Mercy Hospital: Open Mri Availability And Accessibility

Mercy Hospital offers comprehensive radiology and imaging services, including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. The hospital's radiology department, led by experienced professionals, provides state-of-the-art technologies for diagnosis and treatment planning. While it is not explicitly stated that Mercy Hospital has an open MRI, they do cater to patients with claustrophobia by providing medicine to relax them and using machines with a long, narrow tube design that is open on both ends.

Mercy Hospital offers comprehensive radiology and imaging services

The hospital offers a range of imaging tools such as X-ray, Ultrasound, CT (computed tomography), MRI, PET (positron emission tomography), and Fluoroscopy. MRI is a crucial diagnostic tool that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed computer images of internal body organs, tissues, and bones. This helps physicians detect growths and abnormalities, aiding in disease management and treatment planning. Mercy Hospital ensures patient comfort during MRI scans, accommodating those with claustrophobia.

The imaging services at Mercy Hospital are enhanced by Nuclear Medicine, led by Dr. Carlo Contoreggi. This specialty utilizes small amounts of radioactive materials absorbed by the body to generate detailed images. The combined PET/CT system is particularly useful for cancer diagnosis, staging, and evaluating treatment responses. It features an open structure to minimize claustrophobia. Mercy Hospital also offers interventional radiology, employing imaging guidance for minimally invasive treatments.

The hospital's imaging center in St. Louis, MO, is known for providing the latest technology and a trusted team of board-certified radiologists. These radiologists have specialized training in various areas, including orthopedic MRI, neuro MRI, body MRI, and breast imaging. Mercy Hospital ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses to facilitate the best possible treatment. Overall, the comprehensive radiology and imaging services at Mercy Hospital contribute to the effective diagnosis and management of a wide range of medical conditions.

MRI scans are used for diagnosis and treatment planning

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body. MRI scans are used for diagnosis and treatment planning. They are often used to evaluate several different structures inside the body, including the brain and surrounding nerve tissue, organs in the chest and abdomen, the spine and spinal cord, and pelvic organs.

MRI scans are also used to detect and diagnose various conditions, including tumours, liver diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, malformations of blood vessels, bone infections, and joint issues caused by injuries. In the case of breast cancer, for instance, breast MRIs are sometimes used in conjunction with mammography, especially for individuals with dense breast tissue or a high risk of breast cancer.

MRI scans are also useful for evaluating blood flow through arteries and detecting aneurysms in the brain and vascular malformations. Functional MRI (fMRI) of the brain is employed to determine the specific location of certain functions, such as speech or memory. By pinpointing these functional centres, doctors can plan surgeries or other treatments for brain disorders more effectively.

The MRI procedure typically involves removing clothing, jewellery, eyeglasses, and other objects that may interfere with the process. Patients are provided with a gown to wear during the scan. In certain cases, an intravenous (IV) dye or contrast liquid may be administered to improve the visibility of specific body tissues. This contrast agent contains gadolinium, which enhances the quality and sensitivity of the resulting images.

During the scan, the patient lies still on a movable table that slides into the opening of the MRI machine. The machine creates a strong magnetic field and sends pulses of radio waves, causing atoms in the body to move out of their original position. This process allows for the creation of thousands of detailed images that aid physicians in diagnosing medical conditions and planning appropriate treatments.

MRI scans can cause claustrophobia, but medicine is available

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique used by clinicians to gain more information about the human body. MRI machines use powerful magnets and radiofrequency (RF) energy to create clear, three-dimensional (3D) images of the organs and tissues inside a patient's body. MRI scans are often necessary for taking care of one's health, but many people experience claustrophobia episodes during the procedure.

Claustrophobia, or the fear of confined spaces, can be triggered by the narrow tunnels of MRI machines. Older machines, in particular, tend to have narrower tunnels and are relatively dark, with the scanner's ceiling very close to the patient's face and head. However, modern MRI machines have wider openings and better lighting in the scanner tunnel, improving patient comfort during the exam.

If you suffer from claustrophobia, there are several ways to help you prepare for and manage your MRI scan. Firstly, it is important to learn about the MRI machine and what to expect during the procedure. Knowing what to expect beforehand can help you prepare emotionally and mentally for the scan. You can ask your doctor to explain the details of the MRI and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Additionally, certain medications can be prescribed to help reduce anxiety and claustrophobia during the scan. Oral medications, such as Xanax or Diazepam (Valium), can be taken before the procedure to help you feel more relaxed. It is important to discuss this option with your doctor beforehand so that they can prescribe the medication and make the necessary arrangements for your safety.

Other tips to minimize claustrophobia during an MRI scan include practicing deep, slow, and controlled breathing, which has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety. Simple breathing exercises, meditation, or prayer can help you stay calm during the procedure. Having a loved one, such as a spouse, parent, child, or friend, accompany you to the scan can also provide comfort and ease your fears.

Lastly, some MRI machines are specifically designed to minimize claustrophobia. Wide bore MRI scanners provide more headspace and wider openings, creating a more comfortable experience for claustrophobic patients. Open MRIs, which are open on all four sides, and open upright MRIs, which allow patients to sit upright during the procedure, can also be considered. However, these options may provide lower-quality imaging due to reduced magnetic strength.

While MRI scans can trigger claustrophobia for some individuals, effective strategies and medical solutions are available to help patients manage their anxiety and complete the necessary diagnostic procedure successfully.

The MRI machine looks like a long, narrow tube open at both ends

Mercy Hospital offers comprehensive radiology and imaging services, including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. MRI is a diagnostic procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create computer images of internal body organs, tissues, and bones. It is used to detect growths and abnormalities and aid in disease management and treatment planning.

The MRI machine at Mercy Hospital is designed with patient comfort and accessibility in mind. The machine resembles a long, narrow tube that is open at both ends. This design allows for easy patient access and helps minimize feelings of claustrophobia. During the scan, the patient lies down on a movable table that gently slides into the opening of the tube.

The MRI procedure typically lasts 30 minutes or more, depending on the area of the body being scanned and the number of images required. To enhance patient comfort, Mercy's imaging professionals offer blankets, cushions, and earplugs or headphones to block out the noise of the scanner. For patients with claustrophobia, medication may be provided to help them relax during the scan.

Prior to the MRI scan, patients are instructed to change into a gown and remove any metal jewelry or accessories that could interfere with the scanner. In some cases, a contrast dye may be administered intravenously to improve the visibility of certain body tissues. Mercy Hospital's team of experienced radiologists and state-of-the-art technology ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment planning for a wide range of conditions.

The MRI scan typically lasts 30+ minutes

An MRI scan typically lasts 30 minutes or longer, depending on the size of the area being scanned and the number of images being taken. The duration of an MRI scan can range from 15 to 90 minutes or, according to another source, up to 60 minutes. The length of the procedure also depends on the type of MRI exam and the body part being scanned. For example, a brain MRI may take longer than a lumbar spine MRI.

During the MRI scan, the patient lies still on a movable scanning table that slides into the MRI machine. The machine creates thousands of images by using magnetic fields and radio waves to capture internal body structures. The patient is required to remain still during the procedure to avoid blurred images.

To enhance the accuracy of the MRI, a contrast agent or dye may be injected intravenously to make certain tissues and blood vessels more visible. This contrast agent can cause mild side effects, such as a tingling sensation or feeling hot, but these effects are temporary and usually subside after the scan. It is important to inform the medical staff if you have any metal in your body, a history of allergic reactions, or blood clotting problems.

Some patients may experience claustrophobia during the MRI scan due to the enclosed space. To address this, medical professionals can provide medicine or sedatives to help the patient relax. Blankets, cushions, earplugs, and headphones to block out the scanner's noise may also be offered to enhance patient comfort.

Overall, while an MRI scan typically lasts 30 minutes or more, the duration can vary depending on various factors, and patients can expect a comfortable and safe procedure with minimal side effects.

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