Claustrophobia is a common problem for people getting an MRI exam. The
MRI staff will do their best to make you as comfortable as possible for
your scan and will always be watching you and communicating with you throughout
the exam. Additionally, some patients go to open MRIs, which aren’t
tubes like closed MRIs, but rather a top and a bottom of the machine which
you slide between with open sides thus giving larger patients or patients
with claustrophobia more space around them.
Who Interprets the Results and how do I get Them?
MRI results are interpreted by a radiologist who is a physician trained
to supervise and interpret radiological examinations. The radiologist
will analyze all images taken during your exam and send a signed report
to the ordering physician. This will take 24 to 48 hours and additional
copies can be sent upon request to primary care physicians or specialists.
The ordering physician or your primary care physician will go over the
results with you.
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