MRI Medical Imaging

MRI medical imaging provides a safe and noninvasive way to diagnose injuries or diseases affecting the organs or tissues in your body. At Montclair Open MRI in Montclair, California, the team of board-certified radiologists offers MRI medical imaging with an open MRI machine. Open MRI machines are much more spacious than closed machines, allowing for a more comfortable treatment experience. Call Montclair Open MRI today to schedule MRI medical imaging, or book your appointment online.

What is MRI medical imaging?

MRI medical imaging uses magnets, radio waves, and a computer to capture detailed, cross-sectional photos of your internal organs or tissues. 

Traditional MRI machines require you to lie inside an enclosed metal capsule, but Montclair Open MRI has an open MRI machine.

Open MRI machines use the same technology as closed machines but feature a capsule with completely open walls. The unique design makes this type of MRI ideal for people with claustrophobia (intense fear of confined spaces).

What types of problems can MRI medical imaging diagnose?

Montclair Open MRI uses MRI medical imaging to diagnose various health problems, including:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Joint pain
• Sports injuries
• Personal injuries
• Auto accident injuries
• Tumors
• Inflammation 
• Infection

MRIs help your physician develop appropriate treatment plans that will provide the most benefit to you and your healing. 

Can anyone undergo MRI medical imaging?

MRI medical imaging is safe and usually well-tolerated, but it isn’t for everyone. 

Make sure to let your Montclair Open MRI provider know if you have an implantable medical device, like any of the following:

• Metallic joint
• Artificial heart valve
• Pacemaker
• Metal clips
• Intrauterine device (IUD)

Because MRI medical imaging uses powerful magnets, metal can present a safety hazard or affect the clarity of the photos.

What does MRI medical imaging involve?

MRI medical imaging is an outpatient procedure that takes 30-60 minutes on average.

When you arrive at Montclair Open MRI, you change into a hospital gown and lie on a moving exam table. 

Once you’re in position, your provider slides the exam table into the open MRI machine. The machine has a large magnet on the top and bottom, but the sides are completely open. Your provider positions the magnets and leaves the room. Then, they take a series of MRI scans with a computer console.

The open MRI machine makes a loud clanging noise while operating. Ask your provider about headphones or earplugs if the sound bothers you. 

Lie down very still during your MRI scan. Even minor movements can affect the clarity of the images.

Call Montclair Open MRI to schedule MRI medical imaging today, or book your appointment online.