Gadolinium Attorneys
Preparing for an MRI/MRA Exam
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic technique which combines a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency waves and computers to produce high-quality images of the tissues inside the body. These images can help physicians diagnose a particular medical condition.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is similar to
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). MRA uses special types of scan sequences to visualize the motion of the blood flowing through your blood vessels. If you have ever had an MRI, you will not notice a difference between the MRI exam and the MRA exam.
Before the Test Begins
Since a strong magnetic field is always present within the scan room, please let your physician or the MRI technologist know if you have any of the following:
 Cardiac pacemaker |
IUD |
Heart valve prosthesis |
| Aneurysm clips |
Insulin pump |
Shrapnel/bullets |
| Joint replacement |
Electrodes |
Orbital prosthesis |
| Dentures |
Cochlear prosthesis |
Hearing aid |
| Metal mesh |
Shunts |
Bone/joint prosthesis |
| Neurostimulators (TENS-Unit) |
Penile implant |
|
Also, let the technologist know if you're pregnant or you think you might be. Any of these conditions could make a different diagnostic exam a better choice than MRI.
Preparing for your MRI/MRA
You may eat normally and take any prescribed medications prior to the exam. After you arrive in the radiology department, you will be asked to put on a hospital gown. You will also be provided with a secured locker to store your personal belongings. For safety reasons, any objects that could be attracted by the magnet or interfere with image quality will not be allowed in the scan room. Here is a list of items which are not allowed in the scanning area:
| Keys |
Metal zippers |
Safety pins |
| Watches |
Metal buttons |
Belt buckles |
| Pens/pencils |
Wallet/money clips |
Coins |
| Jewelry |
Pocket knife |
Removable dental work |
| Glasses |
Hearing aids |
Hairpins/barrettes |
| Bras with hooks/ underwires |
Credit/bank cards (magnetic strip) |
Usually, family members and visitors are asked to wait for you in the waiting room. In special circumstances, they may be allowed to stay with you during the procedure. They must also undergo the same screening procedure as the patient and must leave any of the listed items in a secured locker.
If you had an MRI or MRA and a
Gadolinium-based contrast dye was used to enhance the MRI image, then your health may be at risk. If you developed
Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD),
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), severe joint problems, skin problems, kidney failure, or renal failure, then you may be eligible to collect money damages for your injuries. Contact one of the
NFD lawyers at Williams Kherkher. He or she will be able to analyze your situation and make a recommendation about what to do next. This initial consultation is free of charge, so contact the firm today.