Find out why your doctor may have recommended that you get an MRI.

An MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, is a special type of imaging test that allows our Trophy Club, TX, family doctors Dr. David Yi and Dr. Paula Lansford-Seabaugh to be able to examine certain bones, tissues and organs in the body to diagnose and monitor conditions and diseases.

Reasons to Get an MRI

During your evaluation, our doctors will go through your medical history and discuss the details of your current symptoms. Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing we may recommend getting an MRI. Our Trophy Club, TX, doctors use an MRI to be able to diagnose,

• Damage to the heart or lungs
• Eye or ear problems
• Sports-related injuries
• Spinal problems (e.g. tumors) and spinal cord injuries
• Multiple sclerosis
• Problems that affect the veins or arteries
• Brain damage, injury, tumors or other neurological issues
• Bone infections, tumors or diseases
• Digestive tract issues
• Pelvic and prostate problems
• Arthritis

If we’ve recommended that you get an MRI it’s also important that you understand why you are getting this test performed. Feel free to ask us any and all questions regarding the purpose of the procedure, as well as what to expect when undergoing an MRI.

Things to Know About Getting an MRI

An MRI isn’t a bit different from other imaging tests. For one, this scan doesn’t expose you to any radiation; therefore, there is no potential harm to your health when getting an MRI. MRIs are completely painless and usually take anywhere from 30-60 minutes to complete. An MRI is able to provide a better picture of abnormalities within soft tissue, making it a better option over a CT scan when examining ligaments and tendons, as well as soft tissue and the spinal cord.

Your doctor will provide you with a list of things to do and not do before your MRI. During your MRI you will be lying down the entire time. You will be asked to remove any and all metal from your person (e.g. watches; earrings; piercings; cell phone) before going into the scanner. If you have a pacemaker, metal plate or pins, intrauterine device (IUD), or other metal-based implants within the body it’s important that you tell your doctor before the procedure.

You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as it’s highly recommended that women in the first trimester do not undergo an MRI.

If you have questions about what to expect when you get an MRI from our Trophy Club, TX, physicians, don’t hesitate to call Trophy Club Family Medicine at (817) 430-9111.