When you start experiencing persistent pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms that don't seem to go away, it can be frustrating and concerning. In some cases, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) exam may be necessary to diagnose the issue and provide clear insight into what’s happening inside your body. But if you think you need an MRI, it’s important to know the steps to take, from recognizing when an MRI is necessary to navigating the process of scheduling and preparing for the exam.

At Great Lakes Medical Imaging (GLMI), we specialize in providing high-quality MRI services to residents of Buffalo, NY, and Western New York. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of what to do if you think you need an MRI, helping you understand when it’s the right choice and how to move forward.

Recognizing When You Might Need an MRI

Signs That May Indicate You Need an MRI

An MRI is typically recommended when your symptoms are persistent, unexplained, or require a more detailed evaluation than other imaging methods can provide. Here are some common signs that may indicate you need an MRI:

• Chronic Pain: If you have ongoing pain that does not respond to treatment, whether it’s in your back, joints, neck, or elsewhere, an MRI can provide a detailed view of your soft tissues, bones, and organs to pinpoint the cause.
• Muscle, Tendon, or Ligament Injuries: If you have a strain, sprain, or other musculoskeletal injury that isn’t improving, MRI can help diagnose soft tissue tears, sprains, or inflammation.
• Numbness or Weakness: Persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms, legs, or other parts of your body can be a sign of nerve damage, herniated discs, or spinal cord issues, which an MRI can help diagnose.
• Neurological Symptoms: If you experience headaches, vision problems, or difficulty speaking or balancing, MRI is often used to assess the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding areas for tumors, strokes, or neurological conditions.
• Unexplained Swelling or Deformities: Swelling, tenderness, or deformities around your joints or bones that do not subside may indicate underlying issues such as fractures, arthritis, or infections, which can be visualized with MRI.

If you have any of these symptoms or are concerned about your health, speaking to your doctor about the potential need for an MRI is the first step.

Step 1: Consult with Your Healthcare Provider

Why You Need to Speak to Your Doctor First

Before scheduling an MRI, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. Your doctor will assess your symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments you’ve tried. Based on this evaluation, they will decide if an MRI is appropriate for your condition or if other diagnostic tools might be more suitable.

Your doctor may perform a physical exam or request other tests, such as blood work or X-rays, to help determine the cause of your symptoms. If they believe an MRI is the best next step, they will provide you with a referral or order the exam themselves.

How Your Doctor Decides If an MRI Is Right for You

Not all conditions require an MRI, and in some cases, an MRI might be ordered after other methods of diagnosis have been exhausted. Some factors your doctor will consider when recommending an MRI include:

• Severity and Duration of Symptoms: If your symptoms are severe or have been ongoing for weeks or months without improvement, an MRI can provide clarity.
• Previous Treatments: If you’ve already tried physical therapy, medications, or other treatments without success, an MRI might be necessary to evaluate the extent of the problem.
• Exclusion of Other Conditions: If other tests have been inconclusive or if your doctor suspects a more serious underlying issue, an MRI can help rule out or confirm conditions that other imaging techniques, such as X-rays, cannot detect.

Your doctor will discuss the benefits of an MRI, the information it can provide, and how it will help in creating a treatment plan. If an MRI is deemed appropriate, they will schedule it or refer you to a specialized imaging center like Great Lakes Medical Imaging.

Step 2: Schedule Your MRI Appointment

How to Choose the Right Imaging Center

Once your doctor has recommended an MRI, the next step is to schedule the exam. You may be referred to a medical imaging center or hospital that offers MRI services. Choosing a local imaging center, such as GLMI in Buffalo, NY, has several benefits:

• Convenience: Local imaging centers make it easy to schedule your MRI appointment without the need for long-distance travel.
• Timely Results: A local center can provide quicker access to imaging services and faster turnaround times for your results.
• Personalized Care: Local imaging centers are often more focused on providing compassionate, patient-centered care, ensuring that your experience is as comfortable as possible.

At GLMI, we offer flexible scheduling and a range of imaging services to accommodate your needs. You can contact us today to schedule your MRI appointment or learn more about our services.

What to Expect When Scheduling Your MRI

When you call to schedule your MRI, you will need to provide some information, including:

• Your doctor’s referral: Make sure to have the referral or order form from your healthcare provider ready.
• Insurance information: You’ll need to provide your insurance details, so the imaging center can verify coverage and explain any out-of-pocket costs.
• Preferred times: Some centers, like GLMI, offer flexible hours to fit your schedule, so be sure to check for the most convenient appointment slots.

Step 3: Prepare for Your MRI Exam

How to Prepare for an MRI

MRI exams typically don’t require much preparation, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience:

• Wear comfortable clothing: You may be asked to change into a hospital gown, but wear loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to remove.
• Remove metal objects: MRI machines use powerful magnets, so it’s essential to remove all metal items such as jewelry, piercings, hearing aids, or metal dental work before the exam.
• Inform the technician: Let the MRI technologist know if you have any implants, pacemakers, or other medical devices that could interfere with the MRI. These may require special accommodations or a different imaging approach.

What to Expect During the MRI

An MRI exam is non-invasive and typically lasts between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the area being scanned. You will lie on a table that moves into the MRI machine, which is a tube-shaped scanner. During the procedure, the MRI machine will make loud thumping or clicking noises. You may be provided with earplugs or headphones to help block out the noise. It’s essential to stay as still as possible during the scan to ensure clear images.

Step 4: Follow Up with Your Doctor

Understanding Your MRI Results

After your MRI is complete, the images will be sent to a radiologist for review. The radiologist will analyze the images and prepare a report that will be shared with your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you, explain the findings, and discuss any next steps in your treatment plan.

If the MRI reveals an issue, your doctor will explain your options for further treatment, which could include medications, physical therapy, surgery, or other interventions.

Why Choose GLMI for Your MRI Needs?

State-of-the-Art MRI Technology

At Great Lakes Medical Imaging, we use the latest MRI technology to provide the highest-quality images for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Our equipment ensures a detailed and comprehensive view of the area being examined.

Experienced and Compassionate Care

Our team of board-certified radiologists and MRI technologists is committed to providing expert care in a comfortable and compassionate environment. We understand that the process of undergoing an MRI can be intimidating, and we are here to make the experience as easy as possible.

Convenient Locations and Scheduling

With multiple locations across Buffalo and Western NY, GLMI offers convenient access to MRI services, with flexible scheduling to accommodate your needs. We work with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive the best care.

Take Action Today

If you think you need an MRI or have been referred for one, contact us today to schedule your appointment at Great Lakes Medical Imaging. Our expert team is here to provide you with the care you need to diagnose and treat your condition.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical conditions or concerns you may have.