If you’re having an MRI done for the first time, you may be nervous about it. However, understanding how the process works and what conditions it helps diagnose will help ease the anxiety and prepare you for the diagnostic imaging appointment. Below is an overview of everything you need to know before seeing the radiologist.

What Is an MRI?

A common form of diagnostic imaging, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to get a comprehensive and clear view of the body’s internal structures, such as organs and bones. With little to no risk, it’s a safe procedure that’s essential in modern medicine. For the scan, you’ll lie flat on your back on a movable surface that retracts into an MRI machine, which takes 3-D images from every angle. Though it may be loud and you can’t move, it’s just like spending time on the bed, and you won’t experience any discomfort. Depending on the particular case, the MRI can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour to complete.

Why Are They Done?

MRIs are used to diagnose and monitor a number of medical conditions. Beyond your organs and bones, they provide a clear view of your blood vessels, lymph nodes, adrenal glands, and other structures in your body. Because of this, they help doctors diagnose and care for numerous cancers, inflammatory diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and abnormalities in various structures. Some examples include Crohn’s disease, coronary artery disease, liver cirrhosis, and cardiovascular diseases like arrhythmia. It’s also commonly used to get a clear visual of muscle injuries, such as tears or dislocations.

When you need reliable diagnostic imaging, the radiology team at Hudson Valley Imaging in Orange County, NY, will deliver. For over 15 years, they’ve provided comprehensive diagnostic imaging, including MRIs, MRAs, CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasounds. As an industry leader in the nation, their services offer advanced digital options, and every procedure is performed by a licensed radiologist. Learn more about their MRIs online, or call (845) 220-2222 to schedule an appointment with a radiologist.