MRI

Sun Radiology

Radiologist, Neuroradiologist, and Musculoskeletal Radiologist in Glendale, AZ; Peoria, AZ; & Phoenix, AZ

An MRI exam is a powerful diagnostic imaging tool that creates images of the inside of your body. At Sun Radiology, board-certified radiologist Manntej Sra, MD, and the team use both OPEN and closed high field MRI equipment to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic images. They have four convenient locations in Peoria, Phoenix, and Glendale, Arizona. If you need an MRI, call your nearest office or book an appointment online today.

MRI Q & A

What is an MRI?

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) exam is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging study that uses magnets and radiofrequency energy to create detailed 3D images of the insides of your body. 

The magnets in an MRI machine create a magnetic field. The images are created when radiofrequency energy travels through the field and your body. The energy interacts with the protons in your body, sending them out of equilibrium. 

When the radiofrequency energy is switched off, the sensors on the machine read and record the energy of the protons as the balance is restored.

A thoroughly trained and board-certified radiologist understands how to interpret the images created and tell the difference between different types of tissue to diagnose a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Why would I need an MRI?

The team at Sun Radiology uses MRIs to create images of your soft tissue. For example, you may need an MRI to diagnose a knee injury or other soft tissue damage with musculoskeletal imaging. 

Your doctor may also recommend an MRI for interventional pain radiology to ensure that pain-relieving medication is delivered to the precise location where it’s needed.

MRIs are also used to study your brain (neuroradiology). MRI images differentiate between white and gray matter and also reveal signs of an aneurysm, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.

What happens during an MRI?

You can wear your own clothing during an MRI as long as it doesn’t have any buttons, zippers, or other metal pieces, or you may wear a hospital gown. You must remove all jewelry and watches, and make sure to tell your technician if you have any metal in your body.

Sun Radiology has both a traditional closed MRI machine as well as an open MRI machine. The open MRI isn’t as strong as the closed MRI, so the radiologists don’t recommend it for all procedures. 

If you have claustrophobia, your radiologist can provide a sedative to help you stay calm and relaxed, if necessary.

During your MRI, you must lie very still so the equipment can create clear images. You lie on a table either inside the tube of the closed MRI or under the open MRI. The machine emits a loud hum, and you may hear thumping noises. 

You can return to your regular activities as soon as your MRI is complete. Although, if you’re given a sedative, you need someone to drive you home from your appointment.

Call Sun Radiology or make an appointment online today if you need an MRI.