Centegra's MRI Services
An MRI scan uses pulsed radio frequency and magnets to create images used for screening and diagnosis. An MRI is offered on the brain, spinal cord, joints, and breast.
What to Expect
To schedule an appointment at any facility, call
(815) 334.5566.
- After you register, you may be asked to change into a patient gown.
- All metal objects need to be removed prior to the exam. You can expect to be thoroughly screened for any type of metal or implants in your body prior to the test.
- A contrast questionnaire needs to be completed to ask additional medical questions if you receive this contrast as part of the exam.
- An injection may be used to help visualize your internal organs.
- Most exams take about 45 minutes.
- During the exam, you are asked to lie on a special table that uses safety straps and/or coils.
- The table will move through the machine as the exam progresses.
- You will hear some knocking and buzzing from the machine as the exam continues, and earplugs are offered to minimize the noise.
- The technician will be able to see, hear and communicate with you at all times during the scan.
- After the exam, the technician will assist you off the table.
- No discomfort or side effects should be felt from the testing.
- Your images are interpreted by a radiologist and a typed report will be sent to your physician within 48 hours from the time you were examined.
Introducing: Breast MRIs
The Centegra Crystal Lake Imaging Center is the only place in McHenry County where you can get a Breast MRI to diagnose and treat Breast Cancer. This innovative procedure shows Centegra's commitment to providing you access to the most up-to-date technology close to home.
FAQs
Why is the test loud?
The noise comes from gradient coils inside the magnet changing rapidly which allows 3D images of the patient to be created.
What is the purpose of using a contrast agent?
It can be used to highlight vessels in the body and help radiologists diagnose abnormalities.
If I have metal or implants in my body can I still have an MRI?
This all depends on the type of implant or metal and the date of implantation. With some implants a patient should have received a card noting if the device is MRI compatible. All patients with any type of implant or metal in their body should call in advance to ask questions.
Information about Performed Procedures
Head - MRI can look at the brain for tumors, an aneurysm, bleeding in the brain, nerve injury and other problems, such as damage caused by a stroke. MRI can also find problems with the eyes and optic nerves, and the ears and auditory nerves.
Blood Vessels - Using MRI to look at blood vessels and flow of blood through them is called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). It can find problems of the arteries and veins, such as an aneurysm, a blocked blood vessel, or the torn lining of blood vessel (dissection). Sometimes contrast material is used to see the blood vessels more clearly.
Abdomen and Pelvis - MRI can find problems in the organs and structures in the belly, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. It is used to find tumors, bleeding, infection, and blockage. In women, it can look at the uterus and ovaries. In men, it looks at the prostate.
Bones and Joints - MRI can check for problems of the bones and joints, such as arthritis, problems with the temporomandibular joint, bone marrow problems, bone tumors, cartilage problems, torn ligaments or tendons or infection. MRI may also be used to tell if a bone is broken when X-ray results are not clear.
Spine - MRI can check the discs and nerves of the spine for conditions such as spinal stenosis, disc bulges and spinal tumors.
- Centegra Hospitals in McHenry and Woodstock
- Outpatient centers located at Centegra Health Center - Huntley, Crystal Lake Medical Arts, and Centegra Crystal Lake Imaging Center
- All of Centegra's convenient locations provide patients with a five-star experience