Education




	Patient Education In the medical profession, there are several different methods for scanning the body for internal diagnosis. Below are some comparisons, to help you as a patient, better understand the differences in MRI equipment as well as different styles of internal body scanning. Open MRI Scanners -vs.- Closed MRI Scanners Closed (Tunnel) MRI Scanner Open MRI Scanner

	Approximately nine out of ten MRI machines in use require the patient to slide headfirst into a narrow tunnel. Most of these units produce high-quality images, but the "enclosed tunnel causes anxiety related reactions in up to 30% of patients," according to a recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association. These anxiety related symptoms can cause the patient to move in discomfort which in-turn lowers the image quality of the film		The award winning Hitachi Airis II MRI is very open to eliminate patient claustrophobia. In addition, it's magnet is six times stronger than most other open-air MRI scanners. This results in greater image detail equal to that of closed (tunnel) MRI scanners. Because of this, doctors are better able to make accurate and professional diagnosis on the MRI exam being performed, while you relax in complete open-air comfort. The best of both worlds.
	How an MRI Differs from Other Exams. MRI - MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This is a process that uses two safe and natural forces; a magnetic field and radio waves combined with computer technology, to produce vivid cross sectional images of internal body parts. An MRI Scanner focusses not only on the bones, but also produces very detailed images of the body tissue around the bones including muscles, tendons, fat and organs. The MRI scanners can detect many abnormalities which CT (cat scanning) and X-rays cannot, especially those involving soft tissue. In fact, MRI reduces the need for biopsies, exploratory surgery, and other diagnostic procedures which carry associated risks.. MRI Scanners do not use radiation and are 100% safe to the human body. CT or CAT Scan - CT stands for Computed Tomography. A CT scanner is similar to an MRI scanner, but does not use a magnetic field and radio waves to produce it's images, instead it uses a combination of x-rays along with computer technology to produce it's cross sectional images. PET Scan - A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan is used primarily to help detect tumors within the brain. This is accomplished by a combination of two things: The PET scanner and the injection of a fluid into the human body. The injection is made up of a chemical called radionuclide mixed with sugar. This combination helps color code the brain so that the scanner can detect tumors or other abnormal brain activity. X-ray - An X-ray is a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. The electromagnetic light beams are able to pass through the human body, but are absorbed into the dense make-up of bones. An X-ray differs from an MRI and CT for the simple fact that an x-ray takes a single image of a grouped area. MRI and CT images produce a series of cross sectional images to take a more internal look at bones as well as the tissues and organs around them. About Sioux Falls Open MRI \| Preparing for an MRI \| Patient Education Insurance \| Scheduling \| Frequently Asked Questions Contact Sioux Falls Open MRI \| Testimonials \| Home Page © 2002 Sioux Falls Open MRI, LLC. All Rights Reserved.