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MRI

What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce images of the inside of your body. Your doctor may order this type of scan to look at almost any part of your internal anatomy. Dr. Deepak Das and his fellow radiologists offer MRI scans to patients in New Port Richey, Florida, and the surrounding area. To schedule an MRI, please contact Excel Medical Imaging by calling or booking your appointment online.

MRI Q & A

What is an MRI?

An MRI is a noninvasive medical test your doctor may order to diagnose and monitor certain medical conditions. It uses radiofrequency energy coupled with a powerful magnetic field to provide detailed pictures of virtually all the structures in your body, including bone, soft tissues, and organs.

Excel Medical Imaging uses a 16-channel, GE HDXT 1.5T MRI with multiple dedicated coils.

When is an MRI used?

MRI images are more detailed than the images provided by other scanning technologies, such as CT scans and X-rays. Your doctor may recommend this test to produce high-resolution images of your:

  • Brain and spinal cord
  • Heart and blood vessels
  • Bones and joints
  • Other internal organs

Doctors can use these images to diagnose and/or monitor a variety of conditions, including:

  • Tumors
  • Joint abnormalities
  • Disc abnormalities
  • Bone infections
  • Heart disease or heart conditions
  • Brain injury
  • Stroke
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Aneurysms

How do I prepare for an MRI?

In most cases, you may eat normally and take your normal medications before an MRI. For the test, you need to change into a gown and remove any items that might interfere with the scan, including hearing aids, dentures, wigs, hairpins, and jewelry. If you have any special preparation instructions specific to your exam, a member of the staff tells you when you schedule your test.

After your test, the images generated can be printed, copied to a CD, transmitted electronically, or examined on a computer monitor.

Please call our office before your appointment if any of 
the following apply: 

* Surgical Vascular Clips 
* Neurostimulators 
* Cochlear Implants 
* Silver Backed Dermal Patches 
* Breast Tissue Expander 
* Penile Implants 
* Pacemaker 
* Claustrophobia 
* Extraventricular drains (EVD)
* Aneurysm Clips 

MRI cannot be performed if you have aneurysm clips, neurostimulators, EVDs, cochlear implants or pacemakers that have not been classified as “MRI-safe.” Some of these devices may need to be programmed by your doctor before performing an MRI.

There are no dietary restrictions prior to most MRI Examinations (exceptions include MR enterography). 

Low-dose oral sedation (anxiolysis) can be provided for severe claustrophobia.

Music is available during the examination.

Are there risks?

MRI scans do not use ionizing radiation (x-rays) and is often considered a gold standard for use in children and young adults.. However, if you have metal in your body, MRI scans may pose a safety hazard. Certain tattoo inks may also interact with the magnets used during an MRI.

An MRI scan isn’t appropriate for every patient. If you have any of the following, please call the office before your appointment:

  • Aneurysm clip
  • Pacemaker
  • Penile implants
  • Breast tissue expander
  • Silver backed dermal patches
  • IVC filter
  • Cochlear implants
  • Neurostimulators
  • Surgical vascular clips

If you are claustrophobic, let the office know before your scheduled test. For your comfort, Excel Medical Imaging offers music during the examination.