There is a 99% chance that I need an MRI on my shoulder. I did physical therapy for a while and my doctor said if that didn't help then.. we would do an MRI. Does anyone know how long it will take and what it is like? I don't know if it is open or closed MRI.
Thanks!!
By the way... I am a girl and I am 14. They think that there is something wrong with the tissue or muscle in the back of my shoulder
2007-03-12 11:29:51 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
I am an MRI Technologist and I perform these procedures daily. There is nothing to worry about as far as the procedure. The MRI will take approximately 45-60 minutes and you can have either an open or closed MRI since they are looking at your shoulder. An open MRI will take the entire 60 minutes and a closed (high field) will take about 45 minutes. Your doctor will suggest either open or closed. (closed MRI machines are really not closed---they are open on both ends)
If for some reason you are claustrophobic (have fear of enclosed spaces) you can ask for the open MRI.
Since you are 14 and probably don't weigh that much it is a non-issue. The open MRI will give you more space but you probably will not need it. The procedure does not hurt but is a little loud and they will give you ear-plugs.
When they call to schedule you for the exam ask if you can bring a CD to listen to and that will pass the time.
Tell the technologist it is your first MRI and they will walk you through the entire test and explain everything. Good Luck!
This info is specific to shoulder MRI not Brain/spine imaging. Brain and spine work should be done on a closed or high field machine if possible because the detail is much better.
2007-03-14 05:27:21 · answer #1 · answered by Michael W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your consultant is the best judge, here this topic will help you out:
MRI Scan
MRI machines (magnetic resonance imaging) use magnetic waves to stimulate tissues. This is different than X-rays. MRI scans are painless and may or may not require injections of special dyes. The signals produced by the stimulated tissues are picked up a special scanner and sent to a computer to be interpreted. The computer assembles all of the signals into an image the shows the physician a cross section of your shoulder. MRI is capable of picking up soft tissues like ligaments. This capability is not possible with X-rays.
An MRI machine has a large hollow tube with a table that you will lie down on in its center. The typical time required to take a scan varies but should be between 10 to 45 minutes. During the scan time, the technician will instruct you to lie as still as possible.
You can't have an MRI if you have anything magnetic in your body, including metal pins, clips, or plates. You also can't have this type of scan if you have a pacemaker. Make sure your physician knows if you have any metal in your body.
2007-03-12 18:47:20 · answer #2 · answered by Dr.Qutub 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I had my MRI done, it was done pretty quickly. They had me lie down on a table and stuck me into a machine. It made noises and the table vibrated a bit. It's almost like an x-ray machine. Fast and painless. Hope your shoulder get better!
2007-03-12 18:35:36 · answer #3 · answered by rucrazy5150 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It takes quite along time I had one on my right shoulder last year it took 45 min(this was a mobile unit) you have to lay still they pushed me in . They talk to you all the time it does make different noises. It doesn't hurt. Other than that you only have to do it once
I hope everything turns out OK for you God bless and don't worry
2007-03-12 18:43:57 · answer #4 · answered by froggerty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you'll be inside a big magnet,it takes pictures as it slowly rotates around you.You can't feel; anything,and it's not radiation as an x-ray...don't worry,this is the best way to see whats wrong and determine the simplest way to fix it...
2007-03-12 18:40:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋