MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
is
ordered by your physician to evaluate internal
body structures
without having to use X-ray or surgery. MRI uses the physical
properties of magnetic fields, radio waves, and computers to
generate images of soft tissues within the body. MRI is a
non-invasive procedure and there are no known side or after effects.
Patients are asked to lie on a table and remain still for
approximately 30 minutes to one hour depending on the test ordered.
During the examination, a faint knocking sound will be heard, which
is normal and is the operation of the imaging process. The images
are formed from signals emitted by tissue in the body. The MRI
process captures different tissue characteristics and translates
them into different contrast levels on the image.
MRA
Magnetic Resonance Angiography - Brain/neck,
Circle of Willis,
Carotids, Vertebrals, Intra/extracranial
vessels, MRV
CatScan (CT)
Spiral
CT, 3D Reconstruction, CT angiography/aorta,
circle of willis, Carotids.
Computed Tomography is a diagnostic imaging
procedure that combines the use of x-rays with
computer technology to produce cross-sectional
images (slices) of the body. The images
produced by this scan are more detailed than
those of an ordinary x-ray (or radiograph).
Ultrasound, General Vascular, Obstetric and
Echocardiography.
Ultrasound (US) imaging, also called ultrasound
scanning or sonography, is a method of obtaining
images from inside the human body through the
use of high frequency sound waves. The reflected
soundwave echo are recorded and displayed as a
real-time visual image. No
ionizing
radiation (x-ray)
is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric
ultrasound refers to the specialized use of
sound waves to visualize and thus determine the
condition of a pregnant woman and her embryo or
fetus.
Diagnostic Radiology
Radiography, known
to most people as x-ray, is the oldest and most
frequently used form of
medical imaging. For nearly a century,
diagnostic images have been
created by passing small, highly controlled
amounts of radiation through the human body,
capturing the resulting shadows and reflections
on a photographic plate.
X-ray
imaging is the fastest and easiest way for a
physician to view and assess broken bones,
cracked skulls and injured backbones. At least
two films are taken of a bone, and often three
films if the problem is around a joint (knee,
elbow, or wrist). X-rays also play a key role in
orthopedic
surgery and the treatment of sports injuries.
X-ray is useful in detecting more advanced forms
of cancer in bones. Very early cancer findings
require other methods.
