Please allow 30 minutes to an hour for an MRI exam.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a simple, painless examination that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to "see" internal organs and soft tissue without the use of x-rays. Both safe and painless, MRI has no known side effects.

During an MRI examination, you may here a variety of noises. Please click on the following file to hear sample sounds.
Gradient Noise.wmv

Imagine being able to look through a hard substance in order so see what's beyond; that's what MRI allows your physician to do. MRI combines the speed and accuracy of a computer with safe magnetic and radio waves to create extremely detailed images of areas of your body. The strong magnetic field created by the MRI machine is used to prepare the body to emit radio "signals." Abnormal cells produce signals different from normal cells and can be identified when the final image is developed.

During an x-ray examination, bone often blocks the view of underlying soft tissue. Computed Tomography (CT) images both bone and soft tissue together. Standard x-rays and CT are very useful techniques, but some situations require the greater imaging capability of MRI.