Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to noninvasively image the body's soft tissue. It allows for more controlled imaging sequences to be taken and provides higher detail than other modalities used to image the body.
As part of our commitment to delivering the highest quality care, UC San Diego Health offers:
- Board-certified radiologists with advanced training and clinical experience in specialty care
- Technicians with advanced credentials in MRI
- Advanced scanning equipment, accredited by the American College of Radiology, including 3T and wide bore scanners that provide the highest resolution images and more comfort
Our specialized expertise and equipment enables us to adjust and personalize scanning sequences for every patient. Our patients also benefit by having their imaging sequences interpreted by true experts in the field. We often perform "second opinion"
scans to ensure the right diagnosis for patients who began their care at another hospital. We are asked to read MRI scans from patients around the world because of our internationally recognized expertise in musculoskeletal MRI.
MRI at UC San Diego Health
We offer the latest in advanced imaging technology and procedures, including
- MRI to diagnose sports injuries, early-stage arthritis, and neck and back pain
- Neuro MRI to diagnose diseases and injuries of the brain, including stroke, cancer, multiple sclerosis (MS), degenerative diseases, trauma and dementia
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Breast MRI to screen high-risk women and monitor patients with cancer
- MRI-guided ultrasound for shrinking uterine fibroids and reducing pain from cancer metastasis to the bone
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
- Advanced prostate imaging
- MRI-guided radiosurgery to treat inoperable brain tumors
- Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) to assess gastrointestinal disorders
- Cardiac imaging and cardiac stress testing
- Liver imaging
- Evaluation of pelvic floor disorders and complications with pregnancy
- MRI on individuals with a pacemaker
Staying Calm During MRI
Experiencing anxiety during a
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure is common. The machines are noisy (because of the banging metal coils, vibrating with rapid pulses of electricity), and claustrophobic for some.
There is nothing to fear, however. MRIs are painless and they are over within minutes. Your UC San Diego Health technician will talk to you before and between sequences, leaving plenty of time for questions. Don’t be shy. We are there to help.
There’s also a call button that you can press at any time to let the technician know if you have an itch, need to be repositioned or just have to get out of the machine right away.
Six Tips for Relaxing
- Have a family member or friend present during the MRI.
- Enjoy the warm blankets or cushions we offer. Try putting a pillow under your knees, if possible.
- You can use the lavender- and vanilla-scented eye pillows provided to help you relax and remain calm.
- Listen to music. The medical staff has the Pandora app available so you can choose your favorite tunes.
- Try to control your breathing. If you start feeling stressed, inhale through your nose and exhale slowly out of your mouth, counting to 10 each time.
- Go for a little guided mental imagery. Close your eyes and imagine in vivid detail being somewhere else, a white sandy beach or flower-filled alpine meadow, for example.
FAQs About Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
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No – the MRI itself should cause no pain, it only requires that the patient remain still during the examination. For some patients, keeping still may be slightly uncomfortable. Sometimes patients may feel warmth in the area being imaged – this is normal. However, if this warmth becomes irritating or excessive, the patient should notify the imaging technologist as soon as possible.
MRI exams which require the patient to receive Gadolinium contrast may cause slight, temporary discomfort while the intravenous needle is placed (see "Do I need an injection?").
Most MR centers offer a wide array of MRI exams. Depending on the type of exam you will receive, the length of the actual procedure will typically vary between 15 minutes and 45 minutes. More involved MRIs may take longer than 45 minutes.
Some MRIs require the patient to hold their breath several times. This helps to eliminate blurring from the images, which can be caused by breathing or other patient motion. Please discuss specific questions about the duration of your MRI with the MR technologist before your exam.
The tapping or knocking noise heard during the MRI is created when "gradient coils" are switched on and off to measure the MR signal reflecting from the patient's body.
The gradient coil is one of several internal parts of the MR system that you can not see. The gradient coil is made up of loops of wire which are embedded in a hard plastic tube. During the scanning process, an electric current is switched on and off through the gradient coil every few milliseconds. Because the switching is so rapid, the wires vibrate within the hard plastic and cause the knocking sound.
This knocking is not harmful but the sound can be irritating to some patients. You will hear different knocking sounds during the MRI – this means that different types of "MR sequences" are being run to acquire different views and images of your body.
MRI involves the use of a strong magnetic field capable of pulling on many metal objects. Thus, for safety reasons, the MR staff must determine if you unknowingly have metal in your body. This includes small pieces of metal in your eyes, metal implants, prosthetic devices that may contain metal, surgical clips and/or other implanted objects that may be susceptible to the magnetic field. After asking you a few questions, the MR team will decide if an X-ray is necessary.
No – an MRI will not cause fillings in your teeth (if in proper condition) to dislodge or come out. The metal in most fillings is not affected by the MR system's magnetic field. However, fillings may cause some distortion of the images if you are having a scan of your neck, brain or facial area.
Yes, your doctor must give you a referral (prescription) in order for you to receive an MRI.