Magnetic Imaging Center in West New York, NJ

Magnetic imaging, also known as Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes magnets to create images of the body. MRIs create three-dimensional images of parts of the body such as the legs, arms, spine, or brain. MRI machines use specialized magnets. As the energy sent into the body by the magnets is reflected, it creates images of parts of the body that an X-ray is unable to see since X-rays are only able to take images of bones. MRIs can capture images of ligaments and muscles that X-rays can’t. This is why patients are asked to stay as still as possible during an MRI to not distort the images that the MRI takes. They may also use contrast dye before the procedure so that they can capture clearer images of the area they are looking at.

Preparing for an MRI can vary from person to person because the area that they are taking an MRI of can impact what you can and can’t do beforehand. You may have to abstain from eating or drinking for up to four hours before your MRI is done, or you may be asked to not eat or drink for a longer period. If your MRI is going to be done in your pelvic or thoracic area, you may also be asked not to use the bathroom before your MRI, as the water present can help create a clearer image.

If you have any body piercings, it is also important to remove them before you arrive for your procedure. Once you have arrived, you will be given a hospital gown and asked to remove any jewelry, watches, or necklaces. If you have any permanent jewelry that cannot be removed, you should discuss this with your technician before your MRI, as they may be able to test if it will affect the imaging process at all.

It is also important to discuss any pre-existing conditions, such as having a pacemaker, artificial heart valves, implanted heart defibrillators, stents, IUDs, cochlear implants, or metal joint prosthetics with your primary care physician, as these devices are not always safe for getting an MRI done. They do have devices on the market that are safe to have when getting an MRI, which is why you should discuss this with your doctor before your procedure to determine if there are any risks for yourself. You may also be asked to defer your MRI, if possible, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the effects of the MRI long-term have not been researched enough to determine if there are negative effects on the baby.

Your doctor can order an MRI for many reasons, mostly, they are done for diagnostic purposes regarding soft tissue injuries or to look at nerves and blood vessels inside the body that otherwise could not be viewed. If you recently had a knee injury from a sports incident, you may be asked to get an MRI after you get an X-ray if you are experiencing pain but there are no indications of bone injuries that could contribute to the pain you are experiencing.

Magnetic Source Imaging (MSI) is different from an MRI in the sense that it uses magnetoencephalography (MEG), which is a sensitive microphone that is used to capture and record the sounds created by the transmission of information from neuron to neuron in the brain. Magnetoencephalography looks almost like a helmet and has 275 sensors that pick up all the transmissions that are occurring while it is being worn. MSI involves the use of an MEG that will be placed on your head while you are in an MRI machine receiving an MRI of your brain. By doing this, they can create a map of the brain that can show if there is any abnormal activity in the brain or transmission issues happening, as well as how the brain reacts to touch, language, smell, or sound.

If you are looking for a magnetic imaging center, come to Advanced Magnetic Imaging. We offer MRIs and other diagnostic services. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6416 Bergenline Ave West New York, NJ 07093. We serve patients from West New York NJ, Hoboken NJ, Fort Lee NJ, Englewood NJ, East Rutherford NJ, Jersey City NJ, and the surrounding areas!