MRI
A safe and painless imaging technique that can help us see inside almost any part of your body.
MRI Services Offered at HWMDC
At Healthways Medical Diagnostic Centre, we provide a comprehensive range of MRI services using state-of-the-art equipment. Our MRI services include:
- Head MRI: For diagnosing conditions related to the brain, including tumors, strokes, and other abnormalities.
- Orbit MRI: Specialized imaging of the eyes and surrounding structures.
- Soft Tissue Neck MRI: To evaluate soft tissues in the neck area, including lymph nodes and muscles.
- Thoracic MRI: Imaging of the chest region, including the spine, lungs, and rib cage.
- Lumbar MRI: Focuses on the lower back to detect spinal disc issues, nerve compression, or other spine-related conditions.
- Cervical MRI: Focuses on the neck and cervical spine, commonly used for diagnosing disc herniation or spinal stenosis.
- Breast MRI: Provides detailed images for breast tissue evaluation, especially useful for detecting abnormalities not visible in a mammogram.
- Pelvis MRI: For assessing pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, ovaries, and prostate.
- Shoulder/Elbow/Wrist/Finger/Hand MRI: For joint and soft tissue evaluation in the upper extremities, often used for diagnosing sports injuries or arthritis.
- Hip/Knee/Ankle/Foot/Toes MRI: Detailed imaging of lower extremities for conditions such as ligament tears, fractures, or joint diseases.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our Patient Services Department:
Phone: 051 5562562
Disclaimer:
At HWMDC, we follow internationally recognized diagnostic standards. Every test has inherent limitations, such as the possibility of false positives or false negatives. In case of any discrepancy, we offer free repeat tests within 24-48 hours.
MRI Scan; Everything You Need To Know
Magnetic resonance imaging, more commonly known as MRI scanning, is a non-invasive imaging technology that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce accurate, detailed images of the inside of your body.
An MRI scan can be used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions and injuries. It can help your doctor both to decide what treatment is right for you, and later to see how well that treatment is working.
An MRI scanner is a large, tube-like machine that contains powerful magnets. It is operated by a radiographer, who is specially trained in operating medical equipment like X-Ray machines, MRI scanners, and CT scanners. (CT scanners use radiation to provide detailed images of your body, whereas MRI scanners do not.)
During your scan, you will be asked to lie down in the MRI machine. Your radiographer will control the scanner using a computer in a different room. You will be able to talk to them through an intercom, and they will be able to see you throughout the scan on a television monitor, so you will not be alone throughout the process.
The scanner will make loud noises at certain times during the scan, but this is normal, and your radiographer will provide you with earplugs to block out this noise.
Your radiologist, a doctor, will interpret the results of your MRI scan and diagnose your condition. They might also be involved in building your treatment plan, but this depends on your individual circumstances.
An MRI scan can be used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions and injuries. It can help your doctor both to decide what treatment is right for you, and later to see how well that treatment is working.
An MRI scanner is a large, tube-like machine that contains powerful magnets. It is operated by a radiographer, who is specially trained in operating medical equipment like X-Ray machines, MRI scanners, and CT scanners. (CT scanners use radiation to provide detailed images of your body, whereas MRI scanners do not.)
During your scan, you will be asked to lie down in the MRI machine. Your radiographer will control the scanner using a computer in a different room. You will be able to talk to them through an intercom, and they will be able to see you throughout the scan on a television monitor, so you will not be alone throughout the process.
The scanner will make loud noises at certain times during the scan, but this is normal, and your radiographer will provide you with earplugs to block out this noise.
Your radiologist, a doctor, will interpret the results of your MRI scan and diagnose your condition. They might also be involved in building your treatment plan, but this depends on your individual circumstances.
Why Might you need an MRI Scan?
An MRI scan can be used to look at most areas of the body, meaning it can help diagnose a massive range of injuries and conditions. It can also assess the extent or progress of a wide variety of symptoms and conditions.
Your doctor might recommend you have an MRI scan if you have symptoms of any of the following conditions and they want to investigate further:
• A joint injury, such as a fractured hip
• A soft tissue injury, for example a damaged ligament
• An injury or disease of your internal organs. This includes organs such as your heart, brain, liver, womb, and prostate gland
• A tumour
• Nerve damage
Your doctor might also recommend an MRI scan to:
• Measure your blood flow
• Check how well treatment (for various conditions) is working
• Check how big a tumour is and whether it has spread from its primary location to a secondary location in your body
Your doctor might recommend you have an MRI scan if you have symptoms of any of the following conditions and they want to investigate further:
• A joint injury, such as a fractured hip
• A soft tissue injury, for example a damaged ligament
• An injury or disease of your internal organs. This includes organs such as your heart, brain, liver, womb, and prostate gland
• A tumour
• Nerve damage
Your doctor might also recommend an MRI scan to:
• Measure your blood flow
• Check how well treatment (for various conditions) is working
• Check how big a tumour is and whether it has spread from its primary location to a secondary location in your body
The benefit of having an MRI Scan
There are several benefits of having an MRI scan, including:
It provides detailed images of your soft tissue
MRI machines can provide detailed images of the soft tissue within your body. CT scans can also provide images of soft tissue, but they are not as effective as MRI scans in assessing subtle changes in types of soft tissue. This tissue connects and supports your internal organs. Soft tissues include your muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Detailed images of your soft tissues can help diagnose a range of conditions and injuries across your body.
It does not expose you to radiation
One of the benefits of having an MRI scan is that it does not expose you to radiation. This eliminates the risk of you developing radiation-related complications, such as infection and sickness.
Still, rest assured that the levels of radiation you are exposed to during other common medical testing (such as X-rays and CT scans) is extremely low, which is why these forms of testing are perfectly safe to have.
It covers your entire body
While an X-Ray typically takes an image of a specific region of your body, an MRI scanner can take multiple images across multiple sections of your body at once. It covers large areas of your body that a smaller machine could not. This is a useful way of understanding where your symptoms originate from and targeting localized conditions and injuries across your body.
It can detect medical issues in their early stages
An MRI scan can check for a variety of conditions, including tumours, bleeding, swelling, inflammation, and problems with your blood vessels. Because it is extensive and covers large areas of your body at once, an MRI scan is more likely than other testing methods to detect underlying issues in their early stages across your body. This can help you find the right treatment quickly and efficiently.
It provides detailed images of your soft tissue
MRI machines can provide detailed images of the soft tissue within your body. CT scans can also provide images of soft tissue, but they are not as effective as MRI scans in assessing subtle changes in types of soft tissue. This tissue connects and supports your internal organs. Soft tissues include your muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Detailed images of your soft tissues can help diagnose a range of conditions and injuries across your body.
It does not expose you to radiation
One of the benefits of having an MRI scan is that it does not expose you to radiation. This eliminates the risk of you developing radiation-related complications, such as infection and sickness.
Still, rest assured that the levels of radiation you are exposed to during other common medical testing (such as X-rays and CT scans) is extremely low, which is why these forms of testing are perfectly safe to have.
It covers your entire body
While an X-Ray typically takes an image of a specific region of your body, an MRI scanner can take multiple images across multiple sections of your body at once. It covers large areas of your body that a smaller machine could not. This is a useful way of understanding where your symptoms originate from and targeting localized conditions and injuries across your body.
It can detect medical issues in their early stages
An MRI scan can check for a variety of conditions, including tumours, bleeding, swelling, inflammation, and problems with your blood vessels. Because it is extensive and covers large areas of your body at once, an MRI scan is more likely than other testing methods to detect underlying issues in their early stages across your body. This can help you find the right treatment quickly and efficiently.
How To book a CT scans With Health Ways Medical Diagnostic
To book an initial consultation, you normally need a referral letter. You can get this letter from your local GP, If you want more information on this process, just give us a call on 051 5562562 and one of our friendly advisors will guide you through the process.
The type of consultant you will meet with depends on your symptoms. For example, if you have joint pain, you will meet with an orthopedic consultant – also known as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. If you are experiencing symptoms with your heart, you will meet with a consultant cardiologist. You don’t need to worry about working out which is the right specialist for you; it will all be detailed in your referral letter.
If your consultant confirms you need an MRI scan to investigate your symptoms further, they will book one for you. This will most likely be done onsite at the same hospital where you had your consultation, and you should be able to choose a date and time that suits you. Your consultant will know exactly how quickly you need to have an MRI scan and they’ll make sure you get an appointment as soon as is necessary, meaning you don’t have to worry about your symptoms getting worse while you wait.
The type of consultant you will meet with depends on your symptoms. For example, if you have joint pain, you will meet with an orthopedic consultant – also known as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. If you are experiencing symptoms with your heart, you will meet with a consultant cardiologist. You don’t need to worry about working out which is the right specialist for you; it will all be detailed in your referral letter.
If your consultant confirms you need an MRI scan to investigate your symptoms further, they will book one for you. This will most likely be done onsite at the same hospital where you had your consultation, and you should be able to choose a date and time that suits you. Your consultant will know exactly how quickly you need to have an MRI scan and they’ll make sure you get an appointment as soon as is necessary, meaning you don’t have to worry about your symptoms getting worse while you wait.
The cost of MRI Scan ?
The cost of your MRI scan with Health Ways will vary depending on your circumstances, the type of MRI you have, and your reason for having it. The price of an MRI scan also varies from hospital to hospital, so you should always get in touch directly for a personalized quote.
Prices will typically increase based on any additional body parts scanned or elements required for the scan. Other types of MRI scan we offer include.
Prices will typically increase based on any additional body parts scanned or elements required for the scan. Other types of MRI scan we offer include.
What happens during an MRI Scan?
An MRI scanner is a short, tube-like machine that opens at both ends. You will either enter the tube headfirst or feet first depending on the part of your body being scanned.
Your radiographer will control the machine using a computer in a different room, but you’ll be able to talk to them through an intercom, and they will be able to see you on a television monitor. You can stop the scan at any minute by asking on the intercom, and you can talk to your radiographer at any time you like throughout the whole process.
You will not feel anything throughout the process of having an MRI scan. However, you will hear loud tapping noises at certain points during the scan. This is normal and shows the MRI scanner is working as it should be to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. You'll be given earplugs or headphones to wear to block out this sound. You can listen to music through these headphones if you wish.
It's important to keep as still as possible during your MRI scan. This helps us to get the clearest pictures possible.
The scan lasts for anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. This timeframe depends on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken. You’ll be told ahead of time how long you should expect to be in there for.
Your radiographer will control the machine using a computer in a different room, but you’ll be able to talk to them through an intercom, and they will be able to see you on a television monitor. You can stop the scan at any minute by asking on the intercom, and you can talk to your radiographer at any time you like throughout the whole process.
You will not feel anything throughout the process of having an MRI scan. However, you will hear loud tapping noises at certain points during the scan. This is normal and shows the MRI scanner is working as it should be to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. You'll be given earplugs or headphones to wear to block out this sound. You can listen to music through these headphones if you wish.
It's important to keep as still as possible during your MRI scan. This helps us to get the clearest pictures possible.
The scan lasts for anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes. This timeframe depends on the size of the area being scanned and how many images are taken. You’ll be told ahead of time how long you should expect to be in there for.
Common conditions that can be investigated with an MRI
Your doctor might recommend you have an MRI scan if you have symptoms of the following conditions:
A joint injury
Symptoms of a joint injury include stiffness, redness, and pain in and around your joint. You might experience a reduced range of motion and find it difficult to use your affected joint when performing everyday tasks.
A soft tissue injury, for example, a damaged ligament
Symptoms of a damaged ligament include severe pain and instability in and around your joint. You might also experience swelling, tenderness, and redness.
An injury or disease of your internal organs
Symptoms of a disease of your internal organs differ depending on which organ is affected. For example, symptoms of disease of the liver include abdominal pain and swelling and jaundice (when your skin and eyes become a yellowish colour), whereas symptoms of disease of the womb include abnormal menstrual bleeding and chronic pelvic pain. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can assess your condition and provide an accurate diagnosis alongside a tailored treatment plan.
A tumour:
Symptoms of a tumour differ depending on the type of the tumour you have and where it is located. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can provide you with the right information and diagnose your tumour.
A joint injury
Symptoms of a joint injury include stiffness, redness, and pain in and around your joint. You might experience a reduced range of motion and find it difficult to use your affected joint when performing everyday tasks.
A soft tissue injury, for example, a damaged ligament
Symptoms of a damaged ligament include severe pain and instability in and around your joint. You might also experience swelling, tenderness, and redness.
An injury or disease of your internal organs
Symptoms of a disease of your internal organs differ depending on which organ is affected. For example, symptoms of disease of the liver include abdominal pain and swelling and jaundice (when your skin and eyes become a yellowish colour), whereas symptoms of disease of the womb include abnormal menstrual bleeding and chronic pelvic pain. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can assess your condition and provide an accurate diagnosis alongside a tailored treatment plan.
A tumour:
Symptoms of a tumour differ depending on the type of the tumour you have and where it is located. It is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can provide you with the right information and diagnose your tumour.
Preparing for an MRI Scan
Depending on why you are having an MRI scan, you might be advised to avoid food or drink for up to four hours before the scan. This varies from person to person, though. Many people can eat, drink, and take any medication as usual before their scan, so there’s no need to do anything different than usual unless your consultant asks you to.
Before your scan, your radiologist will explain the process in detail so that you know what to expect. Remember, you can speak to your radiographer through an intercom at any point throughout the scan, and they will be able to see you at all times on a television monitor. You are not alone throughout the process of having an MRI scan, and you can stop the scan at any point, should you wish.
In preparation for the scan, you must remove any metal objects from your body. This is because the MRI scanner produces strong magnetic fields, and metal objects inside the scanner can interact with the magnetism, causing complications during the scan and interfering with the quality of the images taken. This includes:
• Piercings
• Watches
• Jewellery
• Hearing aids
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and place your items in a locker before the scan is performed.
Some scans involve an injection of contrast dyes into your arm to make certain soft tissues and blood vessels show up clearly in the images. During this part of the process, a cannula (a thin plastic tube) will be inserted into a vein in your arm, which will inject contrast dye during the scan. Your Nurse might put some anaesthetic cream or spray onto your skin to numb the area of your arm before inserting the cannula. This should not be painful and does not take long to insert. The cannula will be removed after your scan.
An MRI scan is a painless procedure so you will not need anesthetic (you do not feel pain when under anaesthesia).
You will be asked to fill out a safety questionnaire ahead of your appointment. This is so that your radiographer and radiologist have a good understanding of your general health and medical history. It will also highlight whether you have any metallic implants that might interfere with the results of your scan.
Before your scan, your radiologist will explain the process in detail so that you know what to expect. Remember, you can speak to your radiographer through an intercom at any point throughout the scan, and they will be able to see you at all times on a television monitor. You are not alone throughout the process of having an MRI scan, and you can stop the scan at any point, should you wish.
In preparation for the scan, you must remove any metal objects from your body. This is because the MRI scanner produces strong magnetic fields, and metal objects inside the scanner can interact with the magnetism, causing complications during the scan and interfering with the quality of the images taken. This includes:
• Piercings
• Watches
• Jewellery
• Hearing aids
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and place your items in a locker before the scan is performed.
Some scans involve an injection of contrast dyes into your arm to make certain soft tissues and blood vessels show up clearly in the images. During this part of the process, a cannula (a thin plastic tube) will be inserted into a vein in your arm, which will inject contrast dye during the scan. Your Nurse might put some anaesthetic cream or spray onto your skin to numb the area of your arm before inserting the cannula. This should not be painful and does not take long to insert. The cannula will be removed after your scan.
An MRI scan is a painless procedure so you will not need anesthetic (you do not feel pain when under anaesthesia).
You will be asked to fill out a safety questionnaire ahead of your appointment. This is so that your radiographer and radiologist have a good understanding of your general health and medical history. It will also highlight whether you have any metallic implants that might interfere with the results of your scan.
Who can have an MRI Scan
MRI scanning is very safe and accessible to most people. However, there are some cases when having an MRI scan is not recommended. This is mostly if you have any metal implants or fragments in your body.
If you do have this, you might still be able to have an MRI scan, but it’s important to make your radiologist and radiographer aware of this, so they can carry out your scan safely. Some examples of metallic implants include:
A pacemaker
This is a small device, about the size of a matchbox, used to control an irregular heartbeat.
Metal plates, wires, screws, or rods
These can be surgically inserted to stabilise and support bone fractures.
A nerve stimulator
This is an electrical implant used to treat long-term nerve pain.
A cochlear implant
This is a device like a hearing aid. It is surgically inserted inside your ear.
As mentioned above, you will be asked to fill out a safety questionnaire ahead of your appointment, so your radiographer and radiologist will be aware if you have any metallic implants that might interfere with your scan.
If you do have this, you might still be able to have an MRI scan, but it’s important to make your radiologist and radiographer aware of this, so they can carry out your scan safely. Some examples of metallic implants include:
A pacemaker
This is a small device, about the size of a matchbox, used to control an irregular heartbeat.
Metal plates, wires, screws, or rods
These can be surgically inserted to stabilise and support bone fractures.
A nerve stimulator
This is an electrical implant used to treat long-term nerve pain.
A cochlear implant
This is a device like a hearing aid. It is surgically inserted inside your ear.
As mentioned above, you will be asked to fill out a safety questionnaire ahead of your appointment, so your radiographer and radiologist will be aware if you have any metallic implants that might interfere with your scan.