About MRI Exams

What Is an MRI Scan?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a diagnostic test that uses a strong magnetic field and high frequency radio waves to produce a series of images of your head or body. It does not use any x-rays, radioactive materials or other forms of ionizing radiation.

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center uses state-of-the-art MRI equipment to perform the MRI scans, which result in very detailed images. These images provide important information to assist your physician in diagnosing your medical condition and/or planning your course of treatment.

Common Uses

MRI exams can be performed on most body parts, including the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, vital organs, joints and long bones of the upper and lower extremities. It also provides the ability to diagnose abnormalities of blood vessels in the brain, neck and other parts of the body.

Safety

All of our equipment is maintained by highly trained service engineers and meets or exceeds the operating specifications set forth by the manufacturers and the federal government.

Because the scanners use a very powerful magnet to create the images, the presence of any metallic objects inside your body may interfere with your scan. You will be asked to complete a safety screening questionnaire and any implanted object/device will be verified for safety in the magnetic field prior to scanning. Patients with pacemakers or defibrillators are generally not a candidate for MR imaging as these devices are contraindicated for imaging in a magnetic field.

Pediatric MR Imaging With Sedation/Anesthesia

Appointments for pediatric patients requiring sedation/anesthesia are available during the day only, Monday through Friday.  Our facility utilizes highly trained anesthesia personnel to administer medications and monitor pediatric patients during these exams.  All patients requiring sedation/anesthesia will receive a telephone call from the Anesthesia Department prior to the appointment to ensure the exam instructions are understood.