when the IV line is inserted into your vein and

some slight bruising when it is removed.

your primary care or referring physician, who will

share the results with you.

The area of the body that is being imaged may

feel slightly warm and you should notify the
technologist if this bothers you.

NOTES

PGS/RAD/58/01/E

Patient Guide Series

GETTING AN

MRI OF THE SPINE

Once you are injected with contrast material, you

may have a warm, flushed or burning sensation
during the process.
You will be alone in the exam room during the
scan but your technologist will be able to see, hear
and speak with you at all times.
You will hear some sounds when the MRI
machine is operating. You will be given earplugs
to help reduce the noise level.
Women who are nursing mothers should avoid
breastfeeding their baby for up to 48 hours after
the procedure.

When will I be allowed to go home?

An MRI of the spine is an outpatient procedure.
Unless you received a sedative, no recovery
period is needed and you may resume your
normal diet and activities immediately following
the procedure.

Who interprets my results and how do I

get them?
A radiologist, a physician trained to use medical
imaging to diagnose and treat diseases, will
analyse your results and send a signed report to

Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre

7A Block R-3, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 42 3590 5000 Ext 4133 - 4134 | Fax: +92 42 3594 5150
www.shaukatkhanum.org.pk

Shaukat Khanum
Memorial Cancer Hospital
and Research Centre

What is an MRI?

kidneys are working properly.

How is the procedure performed?

Magnetic resonance imaging, commonly known

as an MRI, is a scan that uses radio waves and
powerful magnets to produce detailed images of
organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal body
structures.

Is there any information I should relay to

my physician before the scan?

You will be positioned on the scan table. Straps

and pillows may be used to maintain your position
and hold still during the exam. Small devices
capable of sending and receiving radio waves
may be placed around or adjacent to your body.

What is the use of an MRI of the spine?

Your physician has probably asked you to have an
MRI of the spine to take a look at the structure of
your spine and disks, help plan any surgeries to
the area, visualise any tumours or diseased
tissue, look out for infections or scarring after an
operation, inspect any pinched or inflamed
nerves, or investigate the possible causes of any
back pain.

If you suffer from claustrophobia, you should let

your physician know. In this procedure, you will
typically be placed into a small, enclosed area. In
some cases, a mild sedative may be given to relax
you during the procedure.
Be sure to inform your physician of any recent
illnesses or other medical conditions such as a
history of heart or kidney disease, asthma,
diabetes, or thyroid problems. Let your physician
know if you have any implanted devices, such as
a defibrillator or pacemaker, as the magnet can
affect them during the process and they can pose
a danger to you.

How can I prepare for the procedure?

Remove all metal objects such as jewellery,

eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins. These objects
can affect medical images and should be removed
prior to your exam.

You should also notify your physician of any

allergies, especially to contrast material or
anaesthesia, and about any medications you may
be taking. It is important to note that the contrast
material used in an MRI does not contain iodine
and is less likely to produce an allergic reaction.
You will receive specific instructions if any
changes that need to be made to your regular
medication schedule.

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything

several hours before your scan, especially if you
will be given contrast material, which is a dye that
enhances the visibility of certain tissues or blood
vessels. If contrast material will be used, a nurse
or technologist will draw a small amount of blood
before the procedure to make sure that your

Women should always let their physician or

technologist if there is a possibility that they are
pregnant because the x-rays can harm your baby.
If an x-ray is absolutely necessary, precautions
will be taken to minimise radiation exposure to the
baby. You should also inform your physician if you
are breastfeeding at the time of the exam.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing to the Hospital.

You may be asked to wear a gown during the
procedure.

If contrast material is to be used, an intravenous

(IV) line will be inserted into the small vein in your
hand or arm. Your technologist will place you
inside the MRI unit and then leave the room so
that some initial scans can take place. Depending
on the location of the symptoms, only part of the
spine may be scanned.
Next, if required, you will be injected with contrast
material, a dye that enhances the visibility of certain
tissues or blood vessels, via the IV line. Another
series of scans will take place after this takes place.
Once this is completed, your technologist will ask
you to wait until they have determined that your
images are readable. Finally, your IV line will be
removed.
The entire process is usually takes 45 minutes.
If you are also schedule for an MRI spectroscopy,
a test that provides information on the chemicals
present in the body's cells, this may also be
performed during the MRI exam and will add approximately 15 minutes to the exam time.

What will I experience during the procedure?

Most MRIs are painless. You will feel a slight prick