What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a diagnostic scanning technique based on the principles of magnetic resonance. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce detailed images of the internal organs and tissues.
Is it Safe?
An MRI scan is a painless procedure and there are no known risks or side effects associated with MRI.
It is not possible to have an MRI scan if you have:
- Certain aneurysm clips in your head
- Certain Metallic heart valves
- A cardiac pacemaker
- Inner ear implants (e.g. Cochlear)
- Some neurological stimulators
- Metal fragments within your eye
If you have ever had metal fragments in your eye due to a penetrating injury and have not had your eyes checked you will require an X-Ray of your eyes to ensure there are no fragments still remaining.
Please consult the centre if :
- You may be pregnant
- Have had recent surgery that has required the insertion of metal, whether this be joint replacements or clips. The scan may have to be delayed for a few weeks to allow time for the body to heal properly around the surgical site
If you have any fillings or other dental fixtures the MRI examination can still be carried out.
Preparation for the scan
In general there is no preparation necessary for an MRI scan. Unless otherwise instructed, you can eat and drink normally and take any regular medication.
What happens during the scan?
For the examination you will be asked to lie on a cushioned table and will be made as comfortable as possible. You will be given an alarm button in case you need to contact the radiographer during the examination. Throughout the examination you will hear repeated banging, buzzing and rumbling noises which stop and start. These noises are normal. You will not feel anything. The machine does not move. It is open at both ends and it cannot close.
You will be given ear phones and you may choose the radio station you would like to listen to. Alternatively, you may bring your favourite CD.
Will it be painful?
No. An MRI scan is a painless procedure, but you must be able to keep very still and lie quite flat. If you are unable to keep still or lie flat please contact us before your scan.
How long will it take?
For one part of your body to be scanned it generally takes approximately 15 minutes. Therefore, it will take proportionally longer to scan more than one part of your body. The length of the scan may also vary depending upon the diagnosis being sought - for example it often takes longer to produce high resolution images when very small anatomical structures are being scanned.
When do I get the results?
The radiologist (specialist imaging consultant) will write a report to your referring doctor detailing the findings from the scan. The report will be sent to your referring doctor usually within 48 hours.
New MRI technology in Euromedic
Euromedic Northwood in Santry recently installed a Siemens 3T MAGNETOM Verio Open Bore MRI. The Open Bore 3 T MRI offers excellent image quality, superb diagnostic capabilities, and exceptional patient comfort with a large, patient friendly 70-cm opening. This large opening means that the 3T is wide enough to accommodate a wider group of patients including patients who have traditionally been hard to image, such as children, those who are obese (up to 550 lbs), the elderly, and those who are claustrophobic.
Euromedic Charlemont, in Dublin's city centre, has recently been upgraded and renovated to make room for Ireland's only Open MRI, the Hitachi Aperto. This unique, single-pillar design makes it the only available panoramic open MRI scanner in the world. This machine enables radiographers at Euromedic Charlemont to scan patients who they have traditionally been unable to scan in a standard MRI machine, including claustrophobic and obese patients.
