Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a powerful diagnostic tool that produces detailed images of organs, tissues, and bones inside the body. It uses a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to create these images, making it a safe and non-invasive option for medical imaging.
At Smart Scan Medical Imaging, we offer a wide range of MRI exams that cater to various medical needs. Each type of MRI scan serves a specific purpose and provides valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning. In contrast to Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan) which often includes a large swath of the body at the same time, such as chest, abdomen, and pelvis, or head and neck, MRI scans are best when they focus on a smaller field of view, usually a single organ system such as the brain or the liver, a single joint, or a section of the spine. Full-body MRI scans are a new and cutting-edge tool, but their usefulness is yet unknown and we don’t yet offer them at Smart Scan.
Here are some of the most common MRI exams available at Smart Scan:
Body Imaging
At Smart Scan, we offer MRI exams for areas across the body. These exams can help diagnose a range of conditions, such as tumors, infections, injuries, and abnormalities. They also allow for better visualization of structures that may not be visible on other imaging tests.
Some specific types of body imaging MRI exams available include:
- Gynecological Scans: These MRI exams focus on the female reproductive system and are used to help identify problems related to gynecology, including pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, potential cysts, fibroids, tumors, infertility, and more. They provide detailed images of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and other pelvic structures.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Scans:GI scans utilize MRI technology to identify potential organ problems with the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and spleen. These scans can detect conditions such as inflammation, infection, obstructions, or cancer, which require specialized attention. They are also useful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for inflammatory bowel disorders.
- Nephrological or Genitourinary (GU) Scans: We offer specialized MRI scans to capture detailed images of your kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, adrenal glands, and other organs involved in urinary or endocrine system processes. These exams are commonly used to evaluate kidney cysts and masses, and other abnormalities in the urinary system.
Musculoskeletal Imaging
Smart Scan offers specialized MRI exams for sports-related injuries and orthopedic conditions, making it an invaluable resource for athletes, active individuals, and anyone struggling with joint pain. Our advanced imaging techniques provide high-resolution images of bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
These are the most common areas we scan:
- Knee: Knees are often injured in sports or everyday activities, and our specialized knee MRI exams can provide detailed views of the knee joint to help diagnose issues such as ACL tears, meniscus injuries, cartilage damage, and arthritis.
- Shoulder: Shoulder injuries, whether from athletic activity or repetitive use, are also common. Our shoulder MRI exams provide detailed images of the shoulder joint, assisting in diagnosing conditions such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, bursitis, and other conditions.
- Other Joints: Athlete's joints are under constant stress, but joint issues can also occur due to everyday wear and tear. Additional common joints imaged are the hip, ankle, wrist, elbow, foot and even fingers or toes. These exams aid in diagnosing conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and more.
- Back or Spine: Back injuries can significantly impact anyone's quality of life, not just athletes. Our MRI exams provide detailed views of the spine, diagnosing issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, fractures, and other spinal conditions.
Neuroradiology
Neuroradiology is a branch of radiology that focuses on diagnosing and monitoring neurological conditions, including diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nerve pathways throughout the body.
These scans can help to detect a wide range of neurological conditions like stroke, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, spinal cord issues, nerve injuries, epilepsy, seizures, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other degenerative diseases affecting the nervous system.
Head & Neck Imaging
Our specialized head & neck MRI exams are particularly useful for athletes as they provide detailed images of soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, and bones, enabling accurate diagnosis of a wide range of sports-related injuries, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Soft tissue injuries, including muscle and ligament damage
- Dislocated joints
- Fractures or bone chips in the neck and head
However, not all head and neck conditions are sports-related. Our specialized MRI exams can also be used for diagnosing various conditions, including:
- Migraines
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
- Salivary gland disorders
- Detection of lumps or masses, which is crucial in identifying potential cancers in the neck, mouth, nose, and throat
- Cerebrovascular disease
Oncology MRI
At Smart Scan, we provide specialized MRI exams for cancer patients. Our goal is not only to diagnose various types of cancer but also to monitor treatment progress and remission. Our oncology MRI services are capable of detecting and diagnosing a wide range of cancers, including brain, head and neck, abdominal, pelvic, bone, and soft tissue cancers.
These exams are invaluable in detecting any metastases or spread of cancer throughout the body. Rest assured, we are dedicated to helping cancer patients through accurate and comprehensive imaging services.
Vascular Imaging
Smart Scan offers specialized vascular MRI exams, also called Magnetic Resonance Angiography or MRA scans, to evaluate blood flow and detect any abnormalities or blockages in the blood vessels. These exams are used to diagnose conditions such as aneurysms, arterial stenosis, venous thrombosis, and peripheral artery disease.
Our advanced MRI technology enables us to produce high-quality images of the blood vessels without invasive procedures. This allows for early detection and treatment, improving overall patient outcomes.
What to Expect During & After Your MRI
Once you have scheduled your MRI exam at Smart Scan, our staff will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your particular exam. In general, here are some things you should know:
- For a small subset of exams, you may need to refrain from eating or drinking for a certain amount of time before the exam.
- Leave metal objects such as jewelry, hair pins, and watches at home.
- Inform your technician if you have any metal implants or devices in your body (such as a pacemaker or cochlear implant).
During the exam, you will lie on a padded table that will slide into the wide-bore MRI machine. You will be given headphones to listen to your choice of music and to block out the loud noises produced by the machine. The exam usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of MRI being performed. Many patients are impressed with how quickly the scans can be performed with our new state-of-the-art GE Voyager 1.5T MRI machines.
Trust Smart Scan in Wisconsin For Your Next MRI Exam
MRI exams have revolutionized the field of medical imaging and have become an essential tool for diagnosing and treating various health conditions. At Smart Scan, we understand that each patient's medical needs are unique, and we offer a diverse range of MRI exams to cater to those needs.
Whether you need a conventional MRI or a specialized exam like MRA, our new facilities and experienced staff ensure accurate and reliable results for better diagnosis and treatment planning.
With our commitment to patient care and comfort, you can trust Smart Scan for all your MRI imaging needs. Contact us for more information about our MRI services, or schedule an appointment today for personalized and comprehensive care.
